£100 or less: Kielder Water & Forest Park, England Published Sept. 12, 2014 By Tech. Sgt. Eric Burks 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Last year, when I received notification of my pending assignment to RAF Lakenheath, I immediately began thinking of the potential to travel and explore Europe -- something I've wanted to do since enlisting in the Air Force. I had visions of enjoying gourmet cuisine at restaurants in Paris, backpacking through the Swiss Alps, and sunbathing on the Mediterranean shores of Greece and Italy. While these early pre-conceived vacations are still within the realm of possibility, I quickly realized after arriving on station such trips could be somewhat expensive. After combining accommodation and transportation expenses, and taking into account the value of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and British Pound Sterling, planning even a short weekend trip can seem cost-prohibitive. However, I've since discovered there are many other things to see and do here on a more conservative budget. This series of articles will focus on off-base travel opportunities where total expenses can be £100 or less. Last weekend, my destination was Kielder Water & Forest Park -- situated close to the border of England and Scotland. Home to northern Europe's largest man-made lake and England's largest forest, according to the park website, Kielder offers a variety of outdoor experiences. I was most interested in one of the nocturnal features of the park: the Kielder Observatory. The Kielder Water & Forest Park and Northumberland National Park were granted dark-sky status by the International Dark Skies Association in 2013, according to a BBC release. At the heart of the park, Kielder Observatory features some of the darkest skies in the world, according to the observatory website. Throughout the year, a variety of events are open to the public. I decided to sign up for a late-night astro photography workshop. The class cost £15, and I planned to stay in Bellingham, on the park's eastern border. There are many accommodation options in the area, from a bare-bones tent campsite at £6 per night to hostels and hotels. I opted for a £14 campsite with access to electricity, Wi-Fi, and shower facilities. Along the way to Bellingham I had the opportunity to visit a very small section of Hadrian's Wall, built nearly 2,000 years ago to protect the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. What remains of the wall stretches across 73 miles in northern England and is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site. That afternoon, I explored the town, which had parks, river trails, shops and many dining options. Later that evening I arrived at the observatory. The workshop provided an opportunity to view -- and photograph -- the moon, star clusters, and several galaxies, through two high-powered telescopes. The next morning, I decided to explore by walking a forest trail and then took the Forest Drive -- a 12-mile scenic bypass and toll road that costs £3 -- out of the park. By the time I arrived home Sunday evening I had travelled just over 550 miles and spent very close to my £100 limit. The workshop, campsite, and parking/toll fees were fairly inexpensive, coming to a total of £33.50. I spent about £20 on meals, but £40 on gas -- the downside to any trip more than about 300 miles, round-trip, from base. The highlight of the trip was the evening at the observatory, but it was also great to get out and explore the rest of the park during daylight. An added bonus was the short stop to Hadrian's Wall for a glimpse into ancient history. Location: Kielder Water & Forest Park Expenses: Parking: in designated areas, £1.50 per hour or £4 per day. Tolls: £3 for Forest Drive. Lodging: can vary from £6 to £100+ per night. Food: also varies, depending on how much you bring along and where you choose to eat. Transportation: Also varies, depending on vehicle fuel economy and round-trip distance - expect to spend at least £50. Recommended items to bring: Warm clothes and flashlight if planning to camp or visit the observatory in evening hours; sunscreen if planning to spend much time outside during day hours; food/snacks from home if planning to minimize meal expenses. Editor's note: This is the first article in a series about travel opportunities in and around the United Kingdom on a budget of £100 or less. No federal endorsement is intended or implied for any of the events or places described. If you have a suggestion for an event or destination, or want to share one of your own adventures, email the Public Affairs office at 48FW.PA@us.af.mil