The most tranquil place in England is where beauty runs far, wide and deep, where forest and water unites to create one amazing year round destination and where there is no schedule but your own. Take a deep breath and embrace Kielder Water & Forest Park. The landscape perfectly captures the mood of Northumberland. An inspirational and romantic place to savour, where there is adventure at every stop and some wonderful things in between.

The vast, wide open spaces are not solely a backdrop in which to relax and renew in the crystal clear air, it is a base camp for adventure, where you can stay and play. Even Santa comes to connect with his senses in the weeks leading up to his busiest day of the year, turning Kielder into a magical Winter Wonderland.

Kielder Water & Forest Park is 30 miles (50 minutes drive) by road from Hexham and 52 miles (80 minutes drive) from Newcastle upon Tyne. From Newcastle or Carlisle, follow the A69 to Hexham then follow the B6320 to Bellingham (brown-signed Kielder Water & Forest) and then the C200 to Kielder Water & Forest Park.

Tower Knowe is the gateway centre to Kielder Water & Forest Park where you can find the Kielder Water Exhibition, the Café on the Water, an Osprey pleasure cruiser boarding point and an extensive shop selling ranges of outdoor wear, souvenirs and fishing tackle. From here you can board the Osprey pleasure cruiser for tours of Kielder Water. Open daily from 10am, April to October.

At Leaplish there are luxury self catering forest lodges, an indoor heated swimming pool and sauna, a restaurant & bar, a unique children’s play area, a very special miniature golf course, an Osprey cruiser boarding point and the excellent Kielder Birds of Prey centre. Leaplish is also the home of Winter Wonderland, a Christmas event spectacular where Santa is the guest of honour as he takes it easy before his Christmas Eve exploits.

Open daily from April to October. Telephone 0870 2403549 for facilities opening times.

Overlooking the village of Kielder, Kielder Castle is a former hunting lodge for the Duke of Northumberland and is now home to the Kielder Forest and Birds of Kielder exhibitions, the Duchess art gallery, the Duke’s Pantry Restaurant, a well stocked souvenir shop and a children’s adventure playground. Classroom and educational services are also available. An exciting mountain bike skills area is located nearby and the start point for the Deadwater single track mountain bike trails.

Nearby is the start of the forest drive, bike hire centre, orienteering courses, the historic Kielder viaduct, youth hostel, campsite, a garage, country store and general dealers.

The Castle is the main site for the Kielder Spring Festival, taking place on 20th May, the culmination of a week of wildlife related events. The castle is also the sales point for the much sought after Kielder Christmas Trees during December.

Open daily from April to October, 10am to 5pm and at weekends in November and December.

Telephone 01434 25020.

Kielder has gained an international reputation as an essential destination for those interested in experiencing contemporary art and architecture in a striking rural setting. For the past 10 years Art and Architecture at Kielder has worked with cutting edge sculptors and designers from around the world producing both permanent and temporary work that engages with this unique landscape.

Visitors will find that there is something for everyone from the award winning and futuristic shelter design of the Belvedere’s to James Turrell’s light sculpture Skyspace, and from the Minotaur contemporary maze to the highly visual and entertaining Mapping minigolf course.

Wave Chamber works as a camera obscura, projecting the image of the water onto the floor of the chamber. Inside, the walls echo the wave sounds and the floor appears to become liquid. The image is clearer on late afternoons and sunny days.

The Kielder Belvedere is a contemporary shelter designed by Softroom Architects whose stainless steel structure has received much praise for its innovative design, winning many awards including an RIBA award and the Stephen Lawrence Prize. Belvedere has a face of curved stainless steel that reflects its surroundings while the interior contains a window that frames the lakeside vista perfectly.

The Kielder Skyspace is an intricate and precisely designed sculpture by world-renowned artist James Turrell. During the day, the Skyspace has the feel of a simple chapel where the visitor’s attention is focused on the sky and the movement f the clouds. At dusk and dawn concealed light sources create a rich display of tone and colour.

Mapping is a minigolf course derived from old and new maps Kielder. Fairways and obstacles have been developed from these maps with holes and start points spread out over the structure on a number of levels. Mapping uses very bright finishes and colours and is a fully accessible, highly visual and intriguing 'must play' experience.

For more information on the Art and Architecture programme, please refer to individual artwork information sheets or telephone 01434 220616. A detailed guide to the art and architecture programme is available from Kielder visitor centres and the tourist information centres at Hexham and Bellingham. Alternatively, the guide can be posted to you in advance of your visit. (Please see contacts section).

A new feature, which is already proving very popular, is the Lakeside Way. This is a multi-user trail suitable for walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders providing access to some of the lesser known but most scenic parts of the lake shore and to increase the opportunities for viewing some of the abundant wildlife. It is designed and constructed with maximum gradients making it suitable for the less mobile, push chairs and wheelchair users.

Construction of the Lakeside Way is a current project which when completed will encircle Kielder Water. A ten mile stretch, from the south corner of Kielder Dam to Leaplish Waterside Park is now open with another four miles to Kielder Castle opening soon. If you are walking or cycling, why not consider starting at Tower Knowe Visitor Centre and returning by the Osprey cruiser from Leaplish?

Telephone 0870 2403549 for a timetable of sailings.

The combination of forest and water creates an intoxicating environment for all types of walkers, whether it is a gentle stroll to absorb the never ending scenery, sounds of nature and the clean air or a more athletic trek, perhaps backpacking to explore some of the lesser known and remote parts of this countryside.

A detailed guide entitled “Walking at Kielder” is available from Kielder visitor centres and the tourist information centres at Hexham and Bellingham. Alternatively, the guide can be posted to you in advance of your visit. (Please see contacts section).

Kielder has a fantastic landscape for all cyclists. Routes vary from gentle country lanes and bridle paths for all the family, to forest trails and specially constructed fell side single tracks for dedicated mountain bikers. In July 2007, the first purpose-built single track mountain bike trail in Kielder Water & Forest Park will open. A 15km red grade trail network and a 3 km black grade trail network will link Kielder Castle with Deadwater Fell, the highest point in the North Tyne valley with magnificent coast to coast views. There is a mountain bike skills area at Kielder Castle with a 0.5km blue-grade route packed with features, including red and black grade options for those wanting to take on the next level of mountain biking.

A detailed guide entitled “Cycling at Kielder” is available from Kielder visitor centres, the bike place and the tourist information centres at Hexham and Bellingham. Alternatively, the guide can be posted to you in advance of your visit. (Please see contacts section).

Whatever type of cyclist you are, you can bring your own bike or hire a variety of cycles and equipment from The Bike Place in Kielder, which has bikes suited to all types of riding including a range of high quality mountain bikes, with major brands such as Trek and Marin. Child seats are also available.

Telephone 01434 250457 for details and to make a booking or Email; hire@thebikeplace.co.uk

The 80-seater motor cruiser, ‘Osprey’, is the ideal way to see Kielder Water in comfort and safety. On board facilities include full commentary, bar, shop, heated lounge and toilets. Sailings call at Leaplish and Tower Knowe visitor centres. A limited number of bikes can be carried on board.

There are 5 sailings each day from April to October.

For further details telephone 0870 240354.

Kielder Water accommodates many forms of water sports offering a unique combination of open water, intriguing shoreline and scenic surroundings. Day launch facilities are available at Leaplish Waterside Park. For full information on water clubs, fees, registration and regulations for all type of watercraft, telephone 0870 2403549

A range of watercraft is available for hire from the Hawkhirst Adventure Camp on the south shore of the lake. Hawkhirst also run a number of courses and events throughout the year. Please telephone 01434 250217 for details.

Water ski instruction is available at Merlin Brae Ski Club near Whickhope Anchorage.

Telephone 01434 250037 (clubhouse) for details.

As might be expected, a lake as big as Kielder Water offers a huge challenge to enthusiastic anglers between March and October. There are trout to be taken both from Kielder Water, and from the feeder burns. All you need is the appropriate permit and licence, as well as your fishing tackle
To fish on Kielder Water telephone 0870 2403549 for details on permits, regulations and other useful information.

Salmon and Trout Fishing is available on a two mile stretch of the North Tyne River. Permits are available from Falstone Fishing Club. Telephone 01434 240200

Permits to fish on burns are available from Kielder Castle. Telephone 01434 25020.

The tranquillity and special landscape of Kielder Water & Forest Park makes it a haven for wildlife. It is home to 75% of the UK’s native red squirrel population, the last remaining stronghold in England. Other mammals living in and around this area include badgers, roe deer, otters, shrews, voles and seven species of bat. There are squirrel and bird viewing hides to visit where you can see the native wildlife or alternatively you could take one of the many wildlife tours throughout the year. A huge variety of birds can be found at Kielder; with birds of prey being a common site, including buzzards, goshawks and ospreys.

For further more information about the wildlife pick up a copy of the Kielder wildlife watching leaflet or contact Northumberland Wildlife Trust. Telephone 01434 250 420, Email; mail@northwt.org.uk. or visit Northumberland Wildlife Trust's website at www.nwt.org.uk

The Salmon Hatchery near Kielder Castle, hatches and supplies juvenile salmon to the Tyne and other rivers. A display and video complement an expert guided tour that charts the rearing process from careful capture of the spawning parent to the release of its healthy young offspring.

Telephone 0191 2034000 for details.

Operating as a conservation and breeding centre for endangered species, the bird of prey centre has a wonderful collection of owls, hawks and other birds of prey. Daily displays and the chance to handle tame birds.

Open daily, throughout the year, 10.30am – 5pm.

Visit kielderwaterbirdsofpreycentre.com or telephone 01434 250400.

Throughout the year, Kielder Water & Forest Park and the surrounding area plays host to a variety of special events and activities. As well as there being a number of country shows including the ever popular Otterburn Festival and Kielder Spring Festival, there is a varied year round programme of features including mountain bike orienteering, wildlife watching in the company of an expert, working forest visits, fungal forays, 4x4 safaris, Halloween hauntings, exploring the night skies at Kielder’s star camp and the magical Winter Wonderland in the lead up to Christmas.

Telephone 01434 220616 for events listings.

Summary of topics covered in this page:

 • Where to Stay  • The Calvert Trust  • Eating Out  • Useful Contacts

Where to Stay

Kielder Water and Forest, the North Tyne valley and Wild Redesdale is an ideal place to stay whether it be for a short break or a full holiday. There are hotels, bed and breakfasts, country pubs, forest lodges, self catering cottages, caravan and campsites, youth hostels, backpacking sites and activity centres.

Kielder also provides for groups and organisations at Kielder Youth Hostel, Hawkhirst Adventure Camp and the Calvert Trust Centre.

For a full accommodation list, telephone: 01434 220616

The Calvert Trust

The Calvert Trust provides outdoor activities, care and relaxation for people with disabilities, their families and friends in a fully accessible centre and self catering chalets, set in a 40 acre woodland site. Facilities include a hydrotherapy swimming pool, en suite bedrooms, lounge and bar.

Telephone 01434 250232 or Email; enquiries@calvert-kielder.com

Eating Out

The fresh air is certain to stimulate a healthy appetite and Kielder Water & Forest Park has a wide range of places to eat out offering a variety of hot and cold food.

Boat Inn Restaurant & Bar, Leaplish Waterside Park. Telephone 01434 250294
Anglers Arms, Kielder Village. Telephone 01434 250072
Blackcock Inn, Falstone. Telephone 01434 240200
Pheasant Inn, Stannersburn. Telephone 01434 240382
Hollybush Inn, Greenhaugh Telephone 01434 240391
Duke’s Pantry, Kielder Castle. Telephone 01434 250100
Falstone Old School Tearoom and Craft Shop. Telephone 01434 240459
Café on the Water, Tower Knowe. Telephone 01434 240436

Useful Contacts

Kielder Enquiries (Bellingham TIC) Telephone 01434 220616
Forestry Commission Telephone 01434 220242
Northumbrian Water Telephone 0870 2403549
Calvert Trust Centre Telephone 01434 250232
Kielder Youth Hostel Telephone 0870 7705898
Hawkhirst Adventure Camp Telephone 01434 250217
Kielder Birds of Prey Centre Telephone 01434 250400
The Bike Place in Kielder (Bike Hire) Telephone 01434 250457

“Art & Architecture at Kielder”, “Walking at Kielder” and “Cycling at Kielder” can be purchased and received in advance of your visit, at a cost of £2.30 per guide including postage and packaging. Please state clearly which guide you require and make cheques payable to Tynedale Council and send to: Bellingham TIC, Main Street, Bellingham, Northumberland. NE48 2BQ.