Locations

Kielder and The National Park

Kielder and the National Park

Kielder and the National Park brings together Kielder Water, Kielder Observatory and the Northumberland National Park – it’s nature on a grand scale!  The views are bigger, the night sky brighter, the sports wilder and the smiles wider. We’re home to the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe and, at over 250 square miles, the largest working forest in England. The best way to explore Kielder is to start at one of the visitor centres, Tower Knowe or Kielder Castle. So what are you waiting for? Follow these directions to get there and get ready for the greater outdoors made just for you.

If you just want to explore more about Kielder Water and Forest, click to visit the Visit Kielder website, which is very informative and inspiring.

Where to Dine Out in Kielder and The Northumberland National Park

Here are some suggestions, we’ve provided the telephone numbers as you’re recommended to book in advance at the restaurants as they are busy all year round.

Three Wheat Heads, Thropton

This very traditional country pub is over 300 years old and has the most beautiful scenic views out to the National Park from its lovely dining restaurant.  Thropton is the next village you come to when you drive through Rothbury, so very easy to find. Well worth a stop-off for a hearty lunch.

Tel: 01669 620262
Website: Three Wheat Heads

The Blackcock Inn at Falstone

Around a 20-minute drive from Kielder Observatory is a family-run country pub in Falstone village. The pub is surrounded by Kielder Forest and right in the middle of Northumberland dark sky park. There is an extensive, tasty menu on offer for you here. There will most definitely be something for everyone!

Tel: 01434 240200
Website: The Blackcock Inn

The Star Inn, Harbottle

The Star Inn is a refurbished country pub in the Northumberland Nation Park. The pub is very popular with local residents, holidaymakers, walkers and cyclists in a stunning, tranquil location. On the menu for you is a great selection of pizza, pasta, fish and salads. There is also a ‘Chef’s Specials’ board on display at the pub.

Tel: 01669 650221
Website: The Star Inn

William De Percy, Otterburn

William de Percy is a luxury boutique inn located in the heart of Northumberland on the Scottish border. There is a huge selection on offer for you so there is definitely something for everyone. From dishes such as fish to delicious pork belly to burgers and gorgeous steaks. Sunday lunch is also an option here, as well as a breakfast menu. Booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Tel: 01830 576040
Website: William De Percy

Art at Kielder

The spectacular landscape around Kielder Water & Forest Park has become home to a unique collection of visual art and architecture. A celebration of art and architecture in Northumberland has seen the unveiling of eleven new installations at Kielder. Click HERE to find out more.

Located only 600m from Kielder Castle, ‘The Grass Seemed Darker than Ever’ was created by Fiona Curran in 2016 and features more than 350 individually painted fence palings encircling a section of the forest floor, now painted black.  The piece is inspired by the history of enclosure of the English landscape, reflecting, in particular, the Black Act of the 18th Century.  This Act enabled the death sentence to be passed on people suspected of poaching on the newly-enclosed land, or those found in the forest with blackened faces.  Click here to download more on ‘The Grass Seemed Darker than Ever’.

Many people visit the Park for this open-air art experience, located at several different sites around the lake and within the forest.  Most pieces are fully accessible to visitors and along the Lakeside Way there is the opportunity to explore some of the contemporary work, including the futuristic Belvedere shelter, the three large rotating Janus Chairs and Silvas Capitalis, also known as the ‘Giant Forest Head’!

Purchase a copy of the Trails Guide from any visitor centre or download it to find out how to get to each art piece and make the most of your experience.   Check out the Kielder Art & Architecture website for more information.  Also, check out the events listing to find out what’s coming next.

Not sure where to start?

We know all of our cottages inside out, so if you have any particular queries, please don’t hesitate to call or email us. We’re more than happy to help!

Telephone: 01665 710 700 or click here to email us your enquiry.