Lights, camera, adventure in Northumberland National Park
From Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to 28 Years Later, England’s northernmost National Park is a ratings hit. Lift the curtain on the movie magic at Alnwick Castle, see a different kind of star at the Kielder Observatory and follow in fantasy footsteps along the park’s walking trails.
Kielder Observatory, near Hexham
Hang out with the stars at the Kielder Observatory and experience the second-largest area of protected night sky in Europe. Bringing the family? There’s a packed events calendar to inspire the next generation of stargazers, from rocket design workshops to getting hands-on with the centre’s huge telescopes. Look out for the surrounding Kielder Water and Forest Park’s cameo in Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later.
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick
Make magical memories at Alnwick Castle, as seen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, as well as Downton Abbey. If these medieval walls could talk, they’d have over 700 years of stories to tell. Join a free Broomstick Training session in the very spot where Harry enjoyed his first flying lesson. Or stretch out under the stars to enjoy Adventure Cinema’s open-air movie nights.
Northumberland National Park walking trails
Hiking boots at the ready to discover the 1,000km of footpaths that criss-cross the Northumberland National Park. For epic views of the Cheviot Hills and North Sea coastline, tackle the circular Simonside Hills route. To revisit Britain’s Roman past, head to Hadrian’s Wall – said to have inspired George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones.
Get starry eyed in the Lake District National Park
Experience some of Britain’s darkest skies, far from the city lights, in the Lake District. But it’s not all about stargazing here – how does dark sky canoeing or hiking sound?
Cumbria Dark Skies Festival
The nights are getting longer and there’s no better time to get out into nature on a stargazing adventure. The Cumbrian Dark Skies Festival (24 October – 21 November 2025) dazzles with a range of events to help astronomers of all levels discover the beauty of the Lake District skies. Previous editions have included starlit swims in Ullswater, bushcraft cooking and guided trail running.
The Treehouse at Another Place, Ullswater
Experience the heights of The Treehouse at Another Place, on the shores of Ullswater. Offering floor-to-ceiling lake views, an outdoor bath and log burner, the two-bedroom lodge blends contemporary and cosy. It’s even dog-friendly, so pooches can enjoy the Lake District landscapes too. Or, get back to nature in one of Another Place’s Shepherd Huts, complete with stargazing roofs. To experience the area’s stunning dark skies from a whole new perspective, join Another Place’s resident swim coach on Full Moon and Stargazing Night Swims.
Path to Adventure
Sunset doesn’t have to signal the end of the day’s fun. From October to March, explore Coniston Water by moonlight on a Dark Sky Canoeing experience with Path to Adventure. Back on dry land, hardy hikers can climb remote fells and cross stepping stones under the stars on a dark sky walk or learn new skills on a stargazing and spoon-whittling experience.
Hex Pods at Castlerigg Hall, near Keswick
Sleep under the stars in one of Castlerigg Hall’s innovative Hex Pods, each with its own skylight. After a day of adventures in nearby Keswick, guests can sink into the king-size bed and enjoy a celestial show. Four-legged friends are welcome in the Bassenthwaite and Windermere pods, with a fantastic dog exercise area nearby for letting off steam. Look out for the hall’s own furry residents, including rare-breed Ouessant sheep and miniature Mediterranean donkeys.
Forage Box
Funghi, fruit, flowers and foliage are nature’s own pick-and-mix, but identifying what’s safe – and what to steer clear from – can be tricky. So, why not learn the art of foraging from the experts at Forage Box? The three-hour Forage and Nibble sessions will see participants identifying, picking and eating a range of wild species, benefitting from the Lake District’s natural bounty.
Shed One Distillery, Ulverston
Would-be distillers can try their hand at crafting their own gin at Shed One Distillery, home to Make Your Own Spirit experiences. Go behind the scenes at Andy and Zoe Arnold-Bennett’s craft award-winning gin and vodka distillery in Ulverston’s Old Calf Shed on a guided tour – with plenty of tasters along the way. Shed One’s ‘Afternoon G&Tea’ is a delicious way to end the tour, complete with botanical-inspired goodies.
Lakes Distillery, Setmurthy
From grain to glass, the journey to becoming an award-winning whisky is a complex one – as a tour of the state-of-the-art Lakes Distillery reveals. Home to the World’s Best Single Malt 2022 at the 2022 World Whiskies Awards, the distillery showcases the Lake District’s finest flavours in every bottle. The Whisky and Chocolate Pairing Experience is a must-try for the sweet-toothed, while the on-site Bistro also shines the spotlight on spirits with dishes including a gin-cured gravlax open sandwich.
The Yan at Broadrayne Farm, Grasmere
Hearty meals with local produce, served up with family-style hospitality isthe ethos behind The Yan. Here, Lake District lamb is served up in a hearty shepherd’s pie or as Greek-inspired koftas withvegetariangie options too, like caramelised leek tart tatin. Hikers can even pick up a homemade packed lunch to keep them fuelled for a day on the fells.
Taste Cumbria, Cockermouth and Carlisle
Savour the flavours of the Lake District at Taste Cumbria’s mouth-watering, free-to-attend food festivals in Cockermouth (27–28 September 2025) and Carlisle (1–2 November 2025). Watch the region’s finest chefs in action in the demo area and pick up some tasty souvenirs from local producers. Save some room for live music and fairground fun.
Enjoy Wicked views of the South Downs
It may be Britain’s newest National Park, celebrating its 15th birthday in 2025, but the South Downs is steeped in history. It’s also played a leading role in Wicked, thanks to its film-star good looks.
Walking trails near the Seven Sisters Cliffs
Lace up those hiking boots to explore the Seven Sisters Country Park by foot – just like Elphaba does in Wicked, while belting out ‘The Wizard and I’. The country park is criss-crossed by footpaths, the most famous being the South Downs Way National Trail. Stretching between Eastbourne and Winchester, the path takes in the Seven Sisters clifftops, coupled with views across the English Channel.
Watersports with Buzz Active, Cuckmere River
Pick up a paddle for a relaxing ride down the Cuckmere River, which snakes through the Seven Sisters Country Park to the open water. Try canoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding with watersports experts Buzz Active. If the river looks familiar, it’s because it appeared in Wicked when Elphaba and Nessa arrive at Shiz University.
More Wicked experiences
For more magical days out, explore Wicked’s other British filming locations in the south-east of England. Walk along The Ridgeway trail from Wiltshire to Buckinghamshire, finishing at Ivinghoe – where the Wicked village set came to life. Or visit London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre to experience the West End magic of Wicked the Musical, the district’s 10th longest-running production.
Fall head over heels for Mr Darcy’s Peak District National Park
Pride and Prejudice, The Duchess, Death Comes to Pemberley: if a period drama’s being filmed, chances are the Peak District – and especially the majestic Chatsworth House – is involved. There are foodie pleasures aplenty here too: think cosy gastropubs and the origins of the famed Bakewell pudding.
Chatsworth House, near Bakewell
Bursting with the Devonshire family’s treasures, Chatsworth is historic hot property. Highlights of the autumn event calendar include seasonal flower-arranging workshops and the Queen’s Reading Room Festival. Pick up locally produced, seasonal goodies from the Chatsworth Farm Shop, and admire the estate’s autumn colours on a stroll through the grounds.
Buxton Crescent Hotel, Buxton
The spa town of Buxton is brimming with Georgian charm, complete with an elegant crescent that’s straight out of a Jane Austen novel. Wellness treats await at the five-star Ensana Buxton Crescent, where the highlight – quite literally – is the rooftop pool. For a taste of luxury, try the Afternoon Tea Spa Experience, complete with 25-minute treatment of choice.
Peak District Pub Tour, Bakewell
Experience the spirit of the Peak District through its traditional pubs on a luxury coach tour. The adventure begins at Bakewell’s Thornbridge Brewery Taproom, where founders Jim Harrison and Simon Webster have been brewing up a storm since 2005. As well as sampling a choice of beer, wine or spirit and mixer at each pub, guests will be treated to tales of the Peak District’s rich history and culture.
Peak District Walking Experience
There’s no better way to experience the highs (and lows) of the Peak District than on foot, and the expert guides at myGuidedWalks know these landscapes inside out. Join a Mountain Hare Photography Experience to spot the elusive creatures in action or opt for an astrophotography session. Beginner stargazers are welcome, and even more experienced astronomers can learn something new.
The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow
The medieval Blind Bull pub combines history with its modern menus, including treats like salt-baked swede and puy lentils to Palourde clams with nduja, it’s no wonder this watering hole is listed in the Michelin Guide. Spend the night in one of its newly renovated bedrooms, just a short stroll from the restaurant.
Chatsworth Kitchen, Rowsley
Just five minutes from Chatsworth at the Peak Village open-air shopping centre, Chatsworth Kitchen is the ideal spot to refuel after a day in the hills. Try the local take on the pancake, the Derbyshire oatcake, or tuck into a steak sandwich with meat sourced from the nearby Chatsworth Estate. There are plenty of Chatsworth treats for sale too, including homewares inspired by the great house.
