Are you looking for a unique and educational family activity in October? Join the High Force waterfall team for a family stargazing adventure, including 2-course supper on Thursday 29 October, 6pm to 8pm.
This event is a professionally hosted evening, designed especially for young explorers aged five to fifteen years. If you have joined us for stargazing before, you will know that darkness at High Force is something quite extraordinary. And with October skies, it is the perfect time to introduce children to the night sky, in a setting that feels exciting, safe and unforgettable.
What to expect:
– A warm welcome at one of the UK’s most scenic natural landmarks
– A relaxed, child-friendly supper (two courses) – the perfect chance to warm up, settle in and build excitement before heading out into the night.
– An interactive stargazing session with experienced guides
– A chance to spot constellations, planets, shooting stars, and deep-sky objects
– Fun, family-friendly explanations perfect for budding astronomers of all ages
– Seasonal stories from mythology and science that bring the cosmos to life
Whether you are a family with young children, teens, or curious adults, this event offers a safe, engaging, and magical way to connect with the universe and each other.
Bring warm/waterproof clothes. The walk to the waterfall will be dark and may be slippery – suitable footwear is advised. For safety reasons please do not bring large bags, tripods or other bulky equipment.
No dogs please – they’re a trip hazard in the dark.
The walk down to the waterfall (approx. 600m) can be challenging for people with mobility issues. Mobility scooters are unable to be used on the route at night. If you have any questions about accessibility please contact High Force Hotel in advance (01833 622336 or highforcehotel@raby.co.uk).
The sky can sometimes be restricted by cloud cover or poor conditions. This is just the nature of the event and is beyond the organisers control. Whatever the sky conditions you are sure of a night of fascinating and insightful information and visual displays.
Pre-booking is essential via https://www.raby.co.uk/events/family-stargazing/
£34 per child (five to fifteen)
£39 per adult (16+)
This High Force Hotel & Waterfall (www.raby.co.uk/high-force/waterfall/) event is part of the North Pennines Stargazing Festival running from 16 October to 1 November 2026 – www.NorthPenninesStarFest.org.uk
#NorthPennStarFest26 #NPennDarkSkies
Image: The night sky in the North Pennines © Gary Lintern Photography.
