The Observatory Science Centre
Latest Reviews
Visited this week for the first time and really enjoyed it even as a group of adults. The talks were fun and informative, wish I'd taken a couple of kids tho so we could have played on more things! :)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a gem of a place. There is so much to do for any age group. The children loved trying out the interactive exhibits. We spent the whole day there, no sign of boredom! Cafe was a bit slow but lovely people who apologised for the wait. I would highly recommend the observatory, it is a must visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came across 'The observatory science museum' whilst looking through a leaflet whilst staying in the area and decided to give it a visit, it cost us just over £25 for a family of four and we were there for just over three hours.
My children are 9 and 11 and we all had a great time, very hands on and interactive.
The little cafe they have on site is not very big but very reasonably priced and with good simple food like beans on toast, scrambled egg, toasties and sandwiches etc.
If staying in the area and looking for something to do then definitely worth a visit.
My children are 9 and 11 and we all had a great time, very hands on and interactive.
The little cafe they have on site is not very big but very reasonably priced and with good simple food like beans on toast, scrambled egg, toasties and sandwiches etc.
If staying in the area and looking for something to do then definitely worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a great time here. Popped in as we were passing it anyway. No kids with us but we had so much fun. Its really interesting and there's lots to do indoors and out. You can take your picnic with you and sit outside. A very good day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the first time I have been to the science centre even though I live in Herstmonceux, and what a great place it is for all ages! We had four children aged from 2-5 as well as parents and grandparents and there was plenty to do. We especially liked the discovery playground where they learnt about Archimedes screw with the ball -without really knowing it! The water park was great fun as were the indoor exhibits! Everything was near to hand and staff friendly and helpful. The small cafe although busy served reasonably priced food and snacks and there was seating outside if the main cafe was full. Although we went in the height of summer it wasn't unpleasantly crowded and the children had a go on nearly everything! It is also a good place to visit if the weather is a bit unpredictable!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An ideal day out for parents with children, you'll need to keep tabs on them, the observatory grounds have a large, open sided pond and potential for unsupervised toddlers to come to grief, but for the most part, they're more likely to be fascinated by the numerous activities and interactive exhibits, as will anyone with an active, inquisitive mind, I really enjoyed the water play area myself! Watching the fish is popular with many visitors, the staff are all friendly and helpful, the site immaculate, even the gent's toilets smelled fragrant! Ideal day out for nerdy families like us, and if you still have time, Herstmonceux Castle is in the vicinity, and admission is cheap, under 16's go free, but that's another trip we're planning to make, watch this space! :-)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
After visiting the castle the observatory is on the estate . Very interesting for the oldies (there are a lot of hands on tasks and things for the kids to do ) The telescopes are huge , nice cafe area worth a visit, not too expensive .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here with 18 & 14 yr olds. Probably better for late primary / early secondary age kids but ours enjoyed some of the hands on exhibits.
Telescope domes interesting.
We spent a couple of hours here but with younger children you could be here longer.
Probably priced about right at £8.25 for adults but didn't see the need to then charge another £2 for a rather small planetarium. We didn't do this as we'd previously been in a larger planetarium.
Telescope domes interesting.
We spent a couple of hours here but with younger children you could be here longer.
Probably priced about right at £8.25 for adults but didn't see the need to then charge another £2 for a rather small planetarium. We didn't do this as we'd previously been in a larger planetarium.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited a couple of weeks ago during the school holidays with three children (16,15 and 12). Not sure about some of the other reviews saying there's little to do, we found it quite the opposite. Outside there are attractions for the younger children (water play) and then a discovery park which would appeal to a wide age range. We spent ages in this area discussing various scientific principles then putting them into practice with the exhibits. We attended a couple of the talks, the one in the inflatable dome discussing space was excellent - the one discussing science through time was interesting but not as polished (fair play to the guy, he'd not been delivering it very long at all and did seem a little nervous). Inside there was also plenty to see and do, and unlike every time we've been to the Science Museum in London, it wasn't crowded.
The staff we spoke to were very friendly and knowledgeable, especially the delightful woman who gave the talk in one of the observatory domes - it was clear she was passionate about the subject matter.
The tours of the open domes as well proved interesting - I could have watched the model of the planets for ages - there was something quite soothing about it.
We'll definitely return as the whole family enjoyed the day thoroughly.
The staff we spoke to were very friendly and knowledgeable, especially the delightful woman who gave the talk in one of the observatory domes - it was clear she was passionate about the subject matter.
The tours of the open domes as well proved interesting - I could have watched the model of the planets for ages - there was something quite soothing about it.
We'll definitely return as the whole family enjoyed the day thoroughly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I won't Mark this down from a 5 star, but...in my opinion when it says for all ages it really means for all ages to take their children. I think adults would like this place because their kids are occupied for a couple of hours. There is little or nothing that would appeal to adults themselves!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A real surprise. On a very wet day the grandchildren were kept occupied for almost 4 hours with no flagging of interest. With ages ranging from 6 to 13 we were concerned that we might struggle to keep them all happy - no need to worry - There was so much for them to do and they kept on going. I learnt a lot as well. Shame the weather wasn't a little kinder but we did manage a picnic on the terrace before the weather changed. It was good fun and a learning experience rolled into one. Would go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went with a young child, she seamed to enjoy the activities that's put out an about, it rained hard so we didn't use outside. A lot of information was to old for her & more suited to older kids. When we first arrived & brought our tickets we where told that gets us into all activities, we went to go to one to be told we need another ticket, so my husband ran over to get one from reception who than told us they where all gone. So they took out money knowing we couldn't get into half the activities on offer as they had all gone. Had they given us this information we could of chosen to come back another day. You can't deceive your customers & expect good reviews
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went here for a trip with the grandchildren this week and can't understand why we have not been here before as it is a really excellent day out. We will certainly be back. Started with a stroll round the place to get our bearings and then had a guided tour of to of the domes and their telescopes (included in the entrance price) from one of the enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides who brought the place to life. From there we took the opportunity for a packed lunch using one of the many benches stationed around the grounds. Then it was on to the pop-up planetarium where another enthusiastic guide took us on a trip across space - whilst we laid on the rubber matted floor lost in wonder. This was a small extra charge on the admission price and well worth the extra. My grandchildren were totally enthralled during the 45 minutes of the "show" and I was blown away too. What a great way to learn about our solar system and well beyond. After that the children went into each of the domes and main building corridor area to try out the dozens of experiments, played on the giant experiments in the physics garden and on the water experiments until the place was about due to close at days end. With free parking, a very reasonable entrance price and friendly and knowledgeable staff and lots to see and do this was a great day out. Highly recommended and we will certainly be back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Back again, the grandchildren loved it, they are aged between 13 - 6. The three of them enjoyed trying out all the science hands on exhibits. We took a picnic and sat outside. The weather was cloudy and a little rain during the visit, but it did not stop everyone having a great time. They all said the would love to go back again. The staff are great with children, and you don't have to keep saying "Don't touch that". Even Grandad had fun.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an amazing place!! There is so much to do and see here that kids of all ages will love it. Lots of hands-on activities to keep them amused while being educational at the same time. Talks that are informative and not too long for kids to sit through and a great little cafe. A great day out and worth every penny. Our two year old loved it!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a find! We visited the Observatory, not knowing really what to expect - Oh my goodness - its brilliant for children of all ages, there are so many hands on "experiments" to enjoy/play with - my son who is 8 had the most brilliant day - in particular enjoyed the water experiments outside. A day here, is like a brilliant physics lesson all in a day - it is in no way boring - it was fantastic and I would highly recommend it. What was great to see was that the school trips were getting a very interactive experience with challenges to complete. the talk in the Observatory was totally fascinating to listen to. We live in Yorkshire, my son asked if we could visit in August ( just for the day!) to attend the evening viewing of the star through one of the observatory telescopes... just fab - go and enjoy it. All the staff we met and talked to were fantastic and so enthusiastic. We will be back!
One recommendation - cafe is great - lovely coffee but we didn't have a packed lunch with us and selection a bit limited, didn't matter - just a great commercial opportunity for the centre!
One recommendation - cafe is great - lovely coffee but we didn't have a packed lunch with us and selection a bit limited, didn't matter - just a great commercial opportunity for the centre!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very good afternoon and well worth the money. God for all ages but very good for children. Lots of interesting thing to do and very friendly staff that look after you . Keep the good work up.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If visiting the area then this should be top of the list.
You will never visit another place like this and will never forget it either.
Excellent fun and great for all ages.
One of the rare attractions that would appeal to children too old for petting farms and too young for theme parks - but just as much fun for the adults too.
You will never visit another place like this and will never forget it either.
Excellent fun and great for all ages.
One of the rare attractions that would appeal to children too old for petting farms and too young for theme parks - but just as much fun for the adults too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Marvellous, high quality interactive exibits, educational, but of interest to people of all ages, beautiful countryside setting, Astronomical domes, building they are housed in, and telescopes inside them have a fascinating history. Staff were friendly and informative, and it was not at all crowded. Busy when we first arrived with enthusiastic school parties, but beautifully calm after lunch when school visits finished. An unusual day out and a hidden gem. I will be going again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went looking for this place after they came to visit my daughter's school and I didn't expect a lot from it. It seems to be tucked away in the middle of nowhere and after some confusion we were told not to look for the science museum but to look for the castle (odd but it seemed to be the best way to find it).
Once we did find it it turned out to be a lot more than we expected. There was just loads here to do. If you have ever gone to the science museum in London then don't expect anything like that - this is far smaller, but there's a lot more to do hands on here than in London and the whole site is just friendlier and more accessible. If it's wet there's a load of indoor toys and if it's sunny then an outdoor water play area seemed to keep everyone entertained for ages.
Did it teach them anything? No idea but we were occupied for the whole time we were there.
Once we did find it it turned out to be a lot more than we expected. There was just loads here to do. If you have ever gone to the science museum in London then don't expect anything like that - this is far smaller, but there's a lot more to do hands on here than in London and the whole site is just friendlier and more accessible. If it's wet there's a load of indoor toys and if it's sunny then an outdoor water play area seemed to keep everyone entertained for ages.
Did it teach them anything? No idea but we were occupied for the whole time we were there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great fun for kids in a wonderful setting. Learning and fun and I learnt a lot too. Would definitely visit again and recommend to others
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There is so much to do for inquisitive minds. Lots of hands on exhibits to keep children occupied. Plenty of space. Good little gift shop, plenty of space to picnic. Observatories are very interesting. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
14 of us went here together - ages ranges fro 3 to 54 and everyone loved it - so much to see and do - great family day out
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This attraction has the family day out and keeping the kids interested spot on! Lots of interactive displays that make you think and are immersive. The telescopes themselves are impressive and huge up close, the talk about them is worth going to as it gives you more information on the sites history and the reason why the centre was built.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went here with our two daughters, 8 and 10. Originally we were going to go to the Castle but on the way in the most obvious thing is the observatory. So we stopped for a quick diversion before going to the castle. Four hours later and it was obvious this was not going to be a quick diversion. This place is fun - even the guy at the entrance gave us instructions that we were all, parents included, expected to play with the exhibits.
It's cheap to get in, there's loads to play with and it looks like they even do special evenings and theme events. The only surprising thing is that they don't seem to want to tell anyone that they are their. We looked for there web site afterwards and to be honest its rubbish. But this is a review of them and not their web site so I'll not mark them down for that but surely a few signs on the roads to tell people they exist would be a good idea!
This place is brilliant and seriously should have had twice the number of people we saw while we were there.
It's cheap to get in, there's loads to play with and it looks like they even do special evenings and theme events. The only surprising thing is that they don't seem to want to tell anyone that they are their. We looked for there web site afterwards and to be honest its rubbish. But this is a review of them and not their web site so I'll not mark them down for that but surely a few signs on the roads to tell people they exist would be a good idea!
This place is brilliant and seriously should have had twice the number of people we saw while we were there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
