The Observatory Science Centre
Latest Reviews
Enjoyed every moment here today. Would go so far as to say I may prefer here to the Science Museum in London which we are frequent patrons of. The level of interactivity for different scientific topics is brilliant! Will definitely visit again if in the local area. My son has boasted of all the ‘cool science’ he has learned about today.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Really good day out for families with young children. Lots to do and learn. Decent cafe & friendly staff around site. A pity there were lots of unsupervised children roaming around, being territorial on play items, no intention of taking turns and pushing other children out of the way. Would be good if staff could remind parents/carers of the need to supervise their children. Overall, a good place to go to inspire minds!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
After feeling a bit deflated from our Herstmonceux Castle visit we had already bought tickets for the science centre. Wow it is so much fun. Interactive games throughout coupled with the observatory domes make this a fascinating visit for adults and children alike. The talk in Dome E about the telescope and the astronomical domes was brilliant and easy to understand. If you ever get a chance for a visit for an open evening I suggest you take the opportunity to view the stars and planets through these extraordinary telescopes. Well worth the entrance fee on its own. Would definitely revisit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went with an astrophysicist in was riveted by the demos he was riveted by them as was my wife.
What a great place for adults and kids.
An excellent way to spend a few hours productivally.
What a great place for adults and kids.
An excellent way to spend a few hours productivally.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent value for money for tots to oldies
Lots to do and discover (we visit regularly)
Staff are always polite and helpful and knowledgable
Beautiful setting
Lots to do and discover (we visit regularly)
Staff are always polite and helpful and knowledgable
Beautiful setting
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here as part of our day at Herstmonceux Castle. We had a guided tour with an enthusiastic young man called Alex. It was very interesting and whilst not in-depth with astronomical information, it was pitched at the right level for a group of visitors.
There was a chance to visit the exhibition there and we then found the ‘fun’ bit. There was so much to look at, things to do, test your skills, make science interesting. Unfortunately we just didn’t have time to explore it all.
A quick stop in the cafe for a hot chocolate and biscuit before leaving.
Definitely worth a visit for kids big and small.
There was a chance to visit the exhibition there and we then found the ‘fun’ bit. There was so much to look at, things to do, test your skills, make science interesting. Unfortunately we just didn’t have time to explore it all.
A quick stop in the cafe for a hot chocolate and biscuit before leaving.
Definitely worth a visit for kids big and small.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visted here as a family of 3. We were looking for something different to do on our little family break to Eastbourne. This centre is fantastic..our son loved it and why not...the kida can get really interactive and can touch everything...what child wouldnt love that. Yes its an old building so can loom a littlw run down but it doesnt stop the childrens enjoyment and every exibit was in working order. well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On a viosit to Sussex we came across this fascinating place near Herstmonceux Castle. Super exhibitions, knowledgable staff and educational activities for all ages. Suitable for those with mobility difficulties as well.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Combined a visit with Herstmonceux Castle, if doing both you can park at the castle.
The Observatory was very educational/informative and can be enjoyed by adults and children . There is so much to see and do a full day is needed ,
The Observatory was very educational/informative and can be enjoyed by adults and children . There is so much to see and do a full day is needed ,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with children aged from 0-14 and there really was something for everyone! The under 4's went in free and I felt admission prices were extremely reasonable for a full day out.
The younger ones enjoyed the outdoor water zone and sensory exhibits whilst the older ones loved the discovery park and all of the indoor areas.
Everything is so hands on and they were kept busy for 5 hours no problem! The science show was great too.
We arrived at opening time and for about an hour had the outdoor areas pretty much to ourselves so would definitely arrive early again. Nothing was ever too crowded though anyway and we got to see everything despite it being school holidays.
We will absolutely be returning! Thanks for a great day!
The younger ones enjoyed the outdoor water zone and sensory exhibits whilst the older ones loved the discovery park and all of the indoor areas.
Everything is so hands on and they were kept busy for 5 hours no problem! The science show was great too.
We arrived at opening time and for about an hour had the outdoor areas pretty much to ourselves so would definitely arrive early again. Nothing was ever too crowded though anyway and we got to see everything despite it being school holidays.
We will absolutely be returning! Thanks for a great day!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited yesterday with my two children, aged 3 and 5 and had a great day. The science expos and play areas kept them entertained all day (arrived at 10:30 left at 4pm). It was a drizzly day and perfect for popping inside and out to avoid the rain but wouldn't go if it's heavy rain. We ate in the reasonably priced cafe, which served gluten free options including a panini and cake. Highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I love coming here with primary school-age children as there is such a well-presented range of hands-on science exhibits to fascinate and excite them. If you come on a wet day you have to come back again as the outdoor area is so good too. Unfortunately no one is outside to monitor them so if they get overexcited and climb where they're not meant to, or hog their favourite, then it's left up to other parents to step in and try to get access for their own children to have a go. The talk on the telescopes was wonderful but I'm not sure why they would not stipulate an age minimum as most of it was way over the heads of the younger children, but at the end the speaker did a wonderful demonstration with a magnifying glass and the children to show the phenomenon of light turning upside down in a telescope.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We popped in on a very wet bank holiday. The path from the carpark is knee deep in mud and that would not take much effort to sort out. The outdoor activities are great fun and not to be missed by big or small children. Dome F was more about Greenwich and had a stale odour, it felt old. The indoor corridor is full of hands on science activities ideal for a school trip. The cafe was not inviting so take a picnic if the weather is fine as the location is pleasant. We missed the 11 am tour and left before the next one at 2pm.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I booked this venue for my sisters 60th birthday celebration & I’m thrilled I did. It was a Stargazing event in the evening, with our own guide for up to 20 people.
My sister invited 16 friends incl family & we all had a fabulous experience with our knowledgeable astronomer Jarvis & Jo from the Management team who really made it an evening to remember!
The skies unfortunately were not clear that particular evening but Jarvis certainly entertained us & gave us the opportunity to ‘moon gaze’ which was amazing.
Thankyou Jo & Jarvis for an evening none of us will forget.
My sister invited 16 friends incl family & we all had a fabulous experience with our knowledgeable astronomer Jarvis & Jo from the Management team who really made it an evening to remember!
The skies unfortunately were not clear that particular evening but Jarvis certainly entertained us & gave us the opportunity to ‘moon gaze’ which was amazing.
Thankyou Jo & Jarvis for an evening none of us will forget.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The entry price is very reasonable considering what you get for your cash, tons of hands on science things to do and see, and a free tour of the large telescopes and a detailed talk, possible a bit boring for very young children, but informative for those of 8+, we ate in the onsite cafe and the priceprice was very reasonable, will definitely go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the Observatory Science Centre as a family activity day to celebrate a 60th birthday. We were all adults and this trip was arranged in advance.
As suggested by the Science centre staff we arrived at lunchtime to avoid the school visits and had a lovely light lunch in the small cafeteria.
Barry came to collect us and take us on a pre booked tour of the telescopes. We had a very informative and fun session with him. We then had the place almost to ourselves to "play" with the exhibits inside and out. We all had a lovely time even though some of us were not as in to astronomy as the Birthday boy! All the staff at the centre went out of their way to make our visit special.
I wish that I had known about this place when my children were younger as they would have loved running about and trying all the experiments inside and out. I would definitely recommend a visit for adults and children alike. In warmer weather you could possibly picnic on the grassy areas surrounding the Centre ( if this is allowed?). Younger children would need supervising as there is a large lily pond central to the buildings. I think the admission prices were very fair for a family day out.
As suggested by the Science centre staff we arrived at lunchtime to avoid the school visits and had a lovely light lunch in the small cafeteria.
Barry came to collect us and take us on a pre booked tour of the telescopes. We had a very informative and fun session with him. We then had the place almost to ourselves to "play" with the exhibits inside and out. We all had a lovely time even though some of us were not as in to astronomy as the Birthday boy! All the staff at the centre went out of their way to make our visit special.
I wish that I had known about this place when my children were younger as they would have loved running about and trying all the experiments inside and out. I would definitely recommend a visit for adults and children alike. In warmer weather you could possibly picnic on the grassy areas surrounding the Centre ( if this is allowed?). Younger children would need supervising as there is a large lily pond central to the buildings. I think the admission prices were very fair for a family day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lived in Sussex for most of my life, but never made it here before. Definitely looking at coming for a night viewing soon. The staff here are very informative and appear to love their jobs. Jeremy took us on a tour, very knowledgeable and obviously animated about his work - such a pleasure to find someone excited about what they do and it was contagious. Popped into the Megacycle station before we left, for a chat with Stuart. Very interesting talk and happy to show us his crystal radio sets and all sorts of stuff that make me wish I had paid more attention at school :)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I visited the observatory on a rather cold day so we mainly stayed inside and played with the displays, which were great fun, even at our advanced age! We also made use of the cafe, which serves hot drinks and light meals/snacks, which are reasonably priced. Staff who we spoke to were helpful. We will try and visit on one of the evenings when you can look through the telescopes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
having been a few times with family friends and even as a couple, we have all enjoyed our time here.
he place could do with a bit of a revamp, but it is still very good to visit.
the outdoor activities are good in decent weather, but still plenty to do inside if not!!
he place could do with a bit of a revamp, but it is still very good to visit.
the outdoor activities are good in decent weather, but still plenty to do inside if not!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing place for adults and children alike. Fabulous, imaginative facilities to engage children for hours and great value for money. What a gem.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a great day out here, touring the observatories and getting involved in all the fun activities here. The focus is on children around the ages of 6+, but as adults, all four of us still had a good time. The on-site cafe could use some attention and I don't know if return visits would bring anything new. We visited during the winter so the Herstmonceux Castle was unfortunately closed, which would have made it a very packed and interesting day I would think.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great family day out. Plenty of staff or volunteers to explain experiments on site. The telescopes were fascinating and the lecture for children on 'plastics' was perfectly pitched
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was my third visit with my seven year old, and he absolutely loves it here. The science part is very hands on, and specifically directed for children (although I have learnt plenty too). The observatories themselves are more directed to adults and are interesting. This is a great place for a few hours, although it is starting to look a little tired in places, it doesn't take away from the fun that can be had and what can be learnt!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is largely a science centre with many excellent hands-on demonstrations. These will mostly appeal to children. There is also some interpretation of the observatories and telescopes. However I suspect most would be gained by attending one of their many special events. So do look at their schedule before planning a visit. The cafe is very basic but at least it is the source of a warming drink
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The most amazing interactive things to do with your children They learn and have more and more questions.... be prepared to go back to school with them
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
