The Observatory Science Centre
Latest Reviews
A great place to visit
Source: google.com
A great day out for kids and adults alike. Recommended to bring a picnic but cafe food is sold on site.
Lots of interactive science to experiment with and a good education for all.
Lots of interactive science to experiment with and a good education for all.
Source: google.com
Lots of fun interactive and highly educational exhibits that draw children and adults in.
The observatory demonstrations were enlightening and watching the dome in action was a thrill.
The observatory demonstrations were enlightening and watching the dome in action was a thrill.
Source: google.com
(Translated by Google) Fascinating, Mr. Spok would say.
(Original)
Faszinierend würde Mr. Spok sagen.
(Original)
Faszinierend würde Mr. Spok sagen.
Source: google.com
Nice activities for learning
Source: google.com
Lots of interesting experiments to try very hands on good for all ages
Source: google.com
We had a fantastic day, lots of fun interactive learning!
Source: google.com
My kids love this place and always have a fantastic time.
Source: google.com
Will keep the kids entertained for a couple of hours.
Source: google.com
Had a great time here. Very interesting and information is put across for the little ones to understand as well as the adults...
We will return one clear evening to watch the stars at night in the future
We will return one clear evening to watch the stars at night in the future
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I took my son and his friend to the Observatory,they had a great time,lots to see and explore, it's a very interactive place, staff were helpful,food in the little cafe wasn't over priced.. would definitely revisit..
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We live not too far but had never heard of the observatory before, the kids are learning about space and I wanted to find somewhere to take them, so googled local places and it popped up.
We decided to go in the afternoon to explore during the day and return for the open evening. The price we paid for a family ticket was in my opinion exceptionally good value. The kids enjoyed all science aspects inside and out and the talk on the observatory was really fascinating. The evening we didn't stay as long as we wanted due to time constraints but we will defiantly be going back, the experience of watching the observatory open and getting a chance to look at stars, planets and the moon was amazing.
Highly recommended, and to top it off the staff are brilliant
We decided to go in the afternoon to explore during the day and return for the open evening. The price we paid for a family ticket was in my opinion exceptionally good value. The kids enjoyed all science aspects inside and out and the talk on the observatory was really fascinating. The evening we didn't stay as long as we wanted due to time constraints but we will defiantly be going back, the experience of watching the observatory open and getting a chance to look at stars, planets and the moon was amazing.
Highly recommended, and to top it off the staff are brilliant
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the Science center and it was very informative and interactive. Whilst there one of the customers had a special radio and the space center was passing over the site making it possible to hear them talking to school children. If into space etc, would recommend
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not what I expected. I thought it would be quite dry and technical but once you can move all the children out of the way you can have a great time playing on all the experimental machines. Absolutely spell binding for you children. Tons to do and beautifully layed out in a grassed area. Very einteresting guided tour of the telescopes. A great day out if the weather is good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went on Sunday when the weather was awful, wind, rain and cold. But the grandchildren didn't notice the weather, they were fascinated by the water exhibits outside. There was lots to do inside as well, fun and educational. Some of the exhibits and activities are starting to get a bit worn and tatty, but they must get a lot of wear. The talk in the Observatory was interesting, but (as another reviewer mentioned) there weren't enough seats and there were quite a few grandparents who would have liked them. Overall it was a very successful outing, despite the awful weather.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This attraction is housed in the ground of Herstmoncaux Castle. There are lots of activities in the Science Centre to keep children entertained and educated, The grounds are lovely and there is plenty of parking, a tearoom and toilet facilities.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Really enjoyed our visit. It is a very interactive and interesting place for all the family. Lots of hands on science activities to keep children and adults entertained. Would only say take your own pack lunch as cafe is tiny.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting place Ideal for both adults and children. Better on a nice day so you can take a picnic
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We attended the Astronomy Festival over the weekend and had a great time. Staff and organisers were so helpful and friendly. Facilities on site are amazing. The lectures were full of interest from subject experts. A visit to the castle is well worth the walk across the site and down the hill.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came on a lovely sunny day and was hoping for a good day out after reading previous reviews. We were told that it was a special festival time and that meant it was slightly more expensive but it didn’t deter us at all.
We looked around, read, played and tried out all the sections of the observatory and loved it. There was something for all of us and we were all very entertained.
The outside areas were great too and once again we all got involved and it kept us engaged the whole visit.
All the staff were really friendly and very knowledgeable.
My son loved seeing the storm troopers and they happily chatted to him whenever we passed them.
Parking was easy and the cafe was not overpriced. We took a picnic and there was plenty of seating around to enjoy the view.
We would definitely recommend it for any age group to enjoy.
We looked around, read, played and tried out all the sections of the observatory and loved it. There was something for all of us and we were all very entertained.
The outside areas were great too and once again we all got involved and it kept us engaged the whole visit.
All the staff were really friendly and very knowledgeable.
My son loved seeing the storm troopers and they happily chatted to him whenever we passed them.
Parking was easy and the cafe was not overpriced. We took a picnic and there was plenty of seating around to enjoy the view.
We would definitely recommend it for any age group to enjoy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took our two grandsons, aged 7 and 10, here for the day and what a great success it was. There were lots of hands on and fun activities inside and out including a Discovery Park which had lots of large structures to play on or with, one example being a DNA strand. We also enjoyed a talk about the observatory which the 10 year old enjoyed but which was probably too long for the 7 year. (Due to insufficient seats we sat on the floor.) There is a small cafe but fortunately we took a picnic for the boys because the choice of food was limited. There are picnic tables and benches outside. I can't recommend the centre enough and would certainly visit again; the boys haven't stopped talking about it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited for a day as we had some vouchers from the local airshow which gave a very good discount. We have heard people talk about it but had yet to visit. I was skeptical with a 4 and 6 year old. I thought it would bore them. How wrong I was. We spent almost 6 hours here. The interactive nature of the centre made it so enjoyable. The outdoor space was fantastic and it made a fun day of learning for all of us. The staff were all amazing. Very helpful and friendly. This si a really lovely day out, so make the effort and visit. There is free parking and the cafe is managed by the centre and wasn't too expensive. We all loved it and are already planning our next visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Ben before but many years ago, this was a wonderful experience, we were going to the Castle but sadly arrived too late for the last guided tour, 13:00hrs. Decided by chance to visit the Observatory with my children. It was great we had a picnic, did the free guided tour and the children enjoyed the many hands on displays. Closes at 6pm so you can have a fill day, free parking and a cafe. Entry is reasonable and the staff are all friendly and welcoming. I think we did not see everything and will return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were on our way for a family break but were too early to check in so popped here for the afternoon.
The children all loved it, very good mixture of science based knowledge made into interactive games that the children loved.
The telescopes in the observatory was good and the talk very informative and aimed at just the right level. When the roof was opened the kids were loving it!
The children all loved it, very good mixture of science based knowledge made into interactive games that the children loved.
The telescopes in the observatory was good and the talk very informative and aimed at just the right level. When the roof was opened the kids were loving it!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There are many praiseworthy features of the centre, but the first must be the marvellous body of knowledge which is transferred effortlessly to children and adults of all ages through brilliant interactive installations, displays, and demonstrations. Add to that the lovely location in the Sussex countryside, the buildings, grounds, and telescopes with everything in more or less working order and more or less how it always has been, a living museum. And the admission prices are very reasonable.
It was great to find they use students to give some of the talks and demonstrations, but I feel they should expend some effort in training them in teaching techniques and how best and more appropriately to address audiences. Also, I think the centre is let down by the catering. I’m sure it’s no fault of the staff, who tried their best, but the facilities need a face-lift, and the food offering needs to be improved.
But these are minor complaints compared to the excitement and enjoyment experienced on the day. We’ve already promised our granddaughter (7) a return visit, and I’m really looking forward to it.
Two cautionary notes –
When looking on the internet, go onto the Observatory Science Centre Website, rather than the Herstmonceux Castle.
If you follow your satnav you may find yourself taken to the castle. Be aware that the science centre is some distance away from the castle at the other end of the grounds, and accessed through its own separate entrance.
It was great to find they use students to give some of the talks and demonstrations, but I feel they should expend some effort in training them in teaching techniques and how best and more appropriately to address audiences. Also, I think the centre is let down by the catering. I’m sure it’s no fault of the staff, who tried their best, but the facilities need a face-lift, and the food offering needs to be improved.
But these are minor complaints compared to the excitement and enjoyment experienced on the day. We’ve already promised our granddaughter (7) a return visit, and I’m really looking forward to it.
Two cautionary notes –
When looking on the internet, go onto the Observatory Science Centre Website, rather than the Herstmonceux Castle.
If you follow your satnav you may find yourself taken to the castle. Be aware that the science centre is some distance away from the castle at the other end of the grounds, and accessed through its own separate entrance.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
