Please recommend a 'first time' meet in NW/NE

[Paul.L]

Hi me and my partner is hoping to enter the world of astronomy by going to some local star gazing camping trips/meets or events and I wondered if anyone can suggest some around north west or north east.
We have basic star gazing eqipment but mostly want to learn and have a nice time camping.

[ronin]

Where is NW/NE exactly?

How far do you want to travel?

Galloway is one, Keilder another, Dalby Forest is on in a couple of weeks even Kelling Heath is an option if you are sort of southern NE.

[astronymonkey]

Andy exton has:just posted in the star:parties section to say there are a few spaces still left for the:dalby forest camp over august bank hol near scarborugh. A nice easy going camping:weeked with good walks from the:site.

Cheers

[keithatrochdale]

Always welcome on a saturday night if you want to visit us at The Astronomy Centre.

[Scosmico]

My vote goes to Astronomy Centre!

[scarp15]

For camping, lots to do and fingers crossed some stargazing, check the Autumn Kielder star camp thread under Starparties section - 22nd to 27 Oct, the link for the website (read Dixies comments) is referred to here. Be prepared though, wellies may be necessary.

[AndyExton]

Yes I can confirm a small number of pitches remain for August Bank Holiday weekend in Dalby.

[callisto]

I live less than a mile from here http://www.herdinghillfarm.co.uk/

Fantastic skies and next to Haltwhistle

Mark.

[scarp15]

I live less than a mile from here http://www.herdinghillfarm.co.uk/

Fantastic skies and next to Haltwhistle

Mark.

I stayed at this campsite for a night whilst doing the Hadrian Cycle Way with my daughter a few weeks back. Pleasant enough campsite I guess and very family focused. I believe that there are a few astronomy events planned here and it is close to Cawfields. However and this might not necessarily be the case during the astronomy events, it was (which is typical for this type of campsite) fairly lite up particularly bright close to the facilities. 

[callisto]

I stayed at this campsite for a night whilst doing the Hadrian Cycle Way with my daughter a few weeks back. Pleasant enough campsite I guess and very family focused. I believe that there are a few astronomy events planned here and it is close to Cawfields. However and this might not necessarily be the case during the astronomy events, it was (which is typical for this type of campsite) fairly lite up particularly bright close to the facilities. 

Yeah, I think the "real" observing is done away from the site at Cawfields

[jamespels]

Depends where NW/NE is exactly...

If you are anywhere near the Peak District, Peak Star Party runs 17 to 20 October. We have built up a great reputation as a friendly and welcoming star party. Quite a few people from here are regulars (and lead some of the activities through the day) and the good folks from UKAI Will be running a live imaging session if the weather holds up. Skies are not quite as dark as Kielder but less chance of needing wellies

Take a look on the star parties forum or visit http://www.peakstarparty.com for details.