The Observatory Science Centre
Latest Reviews
Been meaning to go here for a while, after my 6 year old loved it on a scool trip. Disabled access & parking a real bonus. The whole family loved hands on experiments indoors & out. My son with learning difficulties, loved all the sensory things, we had a good 3 hrs of fun, a short interesting talk, followed by a cuppa in the lovely warm cafe. Its a bit rough round the edges, and not too flashy, but knocks spots off the London museum, which gets too overcrowded & overwhelming. The specialized star gazing evenings sound fun "cheese & wine star gazing night" next on list.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
just had a great day out with our 10 year old at the science centre. it was a very cold day and we were all freezing but we managed to stay for a good 3-4 hours. Fascinating tour of the observatory and Isaac Newton science talk, all made lots of fun by uber enthusiastic staff! well done you! not easy to entertain the crowds when they are frozen to the core.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Outdoors as well as hands-on learning experiences. Very well suited to children between the ages of 7 and 12, too much younger and they won't understand, too much older and it won't be stimulating enough. They also do 'science shows', fund for kids but you can just see the parents cringing with the 'over-enthusiastic', Americanised tannoy calls and OTT presenter. Wasn't too impressed with the observatory bit as the info is very 'wordy' and not child-friendly, the displays were a bit fiddly. Generally though a good day out and great informal education too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great evening out. Well worth a visit.
Source: google.com
it was a good visit but a little small but what was there was really intresting it i would love to go there agin
Source: google.com
Excellent. Great for the kids and adults.
Source: google.com
This science museum takes you back in time as well as giving youngsters the opportunity to explore things. Probably best enjoyed in good weather as whilst there is plenty to do and see indoors, some of the best parts of the exhibition are outside.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited during half term with our 9 and 7 year old. Wonderful exhibits which are all hands on. If it has been raining or a drizzly day, do wear wellies and raincoat. Several very good exhibits are outside. Apparently the talk on the large telescope was very good and you can see it turn. The science talk aimed at kids was funny and educational. I thought it was funny as my son who volunteered to hold 'earth', also had to wear a blond wig!!
We spend at least 4 hours there. Space to eat a packed lunch. Highly recommend this science centre for a day out.
We spend at least 4 hours there. Space to eat a packed lunch. Highly recommend this science centre for a day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We've just spent a very enjoyable couple of hours at this science centre. Both my 11 year old son and 10 year old daughter thoroughly enjoyed all the hands on activities. The centre is small enough for the kids to be able to go round and spend as little or as long as they like learning about magnets, electricity, art, light, weather, planets and so much more. It was also really refreshing to see that the centre was run by enthusiastic, knowledgeable, helpful young adults.
We visited on a wet Sunday afternoon, however if you came armed with a picnic on a sunny summers day I can imagine the kids would be entertained for the whole day!!
We visited on a wet Sunday afternoon, however if you came armed with a picnic on a sunny summers day I can imagine the kids would be entertained for the whole day!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our visit was with a group, we all enjoyed playing like kids on the many and various scientific tasks, despite the weather the food for lunch was good and the science show was great fun
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The strength of the Herstmonceux science centre as an educational science discovery centre is that it is itself steeped in scientific discoveries of its own.
History and science collide with the tours of the Equatorial Group telescopes. Then you can unleash the kids on some of the most inventive hands-on science anywhere in the UK - our 11 yo son enjoyed and learned from so many of the exhibits, but especially the Water Planet outdoor exhibits, the Light & Colour exhibits (which really did shine a light on some complex science) and the electric circuits displays. We also enjoyed it as adults - one of the best science museums we have been to.
A great day out for anyone who cares about not just science but the history of science. Excellent and engaging science interpreters on hand to add to the enjoyment. Well beyond our expectations, good value and a great day out. Watch out too for the amateur radio astronomers who have set up shop just outside - fascinating stuff.
History and science collide with the tours of the Equatorial Group telescopes. Then you can unleash the kids on some of the most inventive hands-on science anywhere in the UK - our 11 yo son enjoyed and learned from so many of the exhibits, but especially the Water Planet outdoor exhibits, the Light & Colour exhibits (which really did shine a light on some complex science) and the electric circuits displays. We also enjoyed it as adults - one of the best science museums we have been to.
A great day out for anyone who cares about not just science but the history of science. Excellent and engaging science interpreters on hand to add to the enjoyment. Well beyond our expectations, good value and a great day out. Watch out too for the amateur radio astronomers who have set up shop just outside - fascinating stuff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went to Herstmonceux Observatory and Science Centre with my 12yr old daughter on Saturday night.
Although the night turned quite cloudy we managed to see some stars through the telescopes and as a substitute for the lack of stargazing we were given an impromptu talk by one of the team - Will. It was a great evening and my daughter enjoyed it enormously.
The science exhibits did seem to be geared to slightly younger (or perhaps not quite so scientifically engaged) children, this is not a criticism but a word of warning in that if you have "done" the Science Museum in London with your youngsters you might find some of the content slightly less challenging.
The cafe serves excellent hot and cold drinks including a pretty fantastic hot chocolate (with cream and sprinkles for those whose waistbands can take it) and a fab range of cakes and hot and cold snacks. I'd say the prices are fair and family friendly, the portions are generous and indeed the chocolate cake portion we were served was big enough to defeat our combined effort...
If you are going to a star gazing evening I'd encourage you to remember to take a small torch - the walk back to our car was very dark.
Although the night turned quite cloudy we managed to see some stars through the telescopes and as a substitute for the lack of stargazing we were given an impromptu talk by one of the team - Will. It was a great evening and my daughter enjoyed it enormously.
The science exhibits did seem to be geared to slightly younger (or perhaps not quite so scientifically engaged) children, this is not a criticism but a word of warning in that if you have "done" the Science Museum in London with your youngsters you might find some of the content slightly less challenging.
The cafe serves excellent hot and cold drinks including a pretty fantastic hot chocolate (with cream and sprinkles for those whose waistbands can take it) and a fab range of cakes and hot and cold snacks. I'd say the prices are fair and family friendly, the portions are generous and indeed the chocolate cake portion we were served was big enough to defeat our combined effort...
If you are going to a star gazing evening I'd encourage you to remember to take a small torch - the walk back to our car was very dark.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have made several visits with kids from 2 - 72. Fun and learning for every age. Several outdoor activities which would be a shame to miss on wet day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We (two sons 11 and 8 and husband) went here during the bank holiday weekend and had a great day out. There's a really good balance of indoor and outdoor exhibits (just as well with changeable weather during the day) all with loads of buttons to press, handles to turn, things to do and excite the children so that they were learning science without even knowing it. My elder son had already visited with the school but had no problem with coming back and exploring all over again. We went to one of the shows which was good fun and very apt as was (loosely) themed around the Olympics and the boys enjoyed voting and volunteering to take part in it too.
We also joined one of the tours of the telescope domes which was interesting to all again especially when the boys were able to help enact how the telescope lense works
We also joined one of the tours of the telescope domes which was interesting to all again especially when the boys were able to help enact how the telescope lense works
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A really cool place for anyone who wants to do science! For little ones it's a fun hands on learning through place experience whilst for older ones there's lots of information. If you can visit one of their telescope evenings as they're great fun
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The science centre is always a good place to go whatever the weather with great activities inside and outside.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An unexpected little gem in the heart of East Sussex. Went as a party of four, one adult, two teenage students -one studying engineering at University- and a science mad 10 year old. There was something here for everyone and for once my son was enthused and animated by a day out! We loved the hands on science activities and learning about the telescopes in the domes. Great fun was had by all in the olympic themed science games. A very reasonably priced day out, handy cafe and good seection of gifts, staff can't do enough to ensure you have a good visit. Highly recommended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I came here with several times with my grandchildren when they were younger. It is an excellent place to take children. It is both enjoyable and educational. There is plenty to do and see and, best of all, a lot of hands on activity.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful experience for the children. Interactive displays inside and out. Sweet little cafe with home made produce for sale at reasonable prices. Gift shop small and affordable. A must for the holidays. Even I enjoyed it and I'm a mum who's not particularly interested in things scientific!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
So much to see and learn for all the family- Our teenage boys and us loved the hands on exhibitions and observatories. Very reasonably priced as was the cafe and for a rainy day this is the place to go. Even getting to speak to a real live Astrophysicist- ...Just a Rocket scientist !! as Sheldon would say.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A really interesting and fascinating day out on our door step
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It was very interesting and a good place to take your children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visit here annually at least, and my wife takes pupils from her school once a year. Excellent place to visit, never seems to be crowded and lots of "hands on" stuff to do. Whilst many of the "old favourite" displays don't change there there is usually something fresh to play with.
There is an annual astronomy weekend which is very popular and also regular open evenings when the big telescopes are in action. If you happen to go on one of these on a clear night it is an experience to see planets "in close up" through a seriously large telescope.
There is an annual astronomy weekend which is very popular and also regular open evenings when the big telescopes are in action. If you happen to go on one of these on a clear night it is an experience to see planets "in close up" through a seriously large telescope.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
... i used to keep borrowing my neices and nephews to have an excuse to visit - but honestly its brilliant for adults too, a very inspiring and enjoyable day out for all ages - don't think you need an interest of knowledge of science either, in fact, its all the more amazing if you don't!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very educational ,wonderful setting, great for children & teenagers.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
