The Observatory Science CentreThe Observatory Science Centre

The Observatory Science Centre is one of the leading "hands-on" science centres with over 100 exhibits. As the former home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory, with its domes and telescopes, visitors can savour the unique atmosphere of a site where astronomers studied the heavens from 1950s to 1980s.

Explore science on a grand scale at our outside Discovery Park. Set amid beautiful countryside, the green domes provide an exciting environment with plenty of picnic space and wheelchair access.

View key to symbolskeyAccepts groups Baby changing facilities Coach parties accepted Credit cards accepted (no fee) Disabled access Disabled toilets Education/study area Facilities for conferencing Facilities for corporate hospitality Facilities for educational visits Facilities for groups Gift shop On-site catering On-site light refreshments Picnic site Public toilets Regional Tourist Board Member Wheelchairs available Children welcomeDisabled accessDogs not accepted (except guidedogs)Smoking not allowed

Prices


The Observatory Science Centre reserves the right to alter admission charges without prior notice.
With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid
Adult £8.80 £8.00
Child (4-16 yrs) £6.60 £6.00
Senior £6.90 £6.25
Family of 4 £27.20 £24.70
Maximum 2 Adults i.e. 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children
Family of 5 £31.00 £28.15
Maximum 2 Adults i.e. 2 adults + 3 children or 1 adult + 4 children
Members FREE FREE
Carers (ID required) FREE FREE

Opening details

Season Dates and Opening Hours
Season Dates Opening Hours
Mon 1 Apr 2013 - Mon 30 Sep 2013 Mon - Sun 10:00 to 18:00
Tue 1 Oct 2013 - Sun 1 Dec 2013 Mon - Sun 10:00 to 17:00
Sat 7, Sun 8 Dec 2013 Sat - Sun 10:00 to 17:00
Notes ATES 2013
The Centre is open every day from Saturday 26th January to Sunday 1st December 2013
Plus weekends of 12th / 13th, 19th / 20th January and 7th /8th December.


TIMES
10 am - 5 pm
January / February / March and October / November / December
10 am - 6 pm
April / May / June / July / August / September

Last admission 2 hours before closing
   
The Observatory Science Centre
The Observatory Science Centre,Herstmonceux,Sussex
 
 

Contact

Pat Isteed
Tel: 01323 832731
View the The Observatory Science Centre websitewww.the-observatory.org
Send this link to a friendemail a friend

Venue

The Observatory Science Centre

Herstmonceux Castle, Herstmonceux, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1RN

View the The Observatory Science Centre websitewww.the-observatory.org

See location of The Observatory Science Centre on Google maps.See location on Google maps.    

Map reference: TQ 646103  Lat: 49.90915  Long: -0.53605


Signposted from A272 Road at Herstmonceux two miles east of village on Boreham Street to Pevensey road. Look for sign to Herstmonceux Castle on A271 or A27

Parking : free

Self-assessed Accessibility Information

Also at this venue

The Cafe at The Observatory Science CentreThe Cafe at The Observatory Science Centre
Cuckmere Community Bus to and from The ObservatoryCuckmere Community Bus to and from The Observatory

Events at this venue

Select event title for details
date event
Mon 27 May 2013 Zany Zone of Experiments at the Observatory
Tue 28 May 2013 What's Up With The Weather Half Day Workshops
Wed 29 May 2013 Car Power Half Day Workshop
Sat 13 Jul 2013 An Evening with the Herschel Ensemble
Mon 29 Jul 2013 Zany Zone of Experiments at the Observatory
Mon 5 Aug 2013 Zany Zone of Experiments at the Observatory
Tue 6 Aug 2013 'Rocketry' half day workshops
Wed 7 Aug 2013 Paper Making half day workshops
Fri 9 Aug 2013 Open evenings
Sat 10 Aug 2013 Perseids Shooting star Evening
Mon 12 Aug 2013 Zany Zone of Experiments at the Observatory
Tue 13 Aug 2013 'The Family of the Sun' half day workshops
Wed 14 Aug 2013 Sporty Science half day workshop
Thu 15 Aug 2013 Bug Hunt half day workshops
Mon 19 Aug 2013 Zany Zone of Experiments at the Observatory
Tue 20 Aug 2013 'Cool Chemistry' full day workshop
Wed 21 Aug 2013 'Captivating Chemistry' full day workshop
Thu 22 Aug 2013 'K'NEX Construction' half-day workshops
Fri 6 - Sun 8 Sep 2013 Astronomy Festival at the Observatory
Sat 21 Sep 2013 Open evenings
Sat 26 Oct 2013 Family Open Evening
Mon 28 Oct 2013 Zany Zone of Experiments at the Observatory
Tue 29 Oct 2013 'Eyes on the Universe' half day workshops
Wed 30 Oct 2013 Twilight Special 'Earth and Beyond' full day works
Fri 1 Nov 2013 Open evenings
Fri 8 Nov 2013 Open evenings
Sat 9 Nov 2013 Comets and Curry
Sat 23 Nov 2013 Open evenings
Fri 13 Dec 2013 Open evenings

Self-assessed accessibility details

Parking

  • Designated parking for guests with disabilities
  • The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
  • is solid

  • special accessibility entrance

  • Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
  • The route from the parking area to the entrance:
  • Has a ramp

Public Areas

  • Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
  • From the entrance to reception / ticket area
  • To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
  • To the gift shop
  • Good contrast between the floor and walls
  • Contrast markings on clear surfaces such as glass doors
  • Baby changing facilities

Food

  • Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift to cafeteria
  • Good contrast between the floor and walls
  • Restaurant / cafe provide meals for visitors with special dietary requirements:
  • Vegetarian
  • High chairs for children
  • Children's menu

General

  • Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
  • Good colour/tonal contrast for visually impaired visitors
  • Wheelchairs provided
  • Free
  • Displays at suitable height for wheelchair users / children
  • Audible alarm system

Notes

  • As an historic site, accessibility is very limited, especially where the telescope domes are concerned. It is provided wherever possible.
    In the cafe as much help as possible is given with dietary requirements.
    There is a special entrance with a ramp for the disabled as the main entrance is difficult.