Visitor centres and settlements
Kielder Village was originally created by the Forestry Commission to house workers involved in the creation of Kielder Forest in the 1940's and 50's. It is now home to the Kielder Castle Visitor Centre, a local pub, village shop and two bike hire businesses. There is also a Youth Hostel, a camp site and other B&B style accommodation for those wishing to stay in the area.
Near the centre of the village is the Kielder Salmon Centre where the Environment Agency grows fish to stock rivers and lakes in the north of England.
Kielder Castle is the Forestry Commission's visitor centre in Kielder Water & Forest Park. Formerly a hunting lodge for the Duke of Northumberland, the castle is now home to a variety of exhibitions and the Duke's Pantry tea room. It is also the hub for many different kinds of cycling activities at Kielder.
Hawkhope car park is a good starting point to explore the more remote north shoreline of Kielder Water. Drive across the dam from the C200 and park on the far side.
There are a number of points of interest in this location. The Valve Tower rises out of the lake and between the carpark the water's edge, the reservoir's huge spillway lies hidden.
At the eastern end of the carpark is the site of Waterstones, an anonymous sculpture that commemorates the place where the Queen formally opened the reservoir in 1982.
Visitors wishing to explore the north shore can pick up the start of the Lakeside Way at the far end of the carpark. The Belling peninsula and the Wave Chamber are approximately 1 mile along the path.
Leaplish Waterside Park is Northumbrian Water's main visitor centre in Kielder Water & Forest Park.
With panoramic views of the reservoir, this is the ideal base to recharge and refresh or take part in an action packed day of activities.
Facilities are open to both day visitor and guests and include Mapping minigolf, Play Garden and, along the Beeches walk, Julia Barton's Shadow sculpture.
Tower Knowe Visitor Centre is the first visitor reached by people arriving at Kielder from Bellingham and the east.
.jpg)
This is a great place to discover the area's rich history with a shop, information and an interactive exhibition in the Explore Centre that's also a good way to find out more about Kielder Water & Forest Park, what you can do and where to do it.
Falstone village is a traditional Northumbrian village that is located about 1/2 mile downstream of the dam. Visitors in need of refreshment will find a tea room and local pub close to the centre of the village. Falstone is also the site of the Stell, an artwork in the form of a seat developed by artist Colin Wilbourn and the community of Falstone.
Stannersburn is a small settlement to the side of the C200 about 1/2 mile below the dam and home to one of three pubs located in the immediate Kielder area.
Calvert Trust Kielder provides outdoor activities for people of all abilities and activity taster days are run throughout the year for all day visitors to the Park.