KIELDER ACTIVITIES
The vast forest surrounding Kielder Water has numerous bike trails, walks and art projects to explore together with 3 visitor centres. You won't be short of outdoor pursuits with walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, sailing, crazy golf and archery to choose from together with Lakeside swimming pool and gym. Hire a bike to explore or choose to relax with a cruise on the Osprey Ferry. Visit Kielder Salmon Centre, escape from the Minotaur Maze or follow the Gruffalo trail. for more information see Forestry England/Kielder and visitkielder.com
Kielder has an abundance of wildlife including red squirrels, roe deer and osprey. Visit Kielder Bird of Prey Centre which has over 60 birds and a family of wallabies !
Enjoy our dark skies, award winning Kielder Observatory which is only 2.5 miles away.
Castle Cottage is located in Kielder Village. Bellingham (19 miles) has a Co-op, butchers, bakers and several independent shops. The large market town of Hexham is 34 miles distant.
For those wanting to travel further afield, Kielder is a great base for exploring Scotland and the Borders together with Northumberlands beautiful coastline, castles and market towns. Hadrians Wall is close by or take a day trip to visit Alnwick, Bamburgh or Holy Island. visitnorthumberland.com
KIELDER DARK SKIES
Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, is the largest Gold Tier Dark Sky Park area of protected night sky in Europe. The first of its kind in England and one of the largest in the world.
Visit Kielder Observatory with its exciting programme of astronomical events throughout the year.
KIELDER ART & ARCHITECTURE
Kielder Forest Park is home to an impressive range of unique art installations including Silvas Capitalis "Forest Head" and Minataur Maze. Visit Kielder Castle and the fabulous Kielder Viaduct.
Download art trail routes and details of the artworks from kielderartandarchitecture.
KIELDER WILDLIFE
2024 is the 16th successive year of ospreys breeding in Kielder Forest using nest platforms erected by Forestry England. Follow Kielder Ospreys.
Watch out for Red Squirrels as Kielder Forest Park is the home of around 50% of England’s native population. Water Voles have been reintroduced at Kielder Restoring Ratty.
Visitors may also see roe deer, badgers, otters, shrews, bats, pine martens and a wide variety of woodland birds. Visit Kielder Bird of Prey centre to see one of the largest collections of birds in the north of England.
Kielder Park hosts many wildlife events throughout the year including family nature walks and bat nights.
WALKING, CYCLING & RUNNING
Kielder Forest offers fantastic opportunities for cyclists, walkers and runners with over 100 miles of traffic free trails. Lakeside Way is a 26 mile circular route accessible to all including wheelchair users. There are also more challenging routes including a number of advanced MTB trails and tracks
Various competitive events are held throughout the year including dark sky events.
Cycle hire is available on the doorstep from Kielder Cycle Centre . Park and trails guides can be downloaded from visitkielder.com
ON THE WATER
Kielder Water is the largest man-made lake in northern Europe. Seasonal water activities such as canoeing, sailing, and water skiing are provided by professional clubs, Calvert Kielder & Kielder Waterside.
FISHING
Northumbrian Water trout fisheries in the north east of England has built up an excellent reputation for offering top quality fishing. The lake offers top quality fishing fishing for both the enthusiast and competition anglers alike.
With a shoreline of approximately 20 miles bank anglers are spoilt for choice. Fishing permits can be obtained from Leaplish or Tower Knowe Visitor Centres.