Astronomy on Park

As a ‘two star’ Dark Sky Discovery Site, we are an ideal destination for your next cosmic adventure.

Each year we invite both budding amateurs and professional Astronomers to the Park to marvel at the wonder of the cosmos. Twice a year we host a Star Party.

The longer nights start to return in the Autumn and some of this year’s highlights to look out for in the night sky are,

  • The Milky Way stretching across the whole sky. Due to increasing light pollution this beautiful view is now only visible from darks sites such as Kelling Heath .
  • A feast of planets with Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all well placed for observing.
  • Our closest galactic neighbour, the Andromeda Galaxy high overhead and a perfect target for binoculars and smaller telescopes.
  • The iconic constellation of Orion rising majestically in the early hours of the morning.

Our secluded touring & camping fields offer an array of large pitches for tents and motorhomes and for those looking for an extra dose of comfort, guests can sit out on the decking on one of the Woodland Lodges or Luxury Holiday Homes to catch a glance of Norfolk’s celestial events framed by the towering trees of the Park’s woodland.

By day, you can unwind in the Health & Fitness Club or explore the area by navigating the miles of trails which traverse the Park. Those wishing to head further afield can discover the stunning North Norfolk coastline by following the Norfolk Coastal Path – stretching 84 miles between Hunstanton and Hopton-on-Sea – before returning to the comfort of their accommodation for another night beneath the stars.

Refuel in Brackens café or the Terrace Restaurant or stock up on supplies for those late night viewings from the Village Store.

For more information on amateur astronomy, visit The British Astronomical Association at https://britastro.org/

Star Parties

Dining on Park (2)

Autumn

The next event at Kelling Heath Holiday Park is the LAS Autumn Equinox Sky Camp on 9-16th October 2023.

The largest Equinox Sky Camp in the UK, where groups of amateur to professional Astronomers meet up to observe the dark sky at Kelling Heath on the North Norfolk coast.

All three touring fields are exclusively used for the event to ensure astronomers get the best experience. The Park operates a strict ‘no lights’ policy in the touring areas for the duration of the event.

Although run over several days, the main event is held on the Saturday, with trade stands (and equipment demonstrations), and series of talks in the afternoon.

For more information of the event, see Loughton A.S. Skycamp website https://las-skycamp.org/

Anyone attending the event and wishing to book a pitch can receive a special rate per pitch for the event period (excludes any extras). Simply call the Park’s reservations team on 01263 588181 and state your attendance for the Sky Camp.
Kelling Heath also have beautiful Woodland Lodges and Holiday Homes to hire.

Dining on Park

Spring

The following Star Party takes place in Spring,  5th-12th March 2024.

 

With thanks to Mark Jagger, Keith Venables, Brian Boggenpoel and Andy Gannon for wording and photos