Hundreds of children to discover Northumberland’s coast and dark skies with residential stays

More than 300 children from Newcastle and Gateshead will experience the Northumberland coast and its internationally recognised dark skies this autumn through a series of overnight educational residentials. 

The Under the Night Sky Residentials programme will deliver ten overnight stays between October and November 2026 for Year 5 and Year 6 pupils from Newcastle and Gateshead schools, helping more children experience the coast, nature and dark skies through an overnight stay. 

The programme has been designed to help children connect with nature, wildlife, local heritage and the night sky through hands-on outdoor learning experiences. 

Based at Seahouses Hostel, the residentials combine outdoor learning with memorable coastal experiences, including a traditional fish and chip supper at the Beach House Hotel in Seahouses, a staple of any trip to the seaside. 

Accessibility has been a key consideration, with one residential specifically adapted for a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) group. Activities have been modified to ensure all participants can fully engage with and enjoy the experience. 

Throughout their stay, children will take part in a varied programme of activities, including beach litter-picking and beach art sessions with Ranger Jane, stargazing experiences led by Astro Ventures, the Bamburgh Bones heritage activity delivered by Northumberland Coast National Landscape, and shorebird-themed wildlife sessions with Space for Shorebirds. 

The residentials form part of the Northumberland Coast National Landscape Dark Skies Project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, the project is conserving the area's night skies and helping more people discover the wildlife, heritage and landscapes that come to life after dark.

Theia Batchelor, Dark Skies Project Officer for Northumberland Coast National Landscape, said: "For many of the children taking part, this residential will be their first experience of both the Northumberland coast and a truly dark night sky. We want to inspire a sense of wonder about the natural world, whether that's discovering wildlife on the beach, learning about our coastal heritage, or looking up to see thousands of stars above them. We hope these experiences create lasting memories and help young people understand why our landscapes and dark skies are so special and worth protecting." 

Organisers hope the experience will spark a lasting interest in nature, wildlife and the night sky long after the trip has ended.