Grizedale Observatory: A Portal to the Cosmos in the Heart of the Lake District
A new observatory in Cumbria is bringing the wonders of the universe to the public, offering a unique blend of scientific exploration and artistic immersion. Opened in May, Grizedale Observatory provides a rare possibility to experience the beauty of the night sky far from the glare of city lights.
The observatory offers a range of experiences, from immersive films in its planetarium to three-hour stargazing events that extend late into the night. Visitors can participate in astrophotography sessions and, on clear nights, witness “a glittering tapestry of stars, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters.”
The observatory’s director, Gary Fildes, brings over two decades of experience to the project, having previously founded and led three other UK observatories.He envisions Grizedale as “an immersive, year-round astronomy and science destination that brings the beauty of the Lake District skies to visitors.” The observatory’s regular events are also integrated into cumbria’s annual dark skies festival, held each year in late October and November, which features additional activities like owl- and bat-spotting walks, and even nighttime swimming or canoeing.
Beyond public events, Grizedale Observatory serves as a permanent center for astronomical study, anticipating a visit from a group of 60 school children. Despite initial cloud cover during a recent “Aurora Night” – timed to coincide with heightened solar activity – visitors were treated to a stunning simulated night sky within the center’s planetarium. The observatory’s “Mission Control” area, complete with otherworldly murals, an inflatable alien, and meticulously crafted model rockets, adds to the immersive experience.
Visitors can explore a Meteorite Lab featuring actual pieces of the moon and Mars, and view exceptional images of the Andromeda galaxy and the Horsehead nebula captured by the observatory’s robotic telescope.A unique “clear-sky pass” ensures that visitors aren’t left disappointed by inclement weather,allowing them to return for a future stargazing session.
For Fildes, astronomy transcends mere science. “Astronomy isn’t just about science and telescopes,” he explains. “It’s about people. It’s about perspective,wonder,and realising that we’re all part of something far bigger.” He recounts a notably moving experience where a visitor wept upon seeing Saturn through a telescope, recalling her father’s wartime drawings of the planet.
Fildes’s own journey to becoming an astronomy leader is remarkable. After years working as a bricklayer, he pursued his lifelong passion, building the Kielder Observatory in Northumberland and Grassholme Observatory in Teesdale before taking on a project in Saudi Arabia – the Al-Ula manara Space Observatory.
Getting to Grizedale Forest, while remote, is surprisingly accessible. A train journey from London to Oxenholme takes under three hours, followed by a branch line to Windermere and a bus ride through the scenic Cumbrian countryside to Hawkshead. From Hawkshead, the observatory is a three-mile walk, offering opportunities to explore the UK’s first forest sculpture park, including Andy Goldsworthy’s “Taking a Wall for a Walk.”
accommodation options include a cozy log cabin next to the observatory and the recently refurbished King’s Arms pub in Hawkshead, offering a comfortable base for exploring the region. The surrounding area boasts walking trails, local shops, and even a secondhand bookshop formerly belonging to Beatrix Potter.
Even a brief glimpse through the clouds on a nocturnal walk revealed the promise of the night sky.Grizedale Observatory isn’t simply a place to observe the stars; it’s a destination that fosters a sense of wonder and connection to the vastness of the universe.
