The Observatory Science Centre
Latest Reviews
I was really very pleasantly surprised by the science centre.
When we arrived, I noticed that it's not a very big place and there weren't many cars in the car park. I (unfairly) jumped to the conclusion that it probably wasn't going to be a very good day out.
In reality, we all enjoyed it very much. They've managed to fit a lot of really interesting stuff into a small space.
Everything is hands-on and interactive, really interesting for adults and children. The playpark area was amazing, all the activities are set up to explain physics concepts as well as being great fun to play on. My son particularly enjoyed the water activities outside - much like the Science Museum in London, but you can actually get to these because it's not crowded.
Staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
Because it's the summer holidays, there is a special science show - I was really impressed with the way the children were involved. The pace and level of information was perfect.
The only downside was that several of the exhibits were out-of-order - I presume because they'd received a battering in the first week of the holidays.
Overall, a brilliant day out with the children.
When we arrived, I noticed that it's not a very big place and there weren't many cars in the car park. I (unfairly) jumped to the conclusion that it probably wasn't going to be a very good day out.
In reality, we all enjoyed it very much. They've managed to fit a lot of really interesting stuff into a small space.
Everything is hands-on and interactive, really interesting for adults and children. The playpark area was amazing, all the activities are set up to explain physics concepts as well as being great fun to play on. My son particularly enjoyed the water activities outside - much like the Science Museum in London, but you can actually get to these because it's not crowded.
Staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
Because it's the summer holidays, there is a special science show - I was really impressed with the way the children were involved. The pace and level of information was perfect.
The only downside was that several of the exhibits were out-of-order - I presume because they'd received a battering in the first week of the holidays.
Overall, a brilliant day out with the children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting visit. Plenty of displays to entertain and experiments to try out. Lots available to keep children entertained. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We originally came here only for Herstmonceux Castle. But arrived too early, about 30mins to opening and parked outside the gate. A member of the observatory allowed us entry with him where he showed us a microscope to look at the sun, and we had discussions about telescopes, radio waves, ect until the Science Center opened to the public. Herstmonceux Castle we found out was closed to the public for some college event, and even to just snap a picture of the outside of the castle the ticket booth still wanted to charge full admittance. Naturally we skipped the castle and entered the Science Center instead. We only went in one observatory tower which had a telescope that's no longer in use. The tower is full of kiosks and little experiment displays, I found it very entertaining and informative. The two staff members for the radio waves were highly informative and just as welcoming. They told us about the grounds and funny stories of people falling into the duck pond in the dark of night. The whole family greatly enjoyed their company and our time here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lots for children to do, interesting for parents too. Brilliant value for money too.
There are loads of interactive displays and activities, my 3 and 5 year old were fascinated and pushed every button possible! There is plenty to do inside (it was pouring with rain when we visited), telescope tours (well presented and knowledgeable guide, long enough for information but not too long to bore younger visitors), and a science show. The outside areas are nicely presented and water play and park were great.
I can't say anything negative. ..It was a great day out!
There are loads of interactive displays and activities, my 3 and 5 year old were fascinated and pushed every button possible! There is plenty to do inside (it was pouring with rain when we visited), telescope tours (well presented and knowledgeable guide, long enough for information but not too long to bore younger visitors), and a science show. The outside areas are nicely presented and water play and park were great.
I can't say anything negative. ..It was a great day out!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Another hidden gem from our past. We nearly didn't visit - this was a last minute change to our itinerary as our originally planned trip was deemed too far to travel. Boy, are we glad we came here!
Reasonably priced entry and a fascinating tour means this could be worth a visit even if you don't have kids. The inner child in us all, however, can really enjoy the numerous interactive displays. They kept a family of the following ages - 4, 6, 9, 32, 35, 38, 60 & 61 contentedly occupied for hours. Oh, and the duck was very entertaining!
Reasonably priced entry and a fascinating tour means this could be worth a visit even if you don't have kids. The inner child in us all, however, can really enjoy the numerous interactive displays. They kept a family of the following ages - 4, 6, 9, 32, 35, 38, 60 & 61 contentedly occupied for hours. Oh, and the duck was very entertaining!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our last day of the UK leg of our annual holiday and we were treated to stunning weather.
We had decided to visit the observatory based on the trip advisor feedback and were not disappointed.
On our arrival we were greeted by a friendly and enthusiastic member of staff who sorted our tickets and took the time to write each event onto the park map.
The inside exhibits were great for kids, though we had a good play too and the water toys outside were a real favourite.
We took the telescope tour,science tour and spent some time with the solar astronomists. Each was well delivered, fascinating and well pitched for the kids.
Lunch in the cafe was tasty if basic and cost £5 per head for toastie, crisps and juice.
I don't have a single criticism and would hope to return, especially for the open night.
Highly recommended.
We had decided to visit the observatory based on the trip advisor feedback and were not disappointed.
On our arrival we were greeted by a friendly and enthusiastic member of staff who sorted our tickets and took the time to write each event onto the park map.
The inside exhibits were great for kids, though we had a good play too and the water toys outside were a real favourite.
We took the telescope tour,science tour and spent some time with the solar astronomists. Each was well delivered, fascinating and well pitched for the kids.
Lunch in the cafe was tasty if basic and cost £5 per head for toastie, crisps and juice.
I don't have a single criticism and would hope to return, especially for the open night.
Highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with 2 hard to please teenagers. We all enjoyed the displays, the observatories, and the talk. Most enjoyable was the wide range of scientific interactive activities. Not sure I've seen so many in one place.
There's also the castle grounds which are fascinating. It makes a nice mix of science and nature.
There's a couple of cafes on site but plenty of places to have an outside picnic.
There's also the castle grounds which are fascinating. It makes a nice mix of science and nature.
There's a couple of cafes on site but plenty of places to have an outside picnic.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place always brings science to life, its fun but also educational, so can vary all ages, great for a family day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the Observatory Science Centre one afternoon in June, having spent several hours at Herstmonceux Castle, just half a mile away. Together they make an excellent full day visit. We didn't know quite what to expect at the science Centre other than that it was, at one time, the site of the Greenwich Observatory.
What we found were three of the domes open for us to wander in and take a look at the huge telescopes (at them - not through them) which was impressive. However, what we enjoyed most were the vast numbers of interactive science based activities both within the former office areas but also outside between the domes themselves. Enormous fun!
We visited on a weekday afternoon and I doubt whether there were more than a dozen visitors on the site, although we were told that there had been school groups visiting earlier in the day which would have made for an altogether different experience.
As I suggested in the title of this review, this is a super visit for kids of any age who would enjoy the myriad of interactive displays and learn something along the way. Even a couple of oldies in their sixties such as ourselves!
What we found were three of the domes open for us to wander in and take a look at the huge telescopes (at them - not through them) which was impressive. However, what we enjoyed most were the vast numbers of interactive science based activities both within the former office areas but also outside between the domes themselves. Enormous fun!
We visited on a weekday afternoon and I doubt whether there were more than a dozen visitors on the site, although we were told that there had been school groups visiting earlier in the day which would have made for an altogether different experience.
As I suggested in the title of this review, this is a super visit for kids of any age who would enjoy the myriad of interactive displays and learn something along the way. Even a couple of oldies in their sixties such as ourselves!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is an excellent hands on experience for all ages. Nothing is out of bounds, have been going here for years, everyone has their own favourite experiment.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our party consisted of Myself ( Granny) Son, Daughter in Law and granddaughters aged 4 and 1 year old.
For me (Retired Science Teacher) it was easy access, ramps if needed , Fascinating hands on activities covering most aspects of physical sciences and more. I thoroughly enjoyed trying everything out with older granddaughter .
Dad & Mum found the whole experience enjoyable. Even the 1 year old had a go on the sound activities and was entertained and of course plenty of room for the baby's push chair made it even more pleasurable. No crowds so no queuing.
For the four year old it was magical. She could reach everything and tried it all . The older children around were enjoying it too. What a wonderful way to make physical science friendly and exciting.
We all agreed we enjoyed it more than the Science museum in London. There was also a visiting group of amature Astronomers who let us view the sun through the filters in their telescopes. We saw solar flares and sun spots. Incredible.
Absolutely worth every penny for the admission.
I would also like to say how friendly and helpful all the staff we met were.
Definitely want to go again.
For me (Retired Science Teacher) it was easy access, ramps if needed , Fascinating hands on activities covering most aspects of physical sciences and more. I thoroughly enjoyed trying everything out with older granddaughter .
Dad & Mum found the whole experience enjoyable. Even the 1 year old had a go on the sound activities and was entertained and of course plenty of room for the baby's push chair made it even more pleasurable. No crowds so no queuing.
For the four year old it was magical. She could reach everything and tried it all . The older children around were enjoying it too. What a wonderful way to make physical science friendly and exciting.
We all agreed we enjoyed it more than the Science museum in London. There was also a visiting group of amature Astronomers who let us view the sun through the filters in their telescopes. We saw solar flares and sun spots. Incredible.
Absolutely worth every penny for the admission.
I would also like to say how friendly and helpful all the staff we met were.
Definitely want to go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went on Saturday20th June 2015 .Because of an injury i couldnt walk far. We wanted to take our two grandchildren out ( 8 & 12 ) that did not cost the earth that was local. This place kept them entertained so much they did not want to leave even after 3 hours. It is flat with wheelchair access everywhere and a seperate ramp access in the disabled parking.My husband and i had a lovely cup of coffee in the cafe.There so many experiments and things that all ages can engage in TOGETHER without any complicated explanations indoors and out There were no further costs. We came away with groans from kids wanting to stay. We have every intention of returning with family and also attending one of the night telescope using evenings .Also a good picnic area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
second visit so we visited the castle. so interesting and still in use as a college. definatly go on a guided tour. the observatory was a good visit but so is the castle
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great little science museum that even adults will enjoy. Something for everyone, kids will get a kick out of the discovery park. You can bring a picnic and eat at the picnic area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Loved it, loved it, loved it. So did the kids. So much fun, lots of buttons to press, lots of things to play with and experiments to do. Beautiful building too. Good value, uncommercialised and slightly geeky, this kind of place is a bit of a one off these days.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
my husband and 7 year old daughter liked the hands on activities, inside and out. There are a good range of activities that encouraged thinking and strategy. We all enjoyed the telescope talk in one of the domes, the man engaged his audience well and kept it informative and on topic. I personally do not like science places but went along for my husband and daughter. I thought it was ideal for kids and also for adults who like that kind of thing. The cafe was small but they had a good range of foods at very reasonable prices. The toilets were clean and had good had washing facilities. There is also a reasonably priced gift shop. For an extra fee you can get a combination ticket with the castle gardens, this we didn't do as the weather was cold and damp. We will come back and do this sometime. Slight run down feel to the place but everything was in working order and we had a good four hours here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
One word.... Wow.... Such a great place, and surprisingly quiet on a sunny half term day. A real hidden gem.
So many scientific things to see and do (inside and out) across the compact site... We spent 4hrs there and could easily have stayed another 2! Staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. We particularly liked the interactive science show and the outside bits where there was lots of water play (locks, flow, turbines etc), and large interactive physics exhibits. However everything was good. Information about how things work is clearly and briefly displayed making the science very accessible for primary, Pre schoolers and adults alike.
Cost: £8.80 (adult incl gift aid) and £6.80 (children) making this a fantastically affordable day out.
So many scientific things to see and do (inside and out) across the compact site... We spent 4hrs there and could easily have stayed another 2! Staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. We particularly liked the interactive science show and the outside bits where there was lots of water play (locks, flow, turbines etc), and large interactive physics exhibits. However everything was good. Information about how things work is clearly and briefly displayed making the science very accessible for primary, Pre schoolers and adults alike.
Cost: £8.80 (adult incl gift aid) and £6.80 (children) making this a fantastically affordable day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Me and my boyfriend came here after a joint ticket to Herstmonceux Castle. I loved it, there's alot of interactive items inside and outside which are great for kids but I was enjoying re-learning it all!!
The staff were fantastic, we joined a talk in one of the observatories where they show you the roof moving etc. The chap doing to talk was really engaging and very knowledgeable, he really deserves a big thumbs up!
Worth a look if you're into sciency stuff!!
The staff were fantastic, we joined a talk in one of the observatories where they show you the roof moving etc. The chap doing to talk was really engaging and very knowledgeable, he really deserves a big thumbs up!
Worth a look if you're into sciency stuff!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Interesting experience to relive all the science lessons learned as a kid! Day out with a friend on a chilly novemeber afternoon, would love to go back at night!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great place for adults, kids and big kids ;) to enjoy some time here and learn lots. I would recommend visiting when dry as there is lots to see outside as well as inside.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As a family we spent almost a whole day here. Outside water play area was a great hit even if it seemed to have more adults than children playing in it. All exhibits inside gave children something to do and hopefully learn from. We had a lovely stop in cafe. Would thorougly recommend this attraction for all ages.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our first visit whilst staying next door in Kent and found the whole experience very enjoyable. The static(no pun intended) displays were interesting and educational, both indoor and out. The only negative was the café - 45 minutes to get 5 rounds of sandwiches was ridiculous so a tip must be - take a picnic.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been here many times with mixtures of groups from going on School Trips, having a 50th birthday party and regular visits with my partner. Loads of different interactive stations which all ages can get involved with and learn from. Great outside area for children which teaches through play and exploring. Staff are so friendly and helpful. Regular shows through out the day which are also great for all ages and make Science fun and interactive. Open evenings are great to attend if you can, gives opportunities to look through telescopes, personally I have seen clear images of the Moon and Jupiter during these evenings.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a great attraction - loads of interactive exhibits, kinds of like the Science Museum used to be in the 1980s when you could actually interact with the exhibits. Staff are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly. The two shows we saw (the 'Materials' interactive show, 20 mins duration; and the Telescope demo, 40 mins duration) were informative, perfectly pitched for our kids (7 and 9 yr old boys) and just the right length. Food a bit hit and miss, as expected from other reviews, but not bad. Outdoor interactive stuff was great, although we did have a really sunny day. And we spent the whole day there pretty much for around £40 including entry and food for a family of 4. Yep - it was like stepping back into the 80s from a cost point of view as well!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There are lots of interactive exhibits both indoors and out, but they do get busy. There is interesting information for adults too especially on time and the discoveries made at the observatory.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
