The Observatory Science Centre
Latest Reviews
The old royal observatory with very large telescopes, sooooo many hands on attractions. Informative displays, a park to play in or lots of inside activities if it's wet.
In the grounds of Herstmonceaux castle if you fancy a visit which is national trust.
Worth every penny !
In the grounds of Herstmonceaux castle if you fancy a visit which is national trust.
Worth every penny !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Got tired of explaining stuff to the kids. Let them go here and learn whilst playing. Really worth going when they have an event on to get the best value. Take a picnic and enjoy the car park in a field. Would love to go back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a lovely family time. Lots of activities for kids as well as lots of interesting things to learn for all ages. Recommend for a day out with family.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Main science area well curated, with volunteer talk at intervals.
Giant play area for kids. Surprisingly good.
Giant play area for kids. Surprisingly good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I'd go so far as to say this is better than the Science Museum in London. There are more hands-on activities here and we spent a very happy 5 hours here with a 4 and 6 year old entertained throughout.
There are lots of great activities outside involving water and sound, climbing and rolling. Everything has a scientific, educational angle but from a child's perspective, it's just a really brilliant and unique playground with lots to turn and climb and plenty of space to run around.
Inside, there are lots and lots of hands-on activities involving electricity, building, understanding the planets etc. There are wheels to turn, buttons to push, things to sit on as they rise up due to the power of a vacuum and so on.
We also attended one of the talks inside one of the telescope domes which was fascinating. It was great when the roof was opened and spun around. The guy giving the talk - Callum - was brilliant at answering the kids' questions and explaining complex ideas to the young audience.
The sandwiches were really tasty too!
Highly recommended.
There are lots of great activities outside involving water and sound, climbing and rolling. Everything has a scientific, educational angle but from a child's perspective, it's just a really brilliant and unique playground with lots to turn and climb and plenty of space to run around.
Inside, there are lots and lots of hands-on activities involving electricity, building, understanding the planets etc. There are wheels to turn, buttons to push, things to sit on as they rise up due to the power of a vacuum and so on.
We also attended one of the talks inside one of the telescope domes which was fascinating. It was great when the roof was opened and spun around. The guy giving the talk - Callum - was brilliant at answering the kids' questions and explaining complex ideas to the young audience.
The sandwiches were really tasty too!
Highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were a group of 40 doing car treasure hunt. Ended up at the Science Centre, didn't know what to expect. However, found it very interesting with lots of touchy type of displays, ideal for both young and old. Did the tour of the two telescopes and found this very interesting with Jo our guide, who managed to keep it all very simple so everybody could enjoy the visit.
The cafe was a little disappointing, although plenty of tea & coffe but food was a little sparse, which was a shame as we arrived at around 1300 and would have taken some lunch there.
The cafe was a little disappointing, although plenty of tea & coffe but food was a little sparse, which was a shame as we arrived at around 1300 and would have taken some lunch there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Aimed at educational visits for families, this relatively small site provides lots of interactive displays and a range of experiences indoors and out. Much of it is designed for children to experience, but one of the domes is more focussed on the history of astronomy and the site.
It's a shame there isn't a planetarium or a chance to see one of the telescopes moving, but it's an interesting site and presents its history well.
We thought some of the displays really needed a clean, but with so much 'hands on' material for children, things inevitably get hard use.
The castle grounds are a separate experience.
It's a shame there isn't a planetarium or a chance to see one of the telescopes moving, but it's an interesting site and presents its history well.
We thought some of the displays really needed a clean, but with so much 'hands on' material for children, things inevitably get hard use.
The castle grounds are a separate experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This would be a great place to take children there is so much for them to try out. It is well set out and informative. There were no children there when we visited but all the adults were having a great time using all the equipment. It covers space, the planets, magnets and so much more. Also there are the Greenwich observatory telescopes from before they moved to Cambridge and the Canaries. There are talk and activities there too. Combine this with a visit to the castle and you can be there a whole day... we were.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went to visit as my partner is interested in astronomy. However I enjoyed it as well. Lovely people who know there stuff. It all looks like a James Bond set.
Lots of great experiments to play with. My sons would have loved it.
Nice a complement to the castle and gardens, you get a discount for both attractions.
Lots of great experiments to play with. My sons would have loved it.
Nice a complement to the castle and gardens, you get a discount for both attractions.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the national observatory which moved down from Greenwich after the second world war. There is obviously an emphasis on astrophysics however the interactive science games are what make this special. Similar in quality and number of games to the 'launch pad' at the science museum in London (but with less crowds). This attraction was both informative and great fun, my kids of 8 & 11 have been twice this month!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a very intetesting place, children and adults will both enjoy a visit. The children will find loads of interesting things to play with and discover and the adults would find the history, purpose and architecture quite unlike any other place. It is an excellent use of a building which could have very easily been left to decay when it closed 25 or so years ago. Possibly better on a dry day due to the outside stuff- the only negative thing I can think of is: when we visited the cafe was a bit basic and possibly not making full potential of its hungry visiters, maybe there's a reason for that or maybe it's been improved by now, anyway great place- give it a go.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Some great experiments highlighting some great physics principles that can be enjoyed at various levels for all ages. The outdoor activities are great. My 5 year old and 22 year old friend were both loving it. We came back in the evening for the star gazing - unfortunately the weather could have been more cooperative, but the staff were very enthusiastic. We will be back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent a lovely day here, lots of interesting things for kids to do in a really unique setting. The weather was lovely so we spent most of the days outside, the Discovery Park was a big hit, but there were lots of things inside to do too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Myself and my partner visited here on Sunday 28th august. We are both in our 20's, we had so much fun! It was extremely hot that day but thanks to the ice creams in the cafe we were fine :) this is the second time I have been and I will be coming back with my 5 year old!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a lovely retro type science centre. There are not fancy hi tech activities but loads of interactive and interesting experiences for all ages. The show was ok and aimed at younger kids (younger than 9 or 10). The telescope tour was not very engaging for kids at all and while nominally interesting was the part of our visit we least enjoyed.
Definitely worth a couple of hours visit if you're in the area.
Definitely worth a couple of hours visit if you're in the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with family, including grandchildren aged 5 and 8. Weather was a bit miserable so we spent limited time outside and inside was a bit crowded - but we had a really fabulous time, lots to do and see and of interest to wide age range. Just so much to see and participate in - definitely need to go again - and the supporting info pitched well for children - informative, interesting and not patronising.
Definitely recommend and hopefully it will inspire some budding scientist of the future
Definitely recommend and hopefully it will inspire some budding scientist of the future
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here on Bank Holiday Monday when, we were told, it was unusually quiet due to the medieval fair taking place at the castle. The entrance price was reasonable and children 3 and under go free. The site is well laid out with a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities. It's absolutely perfect for children (as well as adults) as all the exhibits / experiments are hands on - no "do not touch" signs here! Although the site used to be a star-gazing observatory, the exhibitions cover a wide range of scientific topics such as volcanoes and earthquakes, magnetism, light, electricity, motion etc.
The science talks held throughout the day and announced on a tannoy system through the centre were easy to understand and presented by people who wanted to make their topic engaging and accessible for everyone - children included. The inclusion of experiments that frothed, changed colour, involved setting light to things and creating lightening all added to the excitement factor for the children.
The canteen is reasonably priced and has a small but sufficient range of items for sale. Picnics are welcome and there are table set outside if you choose to bring your own lunch.
We didn't do the observatory tower tours due to lack of time - the other areas proved too interesting and were visited repeatedly - but this gives us a good reason to come back again which we certainly will do.
The science talks held throughout the day and announced on a tannoy system through the centre were easy to understand and presented by people who wanted to make their topic engaging and accessible for everyone - children included. The inclusion of experiments that frothed, changed colour, involved setting light to things and creating lightening all added to the excitement factor for the children.
The canteen is reasonably priced and has a small but sufficient range of items for sale. Picnics are welcome and there are table set outside if you choose to bring your own lunch.
We didn't do the observatory tower tours due to lack of time - the other areas proved too interesting and were visited repeatedly - but this gives us a good reason to come back again which we certainly will do.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not too expensive and lots of activities for all ages and very educational also. Great time for the whole family from 5 to 75.
Best to go when it is dry and warm since there are great outdoor acticities.
Best to go when it is dry and warm since there are great outdoor acticities.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was a great family day out, lots things to see and do suitable for all ages we had an 8 year old boy and a 14 year old girl, you can take a picnic or eat in the cafe, limited choice but enough.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took my children here twice threw the holidays they loved it, there's so much to do every part is child friendly. And they loved watching the science show. Would highly recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I've visited before but not since having a family of my own. It was a joy to see my science-mad 5 year old revelling in all that this fantastic place has to offer.
The whole site is full of things to do - no 'look but don't touch' learning here. I've been to many interactive science museums including London's own many times, but this is my favourite.
It combines practical fun with scientific heritage and all in a wondrous setting.
Don't visit Sussex without including this place. I'd love to bring my son to an astronomy evening when he's a bit older.
The whole site is full of things to do - no 'look but don't touch' learning here. I've been to many interactive science museums including London's own many times, but this is my favourite.
It combines practical fun with scientific heritage and all in a wondrous setting.
Don't visit Sussex without including this place. I'd love to bring my son to an astronomy evening when he's a bit older.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I wish we lived near here.
We visited with:
A Three year old
Seven adults ranging in age 31 to 83. One of whom is a secondary science teacher.
Everyone loved it.
The building itself is great and really interesting to see the telescopes and learn the history of the site.
The exhibits are fantastic too - my young daughter loves the outside water experiment areas, and all the levers and pulleys inside. And of course the discovery playground area outside. It's so wonderfully hands on and engaging. I can imagine children get something from this whatever their age.
The grown ups loved it too, especially the outdoors discovery area, electronics exhibits and solar system exhibits.
My husband did a tour and said it was one of the best he's ever been in led by a really knowledgable and engaging guide (the principle astronomer I believe).
We had a great treat as happened upon the principle astronomer outside with a telescope to look at the sun, so we all had the chance to look through this and see a solar flare. He explained things really well, to all members of our group with different knowledge, age etc!
A welcome coffee shop on site too, we got hot drinks and fruit, so can't comment on any other fruit.
We will be returning
We visited with:
A Three year old
Seven adults ranging in age 31 to 83. One of whom is a secondary science teacher.
Everyone loved it.
The building itself is great and really interesting to see the telescopes and learn the history of the site.
The exhibits are fantastic too - my young daughter loves the outside water experiment areas, and all the levers and pulleys inside. And of course the discovery playground area outside. It's so wonderfully hands on and engaging. I can imagine children get something from this whatever their age.
The grown ups loved it too, especially the outdoors discovery area, electronics exhibits and solar system exhibits.
My husband did a tour and said it was one of the best he's ever been in led by a really knowledgable and engaging guide (the principle astronomer I believe).
We had a great treat as happened upon the principle astronomer outside with a telescope to look at the sun, so we all had the chance to look through this and see a solar flare. He explained things really well, to all members of our group with different knowledge, age etc!
A welcome coffee shop on site too, we got hot drinks and fruit, so can't comment on any other fruit.
We will be returning
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with 7 year old granddaughter who had "an absolutely brilliant day" - her words. Lots of hands on exhibits and brilliant talk in pop up planetarium. Lots to do in Discovery Park. And all at a very reasonable price.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with our sons, so much to see and everything very much hands on which is great for young and old! Sons had both been before on school trip and wanted to go back! Great.....
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Two 20-somethings and a 14 year-old all found something to keep them amused on a combined visit with the castle grounds.
The older visitor (me) did too and especially the talk about the telescopes and opening up of the roof was well good.
£47.50 for three adults 1 child (combined entry to the castle grounds.
Plenty to do and see. I reckon a fun time for all.
The older visitor (me) did too and especially the talk about the telescopes and opening up of the roof was well good.
£47.50 for three adults 1 child (combined entry to the castle grounds.
Plenty to do and see. I reckon a fun time for all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
