The Observatory Science Centre
Latest Reviews
What a super find. Went with friends, so 3 children ( under 11) and 4 adults. Great interactive science experience. Staff were very welcoming and knowledgable and there was lots of stuff for us to play with. The science show and the observatory tour were great. Will be back and take more friends. That combined with the castle at Herstmonceux make for a great, busy day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a great day out for the family. The exhibits are well presented and well documented for the interested reader. There are lots of them too! The two presentations we went two were great (rocket science and a telescope tour). My boy gave this 99.8 out of 100! It also appealed to the inner nurd in me so, as the saying goes, I'll be back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you have young children this is the perfect day out.
Fun & educational experience for all the family.
Cafe limited, but picnics allowed.
Don't be put off by negative reviews.
This is a great place to visit!
Fun & educational experience for all the family.
Cafe limited, but picnics allowed.
Don't be put off by negative reviews.
This is a great place to visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a great time here - and we don't have children!Lots to see and do (and play with). The staff were all very pleasant and well informed. We liked many of the exhibits because they didn't rely on computer technology. The information boards explained complex ideas in a very straightforward way.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the science Centre on 31st July with our 6 year old Granddaughter. A very warm welcome on arrival and we were just in time for a talk in one of the domes. This was informative an interesting. There was plenty to do both inside and outside. The water play area were great fun.
We had our Ian picnic so I can not comment on the quality of the food, but it was nice to see fair prices in the cafe and would certainly try this if we visit again.
The afternoon had a science show which added to the attraction, and the young lady giving the talk made it very interesting, especially for the children.
It was also nice that there were pocket money priced things to buy in the shop.
Overall a great day out at a reasonable entrance fee.
We had our Ian picnic so I can not comment on the quality of the food, but it was nice to see fair prices in the cafe and would certainly try this if we visit again.
The afternoon had a science show which added to the attraction, and the young lady giving the talk made it very interesting, especially for the children.
It was also nice that there were pocket money priced things to buy in the shop.
Overall a great day out at a reasonable entrance fee.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went for a wedding. I was very impressed with the staff, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. A beautiful place to visit. We will return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was pleasantly surprised how much we enjoyed our visit.. Very interactive and extremely interesting.. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited with our 5.5yr old son, as he loves hands on stuff. (We visited the Winchester Science Centre last year which was amazing, and assumed this would be similar).
Sadly it didn't quite live up to expectations. The indoor experiments / machines / contraptions are all interactive, but are very close together in quite a compact set of rooms. They are all great but mostly suited to older children who can understand some of the science behind them.
Outside are some large scale items which were more immediate and therefore popular with our son. The thing that he enjoyed best of all was the water play - a series of big trays with water running through and different activities such as water wheels, locks, dams etc. We spent probably two hours playing with that alone.
We did have a lovely day out, but it wasn't a patch on the Winchester centre and I wouldn't rush back.
Tip for visiting if you want peace and quiet - after 2pm on a school day, it's great you can have the whole place virtually to yourself!
Sadly it didn't quite live up to expectations. The indoor experiments / machines / contraptions are all interactive, but are very close together in quite a compact set of rooms. They are all great but mostly suited to older children who can understand some of the science behind them.
Outside are some large scale items which were more immediate and therefore popular with our son. The thing that he enjoyed best of all was the water play - a series of big trays with water running through and different activities such as water wheels, locks, dams etc. We spent probably two hours playing with that alone.
We did have a lovely day out, but it wasn't a patch on the Winchester centre and I wouldn't rush back.
Tip for visiting if you want peace and quiet - after 2pm on a school day, it's great you can have the whole place virtually to yourself!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I've been to the science centre several times and think that it a wonderful place to bring kids to learn about science. Em, actually, why am I saying "kids"?, it's not just for kids under 11 years old - anybody with an open and inquisitive mind can learn something at any age, I certainly did. This is a wonderful interactive venue with demonstrations and special events, including night time use of the telescopes, to enhance a visit.
It's inspiring educational value is beyond question and so what if it could do with a lick of paint, do people come here for the décor anyway?
It's inspiring educational value is beyond question and so what if it could do with a lick of paint, do people come here for the décor anyway?
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were looking for somewhere to visit in the afternoon on the way home form Eastbourne with our two daughters and wanted something different from a Soft Play place or Farm and found the Observatory Science Centre advertised and thought we would try it out and what a great choice it turned out to be. There were over 100 experiments that you could try and young and old could all join in. The girls loved it and were running from one experiment to another and they were full amused for the whole time we were there. We were only disappointed we could not have been there longer as was such an interesting place to visit and would highly recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was a fantastic day out we thought we would be risking it with potential rain however plenty to do both inside and out. The kids absolutely loved it and complained when we wanted to leave. The big kids also enjoyed themselves. The circus skills were also fun.
I think this was one of the most interesting days out I have had in a long time as good as the science museum in London so seriously give it a go its worth every penny
I think this was one of the most interesting days out I have had in a long time as good as the science museum in London so seriously give it a go its worth every penny
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is well worth a visit and very educational for children also undercover so when like on our visit a Thunder storm had just started, it was ideal.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Despite a rainy day, we spent an excellent few hours here. It's a great mix of historical insight into the observatory itself, the opportunity to see some of the telescopes and equipment, and a really well produced set of activities for children. And adults, in fact.
The outdoor activities are well constructed, interesting and entertaining, even in light drizzle. Inside, there's a great mix of gadgets and displays with a lot of physical sciences covered. It's probably aimed at 4+ but our 2 year olds enjoyed plenty of it.
Decent value, friendly staff and reasonable, if busy, cafe.
The outdoor activities are well constructed, interesting and entertaining, even in light drizzle. Inside, there's a great mix of gadgets and displays with a lot of physical sciences covered. It's probably aimed at 4+ but our 2 year olds enjoyed plenty of it.
Decent value, friendly staff and reasonable, if busy, cafe.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second visit. At nearly £25 for a family of 4 it is not cheap, but would have been good value if everything was working.
Last time we went there were just a couple of exhibits broken or not working, this time there were many. Even worse, with the exception of the small overhead train track which had a notice saying it was not working (same as last year), you found out the hard way with the inevitable kids disappointment.
Especially noticeable were 3 external items, the floating granite ball (no water), the water diverting system (no water) and the wheel up the entrance steps.
Most inside exhibits were working, although at times with 2 school visits it did get a busy and noisy.
The cafe was a pleasant surprise, a reasonable range and very reasonable prices.
The centre could be so much better and could easily achieve 5*'s but ongoing maintenance is essential plus more thought needs to be given to the visitor experience.
Not just organised school visits.
Last time we went there were just a couple of exhibits broken or not working, this time there were many. Even worse, with the exception of the small overhead train track which had a notice saying it was not working (same as last year), you found out the hard way with the inevitable kids disappointment.
Especially noticeable were 3 external items, the floating granite ball (no water), the water diverting system (no water) and the wheel up the entrance steps.
Most inside exhibits were working, although at times with 2 school visits it did get a busy and noisy.
The cafe was a pleasant surprise, a reasonable range and very reasonable prices.
The centre could be so much better and could easily achieve 5*'s but ongoing maintenance is essential plus more thought needs to be given to the visitor experience.
Not just organised school visits.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went with a school trip and had a fabulous day. All the activities were timetabled and the hands on science is interesting and fun to try out. The outdoor park has a load of activities to play with and the water play area is really good - prepare to get wet! Really interesting tour of the telescopes too. The gift shop has a large selection of pocket money items, and you can come away with several items for less than £2. Great day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The science park is amazing for adults and children. Our neighbours recommended we went and said their grandchildren had been totally absorbed for over four hours. Our grandchildren (and ourselves!) were equally absorbed and spent over four hours there too. There is a water apparatus area, a discovery area, scientific experiments and talks about chemistry and astro-physics - each presented in an easy-to-understand way. It's a really worthwhile place to go.
Visited April 2014
Visited April 2014
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Came here with my brother both in our 60's. Excellent talk on the observatory and space etc from a very enthustisatic member of staff. I shall return with my grandchildren as there is so much for them to do. Lovely spot
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We sent a day with the grandchildren at the centre, it was fantastic. The kids were able to learn about science in a great way with plenty of hands on stuff. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the tour of the telescopes and domes fascinating for all. There are not only things to do inside but outside as well. We spent 6 hours at the centre and the time went in a flash, the café is good. The 'big' kids want to go back. In all a great day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This may well spark an interest in science for kids (and adults) who either think they don't understand or didn't think they would understand. Excellent hands on stuff for all ages in simple but not condescending language. If you don't enjoy this you are a very sad person. We intend to return with our great grand son.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here on Bank Holiday Monday with my granddaughter of 7, we had a really good afternoon. We spent 4 hours learning about science and the sky. There were very well informed staff, very interesting telescopes to look at and learn about but most of all it was Hands On.... My granddaughter enjoyed the afternoon immensely. The hands on experiments are for all ages and although some are a bit tired they are interesting. I learned quite a few things that I didn't know. I would happily recommend this attraction to anyone. The café was a surprise as they have a varied menu and it was extremely well priced. My partner and I had a Bacon Sandwich each (toasted) 2 lattes, and a large slice of Chocolate cate and it was £8.80. You do not have to pay lots of £'s for drinks.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The science park is amazing for adults and children. Our neighbours recommended we went and said their grandchildren had been totally absorbed for over four hours. Our grandchildren (and ourselves!) were equally absorbed and spent over four hours there. There is water apparatus, a discovery area, scientific experiments and talks about chemistry and astro-physics - each presented in an easy-to-understand way. It's a really worthwhile place to go.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Good for a family day out but the Easter Egg Trail was a bit pathetic. The questions were boring for young children and all they got at the end was one of those tiny foil wrapped eggs. Shame they couldn't stretch to a Cadburys cream egg!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Yes, the kids actually asked to go here again (we've been before) they love the place and think they are playing with the hands on exhibits, in fact they are learning. They love the water feature "play", and all the other interactive displays, and certainly don't realise that they are learning all the time. They also love the shows, again without actually realising they are learning. This time it was about materials, but previously it had been on other things, they love getting involved (including the 5 year old, who got to be a electron!)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were initially unsure whether the centre would hold the attention of our 5 and 2 year old boys. However, our concerns were quickly dispelled. The outdoor, interactive displays immediately captured their interest and we eventually had to prise them away as we wanted to attend the show about materials/molecules/atoms. Again, this was a highly hands-on experience with the excellent presenter encouraging the participation of the younger members of the audience. The indoor exhibits were also interesting as were the observatory buildings. All in all, we really enjoyed our visit for both its fun and educational value.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hidden amongst bluebells and rural paths opens up the expanse gardens of the castle and The Observatory Science Centre. The 4 domes send of a sign of nostalgia and potentially better times yet the centre being charity which relies on it's visitors, it's very welcoming that money may have perhaps been spent on the large variety of indoor and outdoor interactive tests - plus it's the entry doesn't make you think twice.
But what makes the visit well worth is to attend the telescope tours. Today we got to see inside two of them - an interactive and needless to say visual experience which was suitably guided for children and adults alike by David. He updated us on the historical discoveries made by the telescopes and their link to the Greenwich Observatory as well as putting into a very visual perspective what these machines are capable of seeing - and how small we are!
It's a shame that this centre can't be as well as a advertised as the one in Greenwich so be sure not to give it a miss when in Sussex!
But what makes the visit well worth is to attend the telescope tours. Today we got to see inside two of them - an interactive and needless to say visual experience which was suitably guided for children and adults alike by David. He updated us on the historical discoveries made by the telescopes and their link to the Greenwich Observatory as well as putting into a very visual perspective what these machines are capable of seeing - and how small we are!
It's a shame that this centre can't be as well as a advertised as the one in Greenwich so be sure not to give it a miss when in Sussex!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
