The Observatory Science Centre
Latest Reviews
A complete surprise, I didn't know the history of how the observatory came to be located in Sussex, the centre has managed to combine retaining the historic detail of the magnificent telescopes with a huge amount of interactive hands on displays that appeal to all age ranges.
A hidden gem, well worth a visit.
A hidden gem, well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Brilliant day out with my husband and 13 year old son. Lots of different hands on science exhibits both inside and outside. Water ones on a hot day were particularly good! Also, a bit of history and an excellent telescope talk from a very knowledgeable young lady.
Great for kids .... and husbands!
Great for kids .... and husbands!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stopped first at the science centre before going to the castle. The centre was a bit tired and a couple of the domes were closed or not much to see. There were quite a few fun things for children to do and in fact there were 3 school groups there that day. For most adults I would say don't bother very disappointing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
friendly staff, plenty of space and plenty of child friendly and interactive exhibits.
Children can get wet, wear flat shoes to get the most of the outside activities.
The inside domes and explanations of space are better for older children, but plenty to do for any child over about 2.
Children can get wet, wear flat shoes to get the most of the outside activities.
The inside domes and explanations of space are better for older children, but plenty to do for any child over about 2.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A really good time here was had by all, the staff were all great and knowledgeable! Lots to do and learn, we went a bit late in the day and it was raining so had the place to ourselves which was cool!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great place for children to learn the science's of the world and it's creations, the huge telescope is a must to see and all the scientific instruments on show are a must to see. An enjoyable day out, real value for money and the cafe is not expensive either. A great way to get in your kids goods books, take them here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
When went to pay at the Science museum entrance,we asked if we could also book for the castle tickets,for which we was told,No. But if we wanted to do that,we would have to walk about five minutes to a separate booking office..so not a good starting point.The price was about £30 for our family of five,so not bad in today's climate.
The kids enjoyed the outdoor play area and outdoor games.
Going inside there was a few hands on science stations to use.
Me personally,much prefer the Science museum in London,which of course is free,so maybe the Canadian owners of this site,should provide a little more to keep the public paying.It's a small site,but not too crowded. There are plenty of outside areas to eat,and even has a small cafe offering,not too badly priced food and drinks.
We did manage to see into three of the domes which use to house the telescopes,and saw one dine opening and being moved. There's plenty of information boards,giving out interesting info about the site,which I enjoyed.
The kids enjoyed the outdoor play area and outdoor games.
Going inside there was a few hands on science stations to use.
Me personally,much prefer the Science museum in London,which of course is free,so maybe the Canadian owners of this site,should provide a little more to keep the public paying.It's a small site,but not too crowded. There are plenty of outside areas to eat,and even has a small cafe offering,not too badly priced food and drinks.
We did manage to see into three of the domes which use to house the telescopes,and saw one dine opening and being moved. There's plenty of information boards,giving out interesting info about the site,which I enjoyed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This science centre is fab. Tucked away from the main road this place is worth a visit for all ages and especially for families with young children.
Plenty of parking available and then a short walk to the entrance.
Reasonable rates to enter and worth a long stay as their are plenty of hands on toys to play with inside the buildings and outside too. The staff are friendly and helpful too. They brought outside special equipment to see the sun ( we had a good weather day).
There is a small cafe for light snacks and a small shop to buy science toys etc.
The domes are also worth a visit.
We attended the craft fair that was on in the marquee too - so look out for those special events.
Overall a great day out
Plenty of parking available and then a short walk to the entrance.
Reasonable rates to enter and worth a long stay as their are plenty of hands on toys to play with inside the buildings and outside too. The staff are friendly and helpful too. They brought outside special equipment to see the sun ( we had a good weather day).
There is a small cafe for light snacks and a small shop to buy science toys etc.
The domes are also worth a visit.
We attended the craft fair that was on in the marquee too - so look out for those special events.
Overall a great day out
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We chose this for our son (8) on a grey day in June half term. Given there is limited advertising we didn't go with high hopes, but found it to be way beyond expectations ! Fantastic indoor hands on experiments for all ages to enjoy, and even better outside. There was also a half term class for circus skills which was simply brilliant fun ! Well done all the volunteers who run this brilliant hidden gem !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Small compared to other science museums but enough hands on experiments for everyone to have a go.
It was busy and half term, cafe was pushed but staff worked well to keep queue moving.
It was busy and half term, cafe was pushed but staff worked well to keep queue moving.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on a day when we had been touring the coast. It was quite late in the day and, to be honest, we weren't able to do the place justice. I would certainly have been better to join a guide and to allow plenty of time to see all the exhibits. Still, we enjoyed what little time we had and would like to return one day
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An interesting way for both children and adults to while away a good few hours exploring the interactive exhibits. For children, having the hands on stuff to play with helps their understanding of science, whilst for adults, it's a good way to remind yourself of everything you've forgotten when were at school. Cafe is basic but cheap.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although this very much aimed at the younger generation, we found it very interesting and we both learnt a lot from our visit.
It was great to see the telescopes up close and I would love to come back on one of their open evenings so I could see them in action. The staff are very helpful and the lecture on the telescope was lighthearted and informative. The science hall is also great even for us oldies as you can still learn something new here.
It was great to see the telescopes up close and I would love to come back on one of their open evenings so I could see them in action. The staff are very helpful and the lecture on the telescope was lighthearted and informative. The science hall is also great even for us oldies as you can still learn something new here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Found this as a result of internet search of what to do in East Sussex - and visited it as we were passing on the way to Eastbourne. To be honest from outside it can appear to be a bit run down - - there is no proper car park for example - you just park on the grass area - but don't let that put you off.
Inside you can have right up close access to a number of huge telescopes - but much sure that you tag along on one of the guided tours that area announced every now and again over the tannoy. The guides are very knowledgeable as well as genuinely friendly.
Also inside there are numerous hand on science experiments to try out and outside there is a discovery park that agian has numerous experiment etc to try out.
This place is an excellent place to take children - they will learn so much.
Every now and then they also hold an open evening to do star gazing.
Inside you can have right up close access to a number of huge telescopes - but much sure that you tag along on one of the guided tours that area announced every now and again over the tannoy. The guides are very knowledgeable as well as genuinely friendly.
Also inside there are numerous hand on science experiments to try out and outside there is a discovery park that agian has numerous experiment etc to try out.
This place is an excellent place to take children - they will learn so much.
Every now and then they also hold an open evening to do star gazing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic complex, interesting history and has the benefit of a playground for the children and lots of science interactive exhibits for all ages. A tour is a must, and the guides are very helpful and knowledgeable. If you are nearby, try going to one of the open evenings - they can potentially open the other three observatories then I'm told (only three of the 6 are generally open during the day). Combine it with a trip to the castle and gardens 1/4 mile down the road for a sensational day out as you can get a very good value combo ticket!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My step daughter had her 8th birthday party here with 7 other children it is great as there is so much for the children and adults and the weather was lovely. There is lots of outdoor and indoor things to do. We also had a tour of one of the telescopes which was very interesting and all the staff especially Georgie were great with the children.
If you planning on planning a birthday party this us a great place to go.
If you planning on planning a birthday party this us a great place to go.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing place for curious minds. Large number of hands on things to do as well as a play park for kids and a café. Talks and demonstrations are often available about the huge telescopes. Suitable for all, and plenty of ramps for disabled visitors.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
When we turned up we were a little doubtful about what to expect as the building isn't as 'slick and modern' as it used to be! However, put that aside and go in! This charity give it all. Volunteer staff provide an excellent tour and explain matters with simplicity. All ages will enjoy this interactive experience. You'll come out with brain overload!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Been here several times with my youngest daughter, 11, and she loves the place. Nicely quirky setting for a day out for young and old alike. The science centre has dozens of hands on science based attractions that will educate and entertain kids from 3 to 103! It is part indoors and part outdoors so you can visit whatever the weather. In addition, you can visit the various domes in which are housed the old telescopes from when the place was an observatory. Talks are held periodically throughout the day, although it is not possible to look through the telescopes other than on certain pre- arranged evenings. The whole complex has a lovely atmosphere of a recently bygone age. Oh, and the cafe's not bad either.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited more to fill in time than to learn but were very pleasantly surprised by the friendly helpful staff in the shop and throughout the various buildings originally part of the Greenwich Observatory.
A very popular place for school trips, not sure how much they learnt but they really enjoyed the hands on exhibits both indoor and outdoor which explained in very simple terms many of the basics of science.
I found it fascinating as a senior citizen who has spent his working life in technology to look at some of the exhibits and finally fully understand what my teachers, lecturers etc had been trying to teach me!!
Suffering from a lack of funding, some of the exhibits no longer work and a spot of paint is certainly required but we spent an enjoyable couple of hours there and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The small café did an excellent bowl of soup bread included for a very reasonable sum.
A very popular place for school trips, not sure how much they learnt but they really enjoyed the hands on exhibits both indoor and outdoor which explained in very simple terms many of the basics of science.
I found it fascinating as a senior citizen who has spent his working life in technology to look at some of the exhibits and finally fully understand what my teachers, lecturers etc had been trying to teach me!!
Suffering from a lack of funding, some of the exhibits no longer work and a spot of paint is certainly required but we spent an enjoyable couple of hours there and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The small café did an excellent bowl of soup bread included for a very reasonable sum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited with my 6 children one showery day during the easter holidays. Very reasonable price to get in and although you have to go through the dreaded gift shop to get out, most things only cost a few pounds or less so it won't break the bank! The exhibits were fantastic - my kids ages range from 17 down to 2 and they all had a fantastic time - although do be very wary of the large unfenced pond in the middle which my toddler tried to jump into like a lemming!
Everything was great fun and loads of interactive experiments and exhibits for the kids to get stuck into!
Try to see one of the regular science shows aswell - very informative and my son got to be an assistant!
A bit off the beaten track but well worth a visit.
Everything was great fun and loads of interactive experiments and exhibits for the kids to get stuck into!
Try to see one of the regular science shows aswell - very informative and my son got to be an assistant!
A bit off the beaten track but well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a smashing day out for people who want to know something of the basics of science. This centre is clearly underfunded, but enthusiastic staff with a dedication to provide the best experience shines through. There's lots to do, with a strong emphasis on engineering, with experiments and demonstrations for people to do. A thread of scientific humour runs throughout. Kids must love it and the centre will be the likely inspiration for many a career methinks. Chatting to the staff brings added value as we were directed to the radio astronomy shed where keen hobbyists were more than happy to tell us how they were bouncing signals off the moon and detecting meteors. This was a great day out, topped off with a talk about the telescopes on site, which makes me wish I live in the area as they have regular open nights to observe the stars using the Thompson 28 inch refractor.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having kids that love all things hands on, this was a great thing for them with so much for them to do, try and ask questions about. Being an adult (well supposed to be) it was great to interact with the kids, but the high light was the tour put on to explain the places history. The guide that took this was brilliant at combining things on two levels so that the kids attention was never lost and the adults gripped by the information. Many thanks.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited during the Easter holidays with our 8 year old, he loved all the interactive zones especially the outdoor discovery zone.
The observatory and science talks were informative,fun and engaging.
Overall a very good day out would highly recommend.
The observatory and science talks were informative,fun and engaging.
Overall a very good day out would highly recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a great place to go if you have curious & hands on kids! They will learn whilst playing without even realising it. The science is interesting, & the interactive stuff is great & well set out. As a grown up attraction, we felt that it is a bit limited. We expected a lot more about the amazing things discovered by & at, the observatory over the years. As a listed building/site it is a wonderful site, but as with so many things in this country, it is poorly funded & starting to look a bit tatty. It is run as a not for profit organisation, & the staff & volunteers are wonderful.The domes are atmospheric & well preserved - the site offers both science & heritage. It richly deserves to be properly funded & supported.
On a practical note: the website warns of parking in a field - the parking closest to the observatory is on quite firm ground & the hard standing car park just off the road is a short 5 minute walk in to the buildings.
The little cafe is really good, with nice tea & coffee & homemade cakes, sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc.
Quite a few of the interactive exhibits are outside, & you can't get to some of the domes without going outside, so make sure you have a coat/umbrella if necessary.
Overall, a great fun science experience, with a great history & heritage buildings, that really needs some investment. If we lived locally we would happily bring children & grandchildren regularly.
On a practical note: the website warns of parking in a field - the parking closest to the observatory is on quite firm ground & the hard standing car park just off the road is a short 5 minute walk in to the buildings.
The little cafe is really good, with nice tea & coffee & homemade cakes, sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc.
Quite a few of the interactive exhibits are outside, & you can't get to some of the domes without going outside, so make sure you have a coat/umbrella if necessary.
Overall, a great fun science experience, with a great history & heritage buildings, that really needs some investment. If we lived locally we would happily bring children & grandchildren regularly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
