The Observatory Science Centre
Latest Reviews
Lots of science experiments for kids to attempt. Not as crowded as the Science Museum. A great outdoor activity area too. My grandson enjoyed the science show/demonstrations. The observatory was really interesting for adults and children alike. Something for children of all ages. A definite must see for the school holidays.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I first visited about 10 years ago. I love this place and everything it does, but it is looking very tired and dated. I love interactive education, but many of the things the children don't understand the concept behind what they are doing. It is fun, but it hasn't changed very much in the 10 years, it's all a bit old and tired. I really hate saying it because I like the principle so much.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very enjoyable day out even though it was tipping it down! Thankfully there's still quite a bit to do indoors so my kids (a 4 year old and a 19 month old) had a great time playing with all the interactive stuff.
Will definitely be going back to check out all the things they had outdoors.
All the staff we talked to were really friendly and informative - and were very nice even when my smallest broke one of the gifts in the shop!
Plus point - the café is still the cheap 'n' cheerful kind (and I mean that in a good way).
Will definitely be going back to check out all the things they had outdoors.
All the staff we talked to were really friendly and informative - and were very nice even when my smallest broke one of the gifts in the shop!
Plus point - the café is still the cheap 'n' cheerful kind (and I mean that in a good way).
Source: google.com
Amazing would recommend for all the families stuck in the holidays, LOL
Source: google.com
Brilliant day for kids
Source: google.com
I originally lived in Sussex and was visiting recently when a friend suggested taking our 2 boys aged 7 and 9 here, and we were glad we did because we had hours of fun. In fact we returned after a pub lunch down the road until it closed. There must be 100's of science experiments and info about the planets, gravity, forces, sound, light, too many to list and all so child friendly. The "curators" were friendly, approachable and interesting so make use of them. Some of the exhibits are outside and one of the most popular involves water so it is best to go on a fine day, but well worth the visit. It certainly ranks on a par with the Science Museum in London but at a fraction of the size and without the crowds.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited with seven adults and two children under 5 on a whim, and I'm glad we did - the science content is accessible to small children and although there's a lot more to be learned by them, a good grounding in many basic principles was started on a wet Saturday afternoon.
The adults of the party also had a good time - a tour of the telescopes and their function included, with a short talk on the history of the Observatory included as well as playing with the various interactive elements and trying their hand at variously describing basic science to small children.
A great plan for a wet day - and being 'out of season', it was nice and quiet as well. As an additional opinion of this reviewer and his partner, it's a really nice touch to see what the rooms of the centre were during their working life - lunch in the standards laboratory on the marble topped work bench was a treat!
The adults of the party also had a good time - a tour of the telescopes and their function included, with a short talk on the history of the Observatory included as well as playing with the various interactive elements and trying their hand at variously describing basic science to small children.
A great plan for a wet day - and being 'out of season', it was nice and quiet as well. As an additional opinion of this reviewer and his partner, it's a really nice touch to see what the rooms of the centre were during their working life - lunch in the standards laboratory on the marble topped work bench was a treat!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It was much better than we thought it as going to be - there is a lot to see and do and I don't think I've been somewhere which is so hands on. Just about everything to see and do has a sign saying "do this, this is what's happening and why". It's really worth going on one of the telescope talk / tours which take about half an hour. They are aimed at adults and children and our two primary aged children enjoyed the talk and demo of opening the roof etc. About a third of the exhibits / things to do are outside so it would be better to go on a mostly dry day.
I think the centre should advertise and sell itself more - it's well worth a visit.
I think the centre should advertise and sell itself more - it's well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Nicer on a good weather day as there is stuff to do outside. lots of fun and worth a couple of visits
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Herstmonceux Castle was once an observatory and the telescopes now form part if the science centre. This is a great day out with the kids are there are all sorts of active experiments that you can participate in involving sound, light, gravity, electricity and so on. During holiday periods there are also demonstrations and talks. You have a good day out and everyone learns something.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were probably lucky to be visiting on the last day of the school holiday programme of events as we enjoyed a tour of two the observatories and a science demo/talk only slightly marred by a young person not really able to suppress natural energies and remain quiet for the duraton of the talk.
There is a good cafe too, which we used twice, once before the tours and then before leaving for home.
There is a good cafe too, which we used twice, once before the tours and then before leaving for home.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited with my 10 year old, 12 year old and my dad and step mum. It's a fantastic place for people of all ages. The demonstrations where informative and described in a way for all ages to understand.
There was so many science experiments to do inside and out. All of us trying them out and enjoying it greatly. Out side was loads of experiments that you could try with all the family.
The cafe was well worth getting visit. Tea and cakes for 3 adults and giant cookies and drinks for 2 children and all under £11.
Lovely friendly staff, we could have spent the entire day there
There was so many science experiments to do inside and out. All of us trying them out and enjoying it greatly. Out side was loads of experiments that you could try with all the family.
The cafe was well worth getting visit. Tea and cakes for 3 adults and giant cookies and drinks for 2 children and all under £11.
Lovely friendly staff, we could have spent the entire day there
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having been in Eastbourne over the weekend, we took the short trip to the Observatory today really on a whim. But I am very glad we did. Three of us (a difficult to please 13 year old plus parents) all thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff are very warm and friendly. Luke in particular was really helpful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable as he gave talks in the observatories themselves then made himself available for questions around the centre. Loads to do- lots of interactive games, not just 'space' related but also science and a brilliant electronics section where you can spend a good hour or so getting various shocks and sparks! I really enjoyed that! A great activity centre for kids, super water-themed games for all ages- I really don't understand why a couple of people said this is only for young kids. You don't need to be a space-fanatic to enjoy this centre. Oh and take a look at the fish in the pond- very impressive!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you are a budding Astronomer Royal or want to be at the edge of Astrophysics then get on a plane to the Azores or Chile.
If you have a collection of grandchildren / children who need entertaining and stimulation of the curiosity gene this is the place for you. Having said this there are also events for the more senior people with various courses / events.
The venue is science based so don't expect a pure experience based on astronomy. Most of the 'learning' is hands on for young people, There are short lectures on the telescopes but as this country seems to be getting devoid of budding astronomers prepared to learn the basics on old equipment with less than perfect weather, (wimps) the telescopes are now only used for 'recreational' viewing and receive no funding other than the income from visitors.
Our visit was great, the staff are knowledgeable and very helpful. The Gift shop is not overpriced and has some interesting material.
If ratings were given on the sight of happy and engaged children this has to be 15/10.
If you have a collection of grandchildren / children who need entertaining and stimulation of the curiosity gene this is the place for you. Having said this there are also events for the more senior people with various courses / events.
The venue is science based so don't expect a pure experience based on astronomy. Most of the 'learning' is hands on for young people, There are short lectures on the telescopes but as this country seems to be getting devoid of budding astronomers prepared to learn the basics on old equipment with less than perfect weather, (wimps) the telescopes are now only used for 'recreational' viewing and receive no funding other than the income from visitors.
Our visit was great, the staff are knowledgeable and very helpful. The Gift shop is not overpriced and has some interesting material.
If ratings were given on the sight of happy and engaged children this has to be 15/10.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went, as a family, to the open day at Herstmonceaux Science Park. There were outside activities for the children to explore and do experiments with. Inside there were even more science experiments and information about how the earth was formed, etc. As it got dark the observatories were opened. Most had displays about astronomy, telescopes and more. At one the telescope was centred on Saturn and its rings and we could observe this. We were lucky that the international space station went overhead on that evening as well. The little shop was full of exciting things to buy and most at a very reasonable fee. There was a small cafe at which we could buy hot and cold drinks and something to eat. Everyone was very welcoming and we had a great time. We plan to come for the whole day next time there is an open day!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A really good day was spent here, during the summer holidays there are special shows laid on, for children so if you are looking for a place to take the kids (best for ages 5 onwards although there were adults couples like us, who had a great time too!!) try this.
There is a little cafe there or lots of places for picnics if weather permits, indoor & outdoor things to do, lots of hands on.
There is a little cafe there or lots of places for picnics if weather permits, indoor & outdoor things to do, lots of hands on.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on a rather wet day, but there's plenty to do inside and the children had fun outside even in the rain. There's s good variety of exhibitions and themed interactive exhibits, we enjoyed the one on light the most as well as the puzzles.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My husband was very keen to visit this attraction as he is very interested in astrology. It is not cheap a option but we expected to obtain a lot of interesting information. How wrong can you be! It is aimed mainly at young children with lots of interactive displays and a play park. For youngsters it is ideal and children there at the same time as us were obviously loving it. If you have young children take them as I am sure they will find it great but for adults....don't bother unless you have the children with you the name is misleading
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An excellent few hours spent at the Observatory. My four year old loved touching and playing with the objects. The cafe is also reasonably priced. All in all it is worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place with hands on activities, visited with a "teenager" who thinks everything is boring...even she had a great time and tried things out! We all loved the water activities, park, and the experimental activities inside. Volunteers very knowledgable and great with kids. Telescopes were amazing. Very good value for money as you can spend as long as you like playing - kids challenged us to the tens machine. Would love to go back for a open evening to observe the stars. Much better than Greenwich.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wasn't sure what this place would be like as haven't heard many reviews or seen much advertising of it, but what a hidden gem it was. Even on wet day the outdoor parts were a joy, the telescopes were fascinating and the science toys/equipment were fun. My only niggle was, there was a school of over 200 kids there that day and my god they were annoying, so check prior to visiting that its not busy.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I will begin with the only negative for my group. To purchase an entry ticket/s you have to queue in your car to slowly arrive at a pay kiosk. The kiosk is on the passenger side of the car and unless you have a responsible adult in the passenger seat, the driver then has to get out of his car and walk round to pay. This also takes longer than necessary as there are options, of the castle and grounds, the science centre, both or either. Plus a mixed group of ages etc. etc. it goes on and on. Eventually you are able to enter.
The rest were positives. In our family group we had two cars, four adults and four boys. The science centre was an enormous hit with all of them. They would have stayed there all day, not noticing if there were any adults with them or not (until they were hungry)! A small area of picnic tables but also a large area to enjoy ground level picnics.
Following that we enjoyed the extensive and well laid out gardens. There was a tour of the castle but only one on the day we were there (bank holiday Monday) but missed that as the boys were still enjoying the science experience. Castle not open other than tours, as it is a full time college.
We did go into the Observatory demo, which they enjoyed. A small negative here was that the presenter was not very clear and rushed the lecture making it difficult to understand him.
We all enjoyed an ice cream from the small cafe, fortunately for us the queue was small otherwise could have taken quite some time.
An enjoyable experience was had by all.
The rest were positives. In our family group we had two cars, four adults and four boys. The science centre was an enormous hit with all of them. They would have stayed there all day, not noticing if there were any adults with them or not (until they were hungry)! A small area of picnic tables but also a large area to enjoy ground level picnics.
Following that we enjoyed the extensive and well laid out gardens. There was a tour of the castle but only one on the day we were there (bank holiday Monday) but missed that as the boys were still enjoying the science experience. Castle not open other than tours, as it is a full time college.
We did go into the Observatory demo, which they enjoyed. A small negative here was that the presenter was not very clear and rushed the lecture making it difficult to understand him.
We all enjoyed an ice cream from the small cafe, fortunately for us the queue was small otherwise could have taken quite some time.
An enjoyable experience was had by all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with 2 six year olds, and loved it. There are lots of hands on, interactive exhibits, both inside and outside the centre. My daughter loved the section on planets, and the history of Earth. She liked learning about fault lines, plates, earthquakes, volcanoes, meteorites and crystals. All of these were explained clearly with something to do to demonstrate. The senses section was good, and we enjoyed the science talk. There are picnic benches outside, including some undercover. We all enjoyed the large scale exhibits in the Discovery Park, and the arts and crafts session where we made our own paper helicopters, and lots of other make-your-own experiments. Even the gift shop was good as it had many small items suitabke for spending pocket money! All in all, a fantastic day out, and we look forward to coming back!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is tremendous fun for all ages. It is aimed at kids under 12, with excellent talks every few hours that introduce the centre, its telescopes, and give a great basic intro to astronomy. But we were a pair of adults, so the kids stuff was less on our radar. (Ok, not radar.) Instead, we enjoyed the excellent detailed history of the Royal Observatory and the telescopes themselves, in particular the giant Isaac Newton glass mirror by the entrance. It'll take a very cynical soul (or one expert in physics experiments) not to enjoy some of the activities in the Discovery Park. Highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here with our 7 yo daughter not really knowing what to expect but were very pleasantly surprised. She enjoyed all of the exhibits which were all hands on, as did we. The small cafe was good for a coffee or two as we visited on a very cold day and some of the exhibits were outside. They serve toasties, home made soup and light lunches, as well as cakes and ice creams. There were lots of sensory exhibits which our daughter with special needs loved and one where you could email the picture you had made home which is a nice reminder of the day. There is disabled access to the Observatory and lifts available once inside. We would recommend to anyone for a day out and will be going again. They also do bookable full day/half day workshops for those aged 9+ and 6+ respectively such as Rocket to the Moon, Cool Chemistry and Earth and Beyond. Also evening astronomy courses such as Further Astronomy, Star Search and Astrophotography. On some of these courses you get the chance to view through the telescopes, weather permitting. There is also an astronomy festival over 3 days in September where you can camp. More details: www.the-observatory.org.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
