There are places in this country where, on a clear night, you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. 

Here at Mellwaters Barn Cottages we're one of them.

Mellwaters Farm sits within the North Pennines UNESCO Global Geopark Dark Skies Zone, one of the darkest areas of mainland Britain.

On a still autumn night, standing in the farmyard with no light pollution for miles, the sky above you is something you won't forget for a long time.

And this October, it ‘s about to get even better.

The North Pennines Stargazing Festival returns between 16th October and 1st November and will be a celebration of the area's extraordinary dark night skies with events organised by the North Pennines National Landscape team and a variety of local organisations, all with expert astronomer guides. 

The programme includes nearly 30 events;  astronomy and stargazing nights at Grassholme Observatory in Baldersdale, stargazing suppers at High Force, a star camp at Doe Park in Cotherstone and even a Lord of the Rings evening on 23 October when Saturn is at its closest point to Earth. 

There's also a Creatures of the Night trail at Bowlees Visitor Centre running throughout the festival, and family astronomy sessions at Grassholme Observatory. 

All of this right on our doorstep. How lucky are we?

Staying at Mellwaters Barn self catering holiday cottages during the festival means you get the best of both worlds. You can join an organised event during the evening, then come back to the cottage and step outside into the dark to find the sky waiting for you no telescope needed.

A warm cottage, a clear night and the whole universe overhead.

 Check availability and book direct - October dates are already going. And as always, you'll get the best price booking straight with us.