North Pennines National Landscape

Stargazing at the Lord Crewe
2025-10-24 19:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Lord Crewe Arms, The Square, Blanchland, Northumberland, DH8 9SP, United Kingdom
Are we alone in the universe? This question has fascinated humans for a long time, and it has regularly come up as a conversation topic on previous stargazing events at The Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland.
Come and listen to Andy Gray, the hotel’s resident stargazing expert, on Friday 24 October, 7pm to 10pm, and find out what the current thinking is, about the possibilities for other life out there.
If the weather is clear, expect a trip to the bottom of the garden to have a look through the telescopes. Wrap up in blankets and enjoy a hot drink to keep you warm. There will be a hearty stew and a delicious pud to greet you in The Gatehouse afterwards.
The ticket (£50) includes stargazing with a hot drink followed by a two-course supper. Please let the Lord Crewe team know in advance if you have any dietary requirements.
The Gatehouse is a 12th Century building accessed via external stone stairs and has steps of various sizes throughout. Please note it is not a dog friendly space.
Want to stay the night? Book your ticket and give the hotel a call on 01434 677100 – to reserve the best available room, at the special event rate of £160 bed & breakfast for the night.
Booking

Pre-booking is essential via https://lordcrewearms.wearegifted.co.uk/stargazing-evening-aliens

This Lord Crewe Arms event is part of the North Pennines Stargazing Festival running from 22 October to 2 November 2025 – www.NorthPenninesStarFest.org #NorthPennStarFest25 #NPennDarkSkies

Stargazing suppers at High Force
2025-10-24 18:00 - 20:30 | High Force Hotel, The High Force Hotel, Alston Rd, Forest-in-Teesdale, DL12 0XH
**SOLD OUT**
A magical evening of stargazing and a three course meal.
Discover the magnificence of the night sky with an exciting stargazing experience at the breathtaking High Force Waterfall in Teesdale, County Durham. The skies are some of the darkest in the country and High Force will be illuminated – creating a spectacular ‘wow’ factor.
The evening begins with a delicious three course meal in the Garden Room and an insightful presentation. You will then walk down to the waterfall, where you will experience some of the darkest skies in the country. A stargazing expert will guide you through the wonders of the night, uncovering all the magic the night sky has to offer. During the North Pennines Stargazing Festival there are two dates to choose from – Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October, 6pm to 8.30pm.
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 regarding 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.
Booking

Pre-booking is essential via https://www.raby.co.uk/events/stargazing-supper/

Image: The Milky Way at High Force © Gary Lintern Photography.
This High Force Hotel & Waterfall (www.raby.co.uk/high-force/waterfall/) event is part of the North Pennines Stargazing Festival running from 22 October to 2 November 2025 – www.NorthPenninesStarFest.org #NorthPennStarFest25 #NPennDarkSkies

The scheduling of monuments and developing the ‘Missing Pieces’ project volunteer day
2025-10-24 10:00 - 16:00 | North Pennines National Landscape office, 1 Martin Street, Stanhope,, DL132UY
Join us on Friday 24th October, 10am to 4pm, for a special volunteer day with Historic England. Guest speaker, Eric Branse-Instone, Listing Advisor from Historic England will share his expertise on scheduling industrial and lead mining sites, give an update on the Missing Pieces Project, and answer your questions.
We’re broadening our Land of Lead and Silver Project indoor working days — developing new ways to record and research our sites, from 3D digital modelling and photography to contextual and historical work.
Whether you have detailed knowledge or are completely new to these skills, this event is for you. Eric will spend the full day with us, exploring your work and sharing insights into national heritage practice. Come learn, connect, and get inspired.
This workshop is being run as part of Heritage Open Days and the National Landscape’s Land of Lead and Silver project.
Please sign up using the volunteer site Better Impact

Historic environment indoor working day
2025-10-24 10:00 - 16:00
These indoor working days follow each on-site working day, giving the opportunity to get involved with processing photogrammetry images into models, archiving condition assessment data, and undertaking historic research. You’ll have the chance to work with other volunteers and trained staff, while helping us to safeguard these important sites.
Please bring your lunch. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day. If you want to bring equipment with you, you are welcome to, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
You do not need to have attended the associated site day to join us for these indoor work sessions.
Dates – all at Stanhope from 10am to 4pm:
Friday 24 October
Friday 28 November
Friday 12 December
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

The Orionid meteor shower
2025-10-22 20:00 | Grassholme Observatory, DL12 0PW
Halley’s Comet is the most famous interloper of them all and is the parent comet of the Orionid meteor shower.
A good display is expected from this shower as we head into the night on 22 October, 8pm to midnight at Grassholme Observatory. Under our wonderful dark skies, we can expect to see as many as 20 meteors per hour as the tiny dust grains left behind by Halley’s comet interact with our atmosphere as a flash of light!
As well as the dazzling show overhead the team at Grassholme Observatory will utilise their array of telescopes to view the universe in stunning resolution.
To book and for full terms and conditions please visit: https://www.grassholmeobservatory.com/book/
• Adult: £30 (16+)
• Concession: £25 (65+, under 16, Blue Badge holder)
Bring warm clothes – it can get chilly when you are outside. The observatory, classroom and toilets are accessible. This is a pet free event.
This Grassholme Observatory (www.grassholmeobservatory.com) event is part of the North Pennines Stargazing Festival running from 22 October to 2 November 2025 – www.NorthPenninesStarFest.org
#NorthPennStarFest25 #NPennDarkSkies

Image © Grassholme Observatory

Stargazing on the Weardale Railway
2025-10-22 17:30 - 20:30 | Weardale Railway
**SOLD OUT**
Enjoy Weardale’s dark skies on Wednesday 22 October, 5.30pm to 8.30pm. The experience starts at Stanhope Station with exciting space themed activities for all the family, this will be followed by a train ride, leaving at 6pm. At a unique location you will disembark and enjoy stargazing using telescopes and while listening to experts from the Bishop Auckland Astronomical Society.
Booking

Pre-booking is essential via: Stargazing Train | Weardale Railway
Adults (16+): £30
Children (under 15): £15

Tickets include light refreshments and a space themed gift for the children. Please bring a folding chair(s). The experience means you will be climbing on and off the train so suitable footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are required.
In the event of cloudy skies the event will still go ahead however the telescope experience will be replaced with an alternative activity.
More information at https://www.weardale-railway.org.uk or email weardalerailway@aucklandproject.org
This Weardale Railway event is part of the North Pennines Stargazing Festival running from 22 October to 2 November 2025 – www.NorthPenninesStarFest.org
#NorthPennStarFest25 #NPennDarkSkies

Volunteer opportunities - plug planting
2025-10-22 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-17 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-09 10:00 - 15:30 | Teesdale
This autumn we are looking for volunteers to help with plug planting on farms across Teesdale.
Plug planting helps to increase biodiversity, creates habitats for pollinators and conserves threatened wildflower species in hay meadows.
We will be plug planting at several locations across Teesdale throughout the autumn.
Plug planting dates:

23 September, 10:00 – 15:30
9 October, 10:00 – 15:30
17 October, 10:00 – 15:30
22 October, 10:00 – 15:30
29 October, 10:00 – 13:00 (followed by Bowlees Nursery drop in)
6 November, 10:00 – 15:30
27 November, 10:00 – 15:30
3 December, 10:00-15:30

All training and equipment will be provided
A general level of fitness is required, please wear outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes. The exact locations will be given closer to the dates.
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact.

Historic environment on-site working day
2025-10-21 10:00 - 16:00
Come along and get involved in recording historic structures on working days at sites around the North Pennines. This is a chance to use your skills related to recording historic features, including photogrammetry and condition assessment. You’ll have the chance to work with other volunteers and trained staff, while helping us to safeguard these important sites.
You will need to bring walking boots and clothing appropriate for spending the day outdoors in a variety of weathers. You will also need a packed lunch, snacks and a drink. You are welcome to bring equipment with you, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
Dates:
Tuesday 21 October – Allen Mill, near Allendale, Northumberland
Tuesday 25 November – Dukesfield Smelt Mill, Northumberland tbc
Tuesday 9 December – Nenthead Mines, Cumbria
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Home educators' session - Bowlees
2025-10-20 10:30 - 12:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
This is a family workshop for home educators, 20 October, 10.30am to 12.30pm at Bowlees Visitor Centre. The theme is autumn colours.
We will be investigating the trees around Bowlees and how they change in the autumn, experimenting with natural colourings and using them to create art.
After the workshop feel free to stay around and continue exploring. Please wear sturdy footwear, and clothing suitable for the weather.
Suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years. All children need to be accompanied by an adult. (Younger siblings are welcome – they do not need a ticket but please let us know they are coming by emailing( naomi@northpennines.org.uk).
Please book using the Ticketsource link

Farming and nature talk: regenerating the uplands
2025-10-15 19:30 - 21:00 | Moorcock Inn, DL12 0AU
This winter we are holding a series of evening talks with the theme of examining the links between farming and nature. The talks, held at The Moorcock Inn in Eggleston, 7.30pm to 9pm, are open to farmers and landowners as well as members of the public. Each evening there will be an invited speaker with the opportunity of discussion afterwards. The first talk is Wednesday 15 October.
At the first talk, Dan Herdman will give us an overview of his experiences of nature-friendly farming, and how he has altered his farming practices over the last seven years towards a more ‘regenerative system’. Dan is a farmer from Acton Farm in Blanchland within the North Pennines National Landscape.
The first talk of the season will be slightly shorter as we will be holding the High Nature Value (HNV) awards ceremony after Dan’s talk. Professor Sir John Lawton will be presenting the winners of the High Nature Value (HNV) farming awards.
Delivered as part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme. Tees-Swale is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by the North Pennines National Landscape in collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Everyone welcome, booking required. If you are a Tees-Swale farmer you can come to this talk for free, please email Molly@northpennines.org.uk to get the code.

Delivered as part of the Tees-Swale: Naturally Connected programme. Tees-Swale is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by the North Pennines National Landscape team in collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Pennine Way maintenance volunteer opportunity
2025-10-14 09:45 - 15:00 | Cow Green Reservoir
Volunteer opportunity to help keep the Pennine Way maintained. Help to repair of sections of boardwalk on 14 October, 9.45am to 3pm, near Cauldron Snout.
Due to the physical nature of the work, a reasonable level of fitness will be required and is suitable for 18+.
We will be undertaking repairs on a boardwalk alongside the Tees downstream from Cauldron Snout.
The most reasonable access to the boardwalk is by transporting the materials down the footpath at the side of Cauldron Snout. The walk in with equipment and materials is around 1km but will be made more difficult by the combination of terrain and long lengths of timber. Suitable footwear for the terrain is therefore advised; gloves will be provided if desired.
The session may take us past lunchtime, so please bring a packed lunch/drinks and bring warm waterproof clothing. All PPE (personal protective equipment) will be provided, including safety glasses, gloves and steel toe cap boots if you need to borrow some. Waterproofs and an extra layer are recommended as Cow Green has its own weather system, and doesn’t stick to the forecast.
Please sign up using the volunteer site Better Impact

Historic environment indoor working day
2025-10-03 10:00 - 16:00
These indoor working days follow each on-site working day, giving the opportunity to get involved with processing photogrammetry images into models, archiving condition assessment data, and undertaking historic research. You’ll have the chance to work with other volunteers and trained staff, while helping us to safeguard these important sites.
Please bring your lunch. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day. If you want to bring equipment with you, you are welcome to, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
You do not need to have attended the associated site day to join us for these indoor work sessions.
Dates – all at Stanhope from 10am to 4pm:
Wednesday 30 April
Wednesday 16 May
Wednesday 13 June
Wednesday 1 August
Wednesday 12 September
Wednesday 3 October
Wednesday 24 October
Wednesday 28 November
Wednesday 12 December
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Wildflower seed sowing volunteer opportunity
2025-10-01 10:00 - 15:30 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
Join us for a session of sorting and sowing wildflower seeds, on 1 October at Mickleton Village Hall, 10am to 3.30pm. We will be sowing seeds from important species such as wood crane’s-bill that have been collected from existing populations in Teesdale.
Once grown these plants will be used to enhance upland hay meadows in Teesdale.
Please sign up using the volunteer platform Better Impact.
Delivered as part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme. Tees-Swale is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by the North Pennines National Landscape in collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Historic environment on-site working day
2025-09-30 10:00 - 16:00
Come along and get involved in recording historic structures on working days at sites around the North Pennines. This is a chance to use your skills related to recording historic features, including photogrammetry and condition assessment. You’ll have the chance to work with other volunteers and trained staff, while helping us to safeguard these important sites.
You will need to bring walking boots and clothing appropriate for spending the day outdoors in a variety of weathers. You will also need a packed lunch, snacks and a drink. You are welcome to bring equipment with you, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
Dates:
Tuesday 30 September – Coldberry Mine, new Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham
Tuesday 21 October – Allen Mill, near Allendale, Northumberland
Tuesday 25 November – tbc Dukesfield Smelt Mill, Northumberland
Tuesday 9 December – Nenthead Mines, Cumbria
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Volunteer day at Bowlees tree nursery
2025-09-24 13:00 - 16:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
Volunteer at Bowlees Wildflower and Tree Nursery on the last Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 4pm.
You can help with our nature recovery work by seed collecting and sowing, potting on, and watering plants. For more information email molly@northpennines.org.uk.
Sign up on the volunteer platform Better Impact
Delivered as part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme. Tees-Swale is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by the North Pennines National Landscape team in collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Two-day photogrammetry and drone flying workshop
2025-09-17 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Nenthead Mines
Get involved in the free two day photogrammetry and drone flying workshop at Nenthead Mines, Alston, on 16 and 17 September, 10am to 4pm.
Photogrammetry is the method of creating a virtual 3D model from a selection of overlapping photographs. The technique is increasingly used by conservators and archaeologists to record, investigate and promote heritage.
Learn how to fly a small drone safely and legally. Discover how to use the drone to explore and create three-dimensional digital models of old sites and buildings. You can see similar models created here.
The workshop is relaxed and fun, taking place in an interesting historic industrial location, and gives you a chance to explore the local traditional architecture of the North Pennines. You will also have the opportunity to venture underground on a free mine tour, to learn about the site and why it’s so important to the area.
All equipment and training are provided by Elder Archaeology and the North Pennines National Landscape team. You don’t need any previous experience to join. The workshop is suitable for ages 14 and over – all children must be accompanies by an adult.
This workshop is being run as part of Heritage Open Days and the National Landscape’s Land of Lead and Silver project.
Sign up for both days using the volunteer platform Better Impact

Adder survey opportunities
2025-09-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Frosterley
Would you like to contribute to the conservation of adders in the North Pennines National Landscape?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to complete surveys of this iconic reptile, which is now vulnerable to extinction in England, as part of our ‘Adders Up’ project.
Three opportunities to volunteer at a location near Frosterley, 16 July, 20 August and 16 September, 9am to 12 noon.
The surveys are ideally suited for adults, under 16’s must be supervised by an adult. Walking distances are short, but potentially over un-even terrain and on slopes. Please wear sturdy boots, outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, bring snacks and drinks and a fully charged mobile phone. No toilets / amenities are present on the sites. Nearest options will be made known at the start of the session during the H&S briefing.
Please contact Henry Barrett for more information.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact.

Westgate village history
2025-09-14 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-13 15:00 - 18:00 | Westgate Village Hall, Front Street, Westgate, DL13 1RX
Find out how you can get involved exploring the history of Westgate village at our drop-in sessions at Westgate Village Hall on the afternoons of Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September.
The Westgate village history project will be exploring and recording the natural and cultural heritage of the village and the surrounding area, bringing together local knowledge, memories and research to create a lasting record for future generations.
If you live in Westgate, nearby, or are just interested in the village’s history, come along to one of these public consultation sessions. At the sessions there will be the opportunity to:
• Find out about the Westgate village history project and how you can get involved
• Share knowledge, photographs, and personal memories
• Contribute ideas to help shape the content and focus of the project
Free refreshments and children’s activities will be available throughout the sessions.

Historic environment indoor working day
2025-09-12 10:00 - 16:00
These indoor working days follow each on-site working day, giving the opportunity to get involved with processing photogrammetry images into models, archiving condition assessment data, and undertaking historic research. You’ll have the chance to work with other volunteers and trained staff, while helping us to safeguard these important sites.
Please bring your lunch. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day. If you want to bring equipment with you, you are welcome to, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
You do not need to have attended the associated site day to join us for these indoor work sessions.
Dates – all at Stanhope from 10am to 4pm:
Friday 12 September
Friday 3 October
Friday 24 October
Friday 28 November
Friday 12 December
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Adder survey opportunities
2025-09-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Acton Fell, Northumberland
Would you like to contribute to the conservation of adders in the North Pennines National Landscape?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to complete surveys of this iconic reptile, which is now vulnerable to extinction in England, as part of our ‘Adders Up’ project.
There are three opportunities to volunteer at a location near Acton Fell, 27 August and 10 September, 9am to 12 noon.
The surveys are ideally suited for adults, under 16’s must be supervised by an adult. Walking distances are short, but potentially over un-even terrain and on slopes. Please wear sturdy boots, outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, bring snacks and drinks and a fully charged mobile phone. No toilets / amenities are present on the sites. Nearest options will be made known at the start of the session during the H&S briefing.
Please contact Henry Barrett for more information.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact.

Historic environment on-site working day
2025-09-09 10:00 - 16:00
Come along and get involved in recording historic structures on working days at sites around the North Pennines. This is a chance to use your skills related to recording historic features, including photogrammetry and condition assessment. You’ll have the chance to work with other volunteers and trained staff, while helping us to safeguard these important sites.
You will need to bring walking boots and clothing appropriate for spending the day outdoors in a variety of weathers. You will also need a packed lunch, snacks and a drink. You are welcome to bring equipment with you, but we will also have some equipment available for you to use.
Dates:
Tuesday 9 September – location tbc
Tuesday 30 September – location tbc
Tuesday 21 October – location tbc
Tuesday 25 November – location tbc
Tuesday 9 December – location tbc
All other locations are to be confirmed.
Please book using the Better Impact volunteer system

Home educators session - Bowlees
2025-09-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Bowlees Visitor Centre, Newbiggin, DL12 0XF
This is a family workshop for home educators, 4 September, 10am to 12 noon at Bowlees Visitor Centre. The theme is rocks and fossils.
We will learn about the different rocks that make up the local landscape, make our own ‘fossils’ and see what uses of earth materials we can find around Bowlees.
After the workshop and a break for lunch, stay on for an optional walk of 2.5km to the River Tees to see some more fossils.
Please wear sturdy footwear, and clothing suitable for the weather.
Suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years. All children need to be accompanied by an adult. (Younger siblings are welcome – they do not need a ticket but please let us know they are coming by emailing naomi@northpennines.org.uk).
Please book using the Ticketsource link

Adder survey opportunities
2025-09-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Rookhope
Would you like to contribute to the conservation of adders in the North Pennines National Landscape?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to complete surveys of this iconic reptile, which is now vulnerable to extinction in England, as part of our ‘Adders Up’ project.
There are three opportunities to volunteer at a location near Rookhope, 8 July, 6 August, 3 September, 9am to 12 noon.
The surveys are ideally suited for adults, under 16’s must be supervised by an adult. Walking distances are short, but potentially over un-even terrain and on slopes. Please wear sturdy boots, outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, bring snacks and drinks and a fully charged mobile phone. No toilets / amenities are present on the sites. Nearest options will be made known at the start of the session during the H&S briefing.
Please contact Henry Barrett for more information.
Please sign up using the volunteer system Better Impact.

Heritage works in the Allen Valleys consultation
2025-09-02 20:30 - 21:00 | Allendale Village Hall, Leadgate, Allendale, NE47 9PR
Join Andie Harris, manager of the North Pennines National Landscape team’s Land of Lead and Silver project, and stonemason Gary Simpson, of Heritage Consolidation, to hear about the planned consolidation works in the Allen Valleys.
Drop-in, no booking required.

Part of the Land of Lead and Silver project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England, with subsequent funding from the Rural England Prosperity Fund and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme.

Pennine Way maintenance volunteer opportunity
2025-09-01 10:00 - 15:00 | Cronkley Farm
Help to repair a section of stone wall near Cronkley Fell on 1 September, 10am to 3pm.
Due to the physical nature of the work, a reasonable level of fitness will be required and is suitable for 18+.
The session may take us past lunchtime, so please bring a packed lunch/drinks and bring warm waterproof clothing. All PPE (personal protective equipment) will be provided, including safety glasses, gloves and steel toe cap boots if you need to borrow some.
Please sign up using the volunteer site Better Impact

Guided walk - people, place and nature
2025-08-28 09:30 - 14:30 | Langdon Beck
A guided circular walk in celebration of the Pennine Way’s 60th anniversary starting from The Langdon Beck Hotel.
The route begins from one of the remotest hotels in Britain, Thursday 28 August, 9.30am to 2.30pm. We will be exploring the farmed landscape and nature reserves of Upper Teesdale. Learn how the historic and current land use of the North Pennines National Landscape have formed what you see, and the history of people the routes and paths forming the Pennine Way.
As the event will be taking place outdoors, please dress for the weather. We recommend walking boots. Please bring food and drinks.
All ages are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult and must be able to walk or be carried as the paths are not be suitable for pushchairs). Well behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome.
Suggested donation only £3 per person, or £10 for family/group of four. Your donation enables the North Pennines National Landscape team to protect and restore this special place and help people connect with nature.
Please book using the link to Ticketsource

Image credit: Richard Laidler
