The Observatory Science Centre
Latest Reviews
Could have spent the whole day at the Science Centre alone as there were lots of hands-on activities - brilliant for kids but great for adults with an interest in science as well. The castle and gardens were also well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a couple of hours to spare whilst in the area and popped in for a visit towards the end of the day.
A guided tour was about to start and as our time was limited we chose to join this. The guide, clearly an astronomy fanatic, gave a very interesting talk on the history of the observatory and its move from Greenwich and showed us round two of the domes where she explained the workings of reflecting and refracting.
Whilst we didn't have time to get too involved on this visit, the site has many interactive activities for children, and adults! of all ages and everyone appeared to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.
We will definitely schedule a longer visit next time we are in the area.
A guided tour was about to start and as our time was limited we chose to join this. The guide, clearly an astronomy fanatic, gave a very interesting talk on the history of the observatory and its move from Greenwich and showed us round two of the domes where she explained the workings of reflecting and refracting.
Whilst we didn't have time to get too involved on this visit, the site has many interactive activities for children, and adults! of all ages and everyone appeared to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.
We will definitely schedule a longer visit next time we are in the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lots of interactive fun for both adults and children, not expensive so well worth a visit if you are in the vicinity. Thankfully the gift shop also has lots of very reasonably priced gifts.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It's great. We adults can play as well! Been several times, the children love seeing how things work. A real hands on experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came here with children aged 2,3&7 and 4 adults and it's hard to say who enjoyed it most. From the moment you walk in the whole place is full of hands on interactive experiences covering subjects from water play , volcanoes, electric shocks to ghost mirrors and optical illusions. There were some talks going on but we didn't have time to attend any as we were so busy with everything else . The cafe was quite small but the food was fine and we enjoyed a good cheese toastie. For a fun day out for the family I cannot recommend this place highly enough.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Pros
- really big variety and number of exhibits. easy to spend a good day there. The telescopes are but a small element of the museum.
- lots of interactive exhibits and displays. most are fun for kids to do even without needing to read the accompanying scientific explanations. In particular the water displays outside are sure to keep your kids occupied for ages.
- gardens are well kept and clean, plenty of picnic tables to enjoy lunch in the sun outdoors
- science workshop (about space and Tim Peake) was informative and interesting
- telescope tour offers the chance to see a huge telescope up close - we were lucky enough to have good weather so the retractable dome was opened for us
Cons
- telescope tour can be a bit too long and scientific to hold the attention of children - ours got a tad restless
- a minor quibble: the girl delivering the science workshop would have benefitted from the use of a microphone to make herself heard
Conclusion:
All the fun of London's Science Museum Launchpad with none of the queues and hordes of noisy children. A great, full day out - and you may learn some science too.
- really big variety and number of exhibits. easy to spend a good day there. The telescopes are but a small element of the museum.
- lots of interactive exhibits and displays. most are fun for kids to do even without needing to read the accompanying scientific explanations. In particular the water displays outside are sure to keep your kids occupied for ages.
- gardens are well kept and clean, plenty of picnic tables to enjoy lunch in the sun outdoors
- science workshop (about space and Tim Peake) was informative and interesting
- telescope tour offers the chance to see a huge telescope up close - we were lucky enough to have good weather so the retractable dome was opened for us
Cons
- telescope tour can be a bit too long and scientific to hold the attention of children - ours got a tad restless
- a minor quibble: the girl delivering the science workshop would have benefitted from the use of a microphone to make herself heard
Conclusion:
All the fun of London's Science Museum Launchpad with none of the queues and hordes of noisy children. A great, full day out - and you may learn some science too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We've lived on a Road called Observatory View for 8 years and only just got to pop around! Overall can't fault this place - well priced, great show s(the science space show was really well done), lots to do for kids and the telescope tour really interesting. Only negative is some items broken but other than that really good
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited for 3 hours but could easily have stayed for double that. My 11 year old son loved the fact that the exhibits are all so hands on with lots to do inside and outside. The free talks are well worth doing. Clean toilets, reasonable cafe and free parking. We'd definitely return
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My 5 year old and 9 year old nephews love the science centre. Loads of hands on activities for them to look at. They rotate a number of the displays. Super playground too. Small cafe which only does limited food, but we only used it for a mid morning break. Super little shop. They also have hands on displays and usually have some further activities and talks. Suitable for all ages young and old. Well maintained too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a wonderful day (best day of our holiday, in my opinion), we arrived at 11.30 and stayed until it closed, so much to see and do.
The lady who took the science show and the telescope tour was excellent. The planetarium was very interesting, but was a bit hot and claustrophobic.
The cafe was very good and well priced.
Loads of interesting 'hands-on' exhibits for kids and grown ups alike, although I might have felt slightly embarrassed if we hadn't had the kids with us.
Definitely highly recommend it, especially for families with kids. We would love to come back for one of the special evenings, unfortunately we live too far away. We will return one day.
The lady who took the science show and the telescope tour was excellent. The planetarium was very interesting, but was a bit hot and claustrophobic.
The cafe was very good and well priced.
Loads of interesting 'hands-on' exhibits for kids and grown ups alike, although I might have felt slightly embarrassed if we hadn't had the kids with us.
Definitely highly recommend it, especially for families with kids. We would love to come back for one of the special evenings, unfortunately we live too far away. We will return one day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We attended the Science Centres Open Night to observe the meteor shower in August.It is a really good, different family outing and good for teens too.The centre opens its huge telescopes and you get to see Saturn and the Moon with experts explaining what you are actually seeing.On the ground they have amateur astronomers with modern telescopes looking at various
celestial objects and pointing out constellations and nebul.
.In addition they have the hands on activities inside the main building, illustrating various scientific principles which kept hubby and son happy and the science park outside.This is a fun evening andyou can watch meteors with the luxury of hot refreshments ,snacks and toilets close at hand.Top tips for open nights Take warm clothing as temperature really drops as darkness falls.Take a waterproof picnic blanket and pillows so you can lie down on grass to get a more comfortable view of the night sky while waiting for meteors.
My 16 year old who isn't interested in anything really apart from her phone suddenly had a new hobby ,meteor hunting.
The communal aspect of sharing the experience with other people adds to the night.
celestial objects and pointing out constellations and nebul.
.In addition they have the hands on activities inside the main building, illustrating various scientific principles which kept hubby and son happy and the science park outside.This is a fun evening andyou can watch meteors with the luxury of hot refreshments ,snacks and toilets close at hand.Top tips for open nights Take warm clothing as temperature really drops as darkness falls.Take a waterproof picnic blanket and pillows so you can lie down on grass to get a more comfortable view of the night sky while waiting for meteors.
My 16 year old who isn't interested in anything really apart from her phone suddenly had a new hobby ,meteor hunting.
The communal aspect of sharing the experience with other people adds to the night.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Rain or sun, this place has it all. From the extremely reasonable entrance fee to the brilliant science shows! Outside, there are giant apparatus which were so much fun , even the rain did not deter my two children! Inside there are so many things to see and touch. We loved the Hoover chair, sadly I did not try myself as I was slightly dubious about it holding my weight !
The only complaint I have is to do with a sullen Server in the cafe. she was quite rude after I took a coffee back because the little pots of cream were very obviously out of date as it had curdled my coffee. Apart from that, this place is great!
The only complaint I have is to do with a sullen Server in the cafe. she was quite rude after I took a coffee back because the little pots of cream were very obviously out of date as it had curdled my coffee. Apart from that, this place is great!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Totally surpassed all my expectations. Thought my son and I would be in and out in an hour, but we were there for 4 hours and only left because it was getting close to closing time! A brilliant day out for the family, my 12 year old, who is fairly interested in science (and less so in astronomy) was fascinated by the interactive displays and gadgets to play with. It has to be one of the most 'hands on' places we have ever been to and we were able to understand all the principles behind the activities. Displays/ explanations written in laymans' terms and even the play area outside made learning fun. Do pay the extra couple of quid for the planeterium tour where you (and 30 others, can be a little crowded) sit inside a blow-up dome tent and have a 360 degree image of the solar systems projected around you. The chap running is was amazingly taleneted, knowledgeable and informative with his 45 minute tour around the stars, including numerous opportunities to ask questions (' where would you like to go now?' he asked us, and we went on our own voyage of discovery... thank you!). This place is fantastic and a safe venue for children (just use your common sense as younger kids may find the levels and water features a little tricky) and we will go again!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We recently visited the science centre whilst on holiday in Hastings.
We had 2 children with ASD with us and the staff were very accommodating and thoughtful, especially the man running the mobile planetarium on the grounds. We spent the whole afternoon with 4 children looking around and playing on all of the exhibits. All of the children had a great time. The facilities were good and there was even a cafe for a pit stop for us mums to grab a cuppa. Would highly recommend to all ages. Please visit to support this charity, you won't be disappointed.
We had 2 children with ASD with us and the staff were very accommodating and thoughtful, especially the man running the mobile planetarium on the grounds. We spent the whole afternoon with 4 children looking around and playing on all of the exhibits. All of the children had a great time. The facilities were good and there was even a cafe for a pit stop for us mums to grab a cuppa. Would highly recommend to all ages. Please visit to support this charity, you won't be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a gem of a museum, with lots of hands-on displays that are informative and fun. My children love coming here and although some of the activities are outdoors, there's enough indoors to make this a wet weather/out of season destination.
The café is a bit stuck in the 1980s, so if your the sort of parent who demands healthy food, bring a packed lunch.
A visit typically takes us between 60-90 minutes and I'd say that it's a suitable place for anyone between four and 16 years old.
The café is a bit stuck in the 1980s, so if your the sort of parent who demands healthy food, bring a packed lunch.
A visit typically takes us between 60-90 minutes and I'd say that it's a suitable place for anyone between four and 16 years old.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had great fun here on a cloudy Sunday, reasonably priced, spent about 5 hours in total.
We went into the observing domes and saw a talk by a member of staff - Georgie who was good with the kids.
The hands on exhibits have light, forces and an electricity part.
The bit we loved most was the science talk in the tent. The guy presenting it was amazing - Charlie. There was lots of fire, rockets and space poos in the talk about Tim Peake going to space. The children now want me to build a hovering board.
Great day out.
We went into the observing domes and saw a talk by a member of staff - Georgie who was good with the kids.
The hands on exhibits have light, forces and an electricity part.
The bit we loved most was the science talk in the tent. The guy presenting it was amazing - Charlie. There was lots of fire, rockets and space poos in the talk about Tim Peake going to space. The children now want me to build a hovering board.
Great day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband and I were quite impressed with this place. The hands on experience was a great idea. The presentation was particularly interesting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting historical site with very good interactive experiments for young and old. Very informative talks about telescopes and astronomy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Four adults and three kids (7 & 10) had a really enjoyable day. Loads to do and great that you can go outside and relax for a bit between activities.
Would definitely go again and recommend.
Would definitely go again and recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our second visit but now my children are a bit older (7 & 9) they can really get involved & hands-on.
Not overly priced for what it is & we ended up staying for just over 5 hours!!
We first enjoyed the outsides areas- practical exhibits that taught you about forces, the water cycle, DNA etc Indoors there are sections on light & colour, electricity & optical illusions.
A cafe offers the usual food, lots take picnics.
We took part in a telescope tour which was very interesting & a pop up planetarium for £1 extra each- brilliant!
All in all a fantastic, educational but fun day!
Not overly priced for what it is & we ended up staying for just over 5 hours!!
We first enjoyed the outsides areas- practical exhibits that taught you about forces, the water cycle, DNA etc Indoors there are sections on light & colour, electricity & optical illusions.
A cafe offers the usual food, lots take picnics.
We took part in a telescope tour which was very interesting & a pop up planetarium for £1 extra each- brilliant!
All in all a fantastic, educational but fun day!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great interactive attraction. For all the family. Great location in the countryside. Loads of exhibitions to interact with too. Semi disabled friendly. You enter through different entrance and then have to get the tickets via walking down stairs. Very questionable the disability friendly theme. Cafe expensive £4 for a cheese toastie?
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We love this place as a family visit.you can spend most of the day here( with a picnic in the garden) or just shelter indoors with the amazing choice of activities and enjoy the coffee shop. I have taken teenagers here for the observatory tour and they've had a great time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a great find. We went my there today to celebrate my mother in laws birthday. It was her choice but being interested in science I was keen to go too.
We arrived and needed the toilets which are found by going through some of the exhibits. And what exhibits they are! All are hands on and informative. There is so much to see and do that I don't think my family saw much of me as I was like a child in a sweet shop.
The water exploration outside was great in the sunshine and the larger Explorer Park was a great way to see physics in action.
The talks in the dome and another in a tent were presented well with enthusiasm. It would now be great to go to one of the open evenings to see through the telescopes.
The cafe seen seemed to serve a reasonable selection of drinks and food but as I only had a machine made coffee I can't comment other than to say all the young staff were very friendly and helpful. Maybe next time we will try a toasted sandwich.
Plenty to see and do whether wet or dry. And some nice stuff in the shop too.
We arrived and needed the toilets which are found by going through some of the exhibits. And what exhibits they are! All are hands on and informative. There is so much to see and do that I don't think my family saw much of me as I was like a child in a sweet shop.
The water exploration outside was great in the sunshine and the larger Explorer Park was a great way to see physics in action.
The talks in the dome and another in a tent were presented well with enthusiasm. It would now be great to go to one of the open evenings to see through the telescopes.
The cafe seen seemed to serve a reasonable selection of drinks and food but as I only had a machine made coffee I can't comment other than to say all the young staff were very friendly and helpful. Maybe next time we will try a toasted sandwich.
Plenty to see and do whether wet or dry. And some nice stuff in the shop too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went to an open evening to see the very large telescopes in operation and we weren't disappointd, the staff are very friendly and knowledable and explained the different types of telescopes on the grounds and a short history of where they had come from, it is advisable to check the weather forcast before setting off as you will need to a clear sky to be able to see the plantes and the moon. The site does have quite a few steps so would not be suitable of wheelchair users. there is also a area which has interactive experiements these are great for adults and kids.
They do a lot of special evenings and it is worth checking out their website for details. A great evenings entertainment.
They do a lot of special evenings and it is worth checking out their website for details. A great evenings entertainment.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lots to do, even if the weather not that good. Children had fun with all the science things to do. The outdoor area has lots of activities for children. Take a picnic or get good at the cafe, this is a little limited
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
