Not far from Barnard Castle and Brough, visit, learn and see the wonders of the universe under the Dark Skies of County Durham.
Our observatory, based within the north east’s beautiful County Durham countryside, offers you the opportunity to gaze into the vastness and beauty of the universe. Astronomy is something all of us at some point wonder about, so let us guide you to understand the wonders of planets, stars galaxies and beyond at one of our events.
Using high tech instruments and computers in the wonderful observatory and classroom, Gary and his team will take you on a journey that will teach and enthrall, all at the same time.
We welcome you to your universe!
Discover when is the best time to visit Grassholme Observatory.
Sometimes because of cloud cover on the day, you may not be able to view the moon or stars through a telescope, should this be the case your host on the event will advise you. Following on from this you will receive a discount code via email providing a 20% discount on a future booking, taken within 2 months of the event.
Here are some links to contact us with your queries.
If coming from the north, take the B6277 from the A67 at Barnard Castle. Continue along the B6277 towards Mickleton. Turn off left at the western end of the village onto West Pasture Road, signposted Grassholme Reservoir. The main car park is roughly a mile up the road on the right.
If coming from the south, take the B6276 from the A66 at Brough. Continue along the B6276 for 10 miles towards Thringarth. Turn right before reaching Thringarth onto Grassholme Lane, near Selset Reservoir. Turn left onto Kelton Lane and the Grassholme Observatory main car park is roughly a mile up the road on the left.
Find us using sat nav:
DL12 0PW
Grassholme is firmly established as one of the top any method fisheries in the country, with four miles of bank space and many inlets and bays offering a variety of fishing.
There are lots of friendly and inviting options near Grassholme to enjoy a few days away, from hotels and local pubs to B&B’s and self-catering cottages.
Our circular walk is a fantastic way to see all the reservoir and surrounding views, as well as keeping fit and healthy.
Teesdale Sailing Club offers sailing, windsurfing and open water swimming for those who really love to get close to the water.
Most people who own a camera have tried taking pictures of the night sky in some way! Sometimes you get …
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