The Observatory Science Centre
Latest Reviews
We visited today. Initial impression not great, lady in the shed was very vague and didn't appear to know much, however this was made up by the very knowledgeable Ryan who was very informative and welcoming. We attended two shows. The first a science show which was interesting though the girl doing it didn't keep everyone's attention, she also came across a little bossy to everyone including the adults! However the best was yet to come... out appeared Ryan again who gave an epic, incredibly clear, well presented talk on the incredible telescopes. He made it for us and we came away having felt we learnt a lot from him.
Great work and a great day out!
Great work and a great day out!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
You can combine a trip to Herstmonceux castle with the Science Centre,as they are next to each other, recommend a half day to each. Although the castle itself is open from April 2015, so check the dates of opening. This Observatory Science Centre has great hands on experiments for young children and adults alike to learn more about science, it's heavily geared towards Astronomy which is it's raison d'etre having been a former part of the Greenwich Observatory till the early 1990s. Family of 5 is about £28-31 (depending on UK resident gift aid option) Gift shop is reasonably priced too!
Cafe was a nice clean place to eat - not a big range of hot food - toasties, jacket potatos and something along those lines.
Cafe was a nice clean place to eat - not a big range of hot food - toasties, jacket potatos and something along those lines.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent a great day at Herstmonceux science centre, loads of interactive displays for kids and adults to do inside and out, plenty of interesting and amazing facts to read, great displays and fun and interesting tours and shows. Plenty of historical information about the site and its telescopes too. Well maintained grounds, good access for most visitors and easy to get to. Overall a great time had by the whole family. Would highly recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Observatory is really 2 attractions in 1. Firstly the history of the observatory itself, there are daily tours of the telescopes which date back to 1896, I was impressed by our guide Steve's knowledge and stayed after the tour to discuss things further. Secondly the larger part of the attration are the interactive science displays, similar to those at Science museums in Cardiff, Birmingham, Bristol and London but not as many exhibits as those museums.
A great day out for younger children to learn about science, but I found there wasn't as much to keep my 12 and 14 year old occupied as they had done all the other museums and despite being keen on science they soon wanted to move on.ostrich of the other children we saw were primary school age.
A couple of niggles were that a number of the exhibits were broken and the food in the cafe was not good....we had between us dry chicken sandwiches and toasted sandwiches were all the cheese had oozed out....perhaps we were just unlucky
A great day out for younger children to learn about science, but I found there wasn't as much to keep my 12 and 14 year old occupied as they had done all the other museums and despite being keen on science they soon wanted to move on.ostrich of the other children we saw were primary school age.
A couple of niggles were that a number of the exhibits were broken and the food in the cafe was not good....we had between us dry chicken sandwiches and toasted sandwiches were all the cheese had oozed out....perhaps we were just unlucky
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not only is this the site of historic astronomical equipment, it also houses an astonishing collection of interactive scientific activities. These alone will give inquisitive young minds the opportunity to understand the world around them, but for older folk the pleasure to re-engage with what we were taught, years ago!
Its a world of exploration and fascination with everyday experiences and not always complicated ones, to be explained.
Well given practical demonstrations are given with humour and enthusiasm.
The astronomical element of a visit here is an opportunity to see some important telescopes, and to have their workings explained and sometimes in the most simple way possible, with a magnifying glass and piece of card!
Its the sort of place which can make young minds engage in a lifetime of scientific exploration. It is also a place where older minds who have been intrigued about 'the why' of things, can see explanations made interestingly and correctly.
Its a world of exploration and fascination with everyday experiences and not always complicated ones, to be explained.
Well given practical demonstrations are given with humour and enthusiasm.
The astronomical element of a visit here is an opportunity to see some important telescopes, and to have their workings explained and sometimes in the most simple way possible, with a magnifying glass and piece of card!
Its the sort of place which can make young minds engage in a lifetime of scientific exploration. It is also a place where older minds who have been intrigued about 'the why' of things, can see explanations made interestingly and correctly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Good for all ages, lots of fun & interesting too! If you can catch the talks by the staff, really good
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a fabulous day here, kept us amused for hours looking and playing with all the exhibits.
The best was to come in the evening, as the observatory was open for an open evening. So interesting and the staff very friendly and informative.
Highly recommend this place to adults and children.
The best was to come in the evening, as the observatory was open for an open evening. So interesting and the staff very friendly and informative.
Highly recommend this place to adults and children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is one that we will definitely be doing again! So much to see, and do, very hands on, and even as a 43 year old mum, I LOVED it! Absolutely brilliant! Great for all ages!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went on a Sunday and arrived for the 10am start. Its brilliant! So much fun and interactive science which leaves you feeling like you've leant something as well as had a great time.
Great onsite cafe too. Really conveniently placed so you can dive in for a snack without having a long trek from the attraction. We had the home made soup which was lovely, and various sandwiches and jacket spuds. All perfect and well priced.
Talks are amazing. The staff really do care and are knowledgeable. We were lucky in our timing to be able to hear the radio broadcast from the International space station and download their broadcast image.
Too much to do all in one day so we're going back again....! Excellent!
Great onsite cafe too. Really conveniently placed so you can dive in for a snack without having a long trek from the attraction. We had the home made soup which was lovely, and various sandwiches and jacket spuds. All perfect and well priced.
Talks are amazing. The staff really do care and are knowledgeable. We were lucky in our timing to be able to hear the radio broadcast from the International space station and download their broadcast image.
Too much to do all in one day so we're going back again....! Excellent!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were recently invited to a birthday party organised by the science centre for our nephew (aged 7) the staff could not have been more helpful, excellent with the children and adults alike. whilst the majority of our party were 7 to 10 year olds, Our Family ranged from 6 months to 87years! everyone had a fantastic time, and loved the interactive exhibits, even the baby! plenty of exhibits outside too, so able to burn off some energy in the fresh air, before a lovely tea for the children, followed by a tour of the telescope. excellent entertainment with an educational twist. Highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My partner and I visited and re lived our childhood playing with all the activities. Great fun day out for adults (you will revert into big kids for the day) and kids. We were lucky as it wasnt that busy when we visited but I can imagine if it's more crowded it might be difficult to have a go on all the experiments. Well worth the money though.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came across this attraction by accident whilst in the area looking for something to visit. There are plenty of hands on things for you to play with that are there to demonstrate some serious science. The outdoor play area was unfortunately closed off as it was a bit soggy underfoot and therefore not entirely safe for children. Some of the exhibits could do with a bit of TLC, which is no surprise really as they are thoroughly bashed about by all and sundry. Whilst there we came across a local amateur radio group who were participating in a Morse code competition (which we had never heard of before!). Regrettably we couldn't stop for the talk at 3pm so we can't say whether it was any good or not. Having said that it was nice to see the observatory being put to good use and encouraging young minds to get interested in science.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on a sunny day during autumn half term - and stayed all day! The Observatory offers a great mixture of hands-on equipment (indoors and outdoors), fun shows and serious science exhibits. The outdoor play equipment is top-notch (because of this, I would recommend visiting on a dry day). Compared to other 'exploratory' centres, I thought the hands-on stuff was really cross-generational - yes it's aimed at kids, but there's loads for adults to enjoy too. And of course you've got the historical interest of the site and the telescopes; whilst we were there, equipment was being used to track satellites in real time. The staff are brilliant and clearly love this place - and you can see why. We took a picnic (plenty of benches outside) but the cafe prices are really affordable too. Lots of parking space, and the castle gardens are nearby if you have time (note that joint tickets are available, but only from the hut on the road to the castle - not from the Observatory). Great place - and definitely worth a return visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited a few years ago when my children were smaller but still as good this time with teenagers.Great hands on exhibits indoors and out ,and fun interactive talk about sound on this occasion.Good value for money under £30 for a family of 5 we spent around 3 hours here .We had a late lunch in the cafe this was good value compared to other attractions but there is a nice picnic area if you are on a budget.Also gift shop has a good range of education toys for pocket money prices lots available for under £5.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Another gem in lovely Sussex. This is our second visit here and I must say that it is the perfect attraction for the old and young alike.
For the younger people in the family, there are 50+ "hands on" experiments or bits of machinery to be turned and twisted and prodded and shifted and pulled and pushed to produce an array of results. All whilst learning about science.... physics, chemistry, optics, astronomy etc etc. There is loads to do! Not content with that? Go and climb and slide or try and construct a bridge (that's safe to cross of course!) or check out what's happening in the geodesic domes!
For the parents... You can play too (!) or marvel at the history of the observatory and the detail of the machines on show! Alternatively go sit in the cafe for a well deserved break. Good for snacks ... But I wouldn't rely on it to feed the whole family.
TOP TIP ... At times other than the height of summer, it can get VERY muddy since there is a lot of grass about. My winter cold has me knowingly wearing my white summer shoes in the mud... Sigh.... Definite note to self to wear wellies/hiking boots next time.
You could choose to visit the gardens and castle.... But that definitely needs to be kept for a dry and warm day (on the basis of what I've been told anyway!).
Another perfect example of an attraction in the region that is well priced (under £30 for a family of four) well sized and well thought through.
Another - must visit!
For the younger people in the family, there are 50+ "hands on" experiments or bits of machinery to be turned and twisted and prodded and shifted and pulled and pushed to produce an array of results. All whilst learning about science.... physics, chemistry, optics, astronomy etc etc. There is loads to do! Not content with that? Go and climb and slide or try and construct a bridge (that's safe to cross of course!) or check out what's happening in the geodesic domes!
For the parents... You can play too (!) or marvel at the history of the observatory and the detail of the machines on show! Alternatively go sit in the cafe for a well deserved break. Good for snacks ... But I wouldn't rely on it to feed the whole family.
TOP TIP ... At times other than the height of summer, it can get VERY muddy since there is a lot of grass about. My winter cold has me knowingly wearing my white summer shoes in the mud... Sigh.... Definite note to self to wear wellies/hiking boots next time.
You could choose to visit the gardens and castle.... But that definitely needs to be kept for a dry and warm day (on the basis of what I've been told anyway!).
Another perfect example of an attraction in the region that is well priced (under £30 for a family of four) well sized and well thought through.
Another - must visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I'd agree with previous reviews that the interactive part of this place, (which is about 75% of it) is very kiddy oriented, adults without kids though will find it a guilty pleasure playing with the various exhibits. The sound experiment gallery was a particular favourite, although bring your ear defenders if you're visiting in school holidays...
The exhibition about the observatory is small but interesting and puts the facility in its historical context. I would imagine if you go to one of their many night-time activities they would be immense fun and very interesting too.
The exhibition about the observatory is small but interesting and puts the facility in its historical context. I would imagine if you go to one of their many night-time activities they would be immense fun and very interesting too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been here before and I was quite happy to come back. While the observatory is mainly geared to children, adults can have quite an enjoyable time. The exhibits are clearly label and invite you to "play" with them. The small cafetria is a nice place to sit down for a cup of tea. I would dearly love to attend one of the evening sessions and perhaps I will get a chance to do this. If you have a family and any children then this is a must.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Came with my daughter's (7) school trip a few weeks ago. Came back today with my wife and five kids 7 and under. We all had a great time. Everyone came away having learnt something. It is very relaxed with not too many people and very kind, friendly staff who clearly love working there. Fantastic for the kids as it is just the right level of excitement - not so much they get over the top but enough that they absolutely love it. Definite highlight is the water play area - they spent about an hour building mini dams and generally having a lovely time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We really liked all the experiments and the buildings and fab telescopes. Only downside was the noise from a party of school children. However they were certainly learning as they experimented and were really enjoying it. I'd recommend to any school as well as adults!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth a visit, especially if there's an event on, loads to see and do and the historical Royal Greenwich Observatories are stunning just to look at.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
You go through the sleepless nights, the nappy changing, watching Bubble Guppies and spending interminable amounts of time in soft play areas and you start to wonder what it's all about, then you find the Observatory Science Center and your poor wife is looking after three kids instead of two.
In the olden days, a trip to the science centre was was looking at big Victorian wheels then playing with the 2 interactive machines that went ping, that was it for science. Things have changed, were an enormous number of "exhibits" (read toys that demonstrate stuff) to "interact" (play) with. All demonstrating good solid scientific principles and all childishly entertaining. The countless words you've used to try and explain tectonic plate movement, convection or craters on the moon that leave the both of you worse off than before you started are explained in a simple playable model.
And that's just inside. Outside are a collection what are probably described as interactive scientific sculptures but are as well described as very big toys.
A very, very good day out, thanks.
In the olden days, a trip to the science centre was was looking at big Victorian wheels then playing with the 2 interactive machines that went ping, that was it for science. Things have changed, were an enormous number of "exhibits" (read toys that demonstrate stuff) to "interact" (play) with. All demonstrating good solid scientific principles and all childishly entertaining. The countless words you've used to try and explain tectonic plate movement, convection or craters on the moon that leave the both of you worse off than before you started are explained in a simple playable model.
And that's just inside. Outside are a collection what are probably described as interactive scientific sculptures but are as well described as very big toys.
A very, very good day out, thanks.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fun day out for all ages. Over 100 hands on science experiments that the kids can touch and be involved in. Most of it is indoors so a good outing for a rainy day. The Cafe is tiny and stuggled with extra demands of higher trade in summer holiday.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went for the afternoon and we all had a great time playing with the interactive scientific exhibits.
The telescope talk was really interesting and there was no shortage of demonstrations of the mind-blowing scale of space.
I like how the ground in the centre is arranged between the telescopes so that when it was operating in the past the astronomers could move between the buildings without failing into the pond. If the paving is smooth you're OK, the rough cobbles and grass mean danger is near. The guide gave us a warning not to try it by walking around with our eyes closed!
There's something here to suit all ages. We had a really nice day out. It's something of a hidden gem.
The cafe was also very good, and the staff throughout were very friendly.
The telescope talk was really interesting and there was no shortage of demonstrations of the mind-blowing scale of space.
I like how the ground in the centre is arranged between the telescopes so that when it was operating in the past the astronomers could move between the buildings without failing into the pond. If the paving is smooth you're OK, the rough cobbles and grass mean danger is near. The guide gave us a warning not to try it by walking around with our eyes closed!
There's something here to suit all ages. We had a really nice day out. It's something of a hidden gem.
The cafe was also very good, and the staff throughout were very friendly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As most other reviews have stated this is worth a visit, we went years ago and now going back with our son we were able to appreciate it even more. Staff were really helpful and knowledgeable, the young guy who sold us our tickets went on to present the science show, great to see all the kids enjoying it and learning something at the same time. Will return to do the telescope tour and some of the evening events look good.
The cafe is basic, but we were there late in the day, so not much choice of sandwiches, nice picnic area though and use the cafe to get drinks or ice creams next time. The exhibits are fun and interesting for all ages.
The cafe is basic, but we were there late in the day, so not much choice of sandwiches, nice picnic area though and use the cafe to get drinks or ice creams next time. The exhibits are fun and interesting for all ages.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
More here than I thought there would be. Felt like kids again playing on the interactive exhibitions!! Friendly staff and nice cafe.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
