Kelling Heath Holiday Park, renowned as one of the best places in England to discover the dark welcomes astronomers for its upcoming Autumn Equinox Star Party (20th – 27th September) and Winterfest (24th – 28th November 2022).

Accredited as a 'Dark Sky Discovery Site' in 2017, Kelling Heath boasts the highest 'two star' site accolade as seven stars of the Orion constellation and the Milky Way are visible to the naked eye from the Park. Kelling Heath is one of only five Dark Sky Discovery sites in Norfolk.

For 2022, 10 premium pitches within the Yellow Dragonfly touring field have been designated as exclusively for astronomers*. These dedicated pitches are perfect for stargazers as they are hidden in a secluded and sheltered part of the Park.  

Lucy Cook, Marketing Manager at Kelling Heath says: “We are pleased to welcome more astronomers throughout the year and look forward to building our offering to support stargazing in Norfolk. “We look forward to welcoming stargazers for many years to come.”

The British Astronomical Association's Commission for Dark Skies commended Kelling Heath for its commitment to educating guests and its work in protecting the areas dark skies, leading them to receive a Good Lighting Award in 2019. The Park provides stargazing information for guests and Holiday Homeowners including leaflets, a dedicated website section and new interpretation boards at its Dark Sky Discovery Site area on Park.

Michael Timewell, Director of Blue Sky Leisure, who owns Kelling Heath Holiday Park, said: “Kelling Heath gives many guests their first true dark skies experience. The excitement and wonder you see on the faces of those experiencing the majesty of the night sky at our star parties is something that will never get old.”

“We pride ourselves conserving the natural environment at Kelling Heath, and part of that is achieved by helping our guests make the most of the natural landscape around them in a responsible way – this includes how they interact with the dark skies on Park. Our Countryside Team continue to provide guests with educational talks and dedicated events to help them immerse themselves in the Park's stunning natural surroundings.”

The next stargazing events at Kelling Heath will be the annual Autumn Equinox Star Party on 20th – 27th September and Winterfest (24th – 28th November 2022).

To find out more about Kelling Heath Holiday Park please visit: www.kellingheath.co.uk

-ENDS-

For media enquiries and image requests please contact Hayley Musson, PR Account Manager at hayleym@thissrl.co.uk

Notes to editors

Kelling Heath joins a network of around 150 accredited Dark Sky sites throughout the UK - and along with Wiveton Downs in north Norfolk they become only the second and third such sites in Norfolk to be listed (the first was in Great Ellingham, near Attleborough).

The designation comes from the Dark Sky Discovery partnership, led by the UK's Science and Technology Facilities Council, which includes the Royal Astronomical Society and the Institute of Physics amongst its members.

For upcoming star parties, the premium pitches 165-176 are located in a popular stargazing area of the Park, which is secluded and sheltered, away from the middle of the campsite and close to the facilities building.

During the dedicated Star Parties at Kelling Heath, these pitches will automatically be reserved for attendees of the events.

Pitches are available excluding peak periods specified below. During the Winter period, between the start of September and end of May (excludes the Park's closed period mid Dec-mid Feb), these pitches will be reserved for astronomers.

During the peak summer period from the end of May to the start of September when the night sky is less ideal for observing, these pitches will be open to any staying guests at full price and will carry additional T&C's regarding the considerations they should adopt to assist themselves and others observing the night sky.

Any astronomers wishing to book these pitches outside of the Star Parties will be granted a discount off the pitch price only (excluding extras) by quoting a specific code. Bookings for these pitches can only be made via calling the Reservations Team on 01263 588181.

About Kelling Heath Holiday Park

Set amongst 300 acres of woodland and rare open heathland in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty not far from the North Norfolk coast, Kelling Heath offers holiday rental accommodation surrounded by nature. Guests can stay in Kelling Heath's impressive woodland lodges, a luxury holiday home, or in a touring caravan or tent.

Kelling Heath is unique amongst the holiday parks of Britain with an on-site Countryside Team dedicated to caring for its special natural environment and running a programme of educational activities for guests to enjoy.

Kelling Heath is blessed with a high-quality habitat that the park protects and enhances which benefits guests and the local wildlife. Kelling Heath is proud to be home to conservation projects for red squirrels and is home to an established bat population.

Kelling Heath is dedicated to the protection and sound management of the wider environment in East Anglia. All new build and refurbishment plans carried out include environmentally friendly initiatives and are planned with sustainability in mind.

For more information visit www.kellingheath.co.uk

Blue Sky Leisure

Blue Sky Leisure is owned by the Timewell family which has operated holiday parks in Norfolk for over forty years.

The company operates under the premier brand of Blue Sky Leisure with divisional trading businesses of Blue Sky Homes, Kelling Heath and Woodhill. 

The registered name of the company is Timewell Properties Limited.

For more information visit www.blueskyleisure.co.uk/