Starry Nights and Cosmic Delights

A VW California Campervan Adventure in Kielder Forest.

Introduction

Buckle up, adventure seekers! February half-term is about to transform into an unforgettable cosmic odyssey as we journey through the mesmerising dark skies of Kielder Forest in Northumberland. Get ready for starry nights in a campervan. This guide promises to blend family fun, celestial wonders, and the joy of a campervan adventure. Visitng Kielder Water and Forest Park is sure to enchant you. 

Why Kielder?

Kielder Forest boasts one of the darkest skies in Europe, making it a stargazing haven. Our VW California campervan offers the perfect blend of comfort and flexibility, allowing you to enjoy the journey with ease. The skies above Kielder are famed as the darkest in England and is the largest area of protected night sky in Europe. Yes, that’s actually a thing! This means the night skies are kept free from light pollution. 

What do you need?

VanGlorious Campervan Rental: Choose our VW Californias for your cosy home on wheels.

Dark Sky Park Access:  Research local events and stargazing sessions in Kielder – booking advised.

Prepare for the weather!: Pack layers, waterproofs, and thermal blankets for chilly nights.

Campsite Reservations: Book in advance to secure the best locations for stargazing.

Warm Clothing: Layers, gloves, and hats for chilly nights.

Stargazing Equipment: Binoculars, telescope, or camera for the sky.

Hiking Gear: Comfortable shoes for daytime explorations.

Entertainment: Books, games, or devices for family downtime.

Camping Essentials: Sleeping bags, toiletries and towels, a torch, basic food supplies and of course, hot chocolate! (We can help with a more comprehensive list if required)

Added extras? Take our family bike rack to add your cycles onto your holiday, a drive away awning for that bit of extra space, or the Cobb BBQ Kitchen for some alfresco cooking. Check out our amazing Add-Ons to make your trip perfect.

Stats!

East Midlands to Kielder Forest:

Travel Information (approximate).

Mileage           Driving Time     Travel Elements

200 miles        3 hours 30 mins          Road travel, no tolls, plan for fuel stops.

Where to Stay

Kielder Waterside Park lakeside location.

Kielder Campsite village location.

Both Campsites offer electric hook-up facilities, shower and toilet facilities.

What to See

Kielder Water – The largest man-made lake in Northern Europe, perfect for family walks.

Kielder Observatory – Closed during the day, perfect for night time star gazing! Booking advised. 

Kielder Castle – a Forestry England site (you can park your campervan over night in Forestry England Carparks for around £10!). This includes the Minotaur Maze.

Walking and Cycling trails – Not only is Kielder Water a stunning place to explore on foot or by cycle, there are numerous trails in the area for you to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. https://www.forestryengland.uk/kielder-castle

Hadrian’s Wall isn’t too far if you fancy a wee day trip! 

Best time to visit Kielder

Autumn, Winter and early Spring. As Kielder Forest is part of the Dark Skies initiative, the summer months can be too light to fully enjoy the dark skies experience. 

Where to Eat

The Forest Bar and Kitchen, breakfast lunch and dinner.

The Anglers Arms, lunch and dinner. 

Percy Arms – breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

The Pheasant Inn – lunch and dinner. 

The Falstone Tea Rooms – breakfast and lunch, information centre and craft gallery. 

Conclusion

Get ready for a celestial adventure like no other! The dark skies of Kielder await, and so do starry nights and cosmic delights, in a campervan. With your VW California campervan, the journey promises not just a road trip, but a cosy, cosmic odyssey for the entire family. Kielder and Northumberland offer more than just evenings under the stars, but an outdoor adventure too.