The Observatory Science Centre
Latest Reviews
The site and the staff are really great, it’s a good day out with loads of stuff to do, just take a pack lunch with you as the cafe is expensive and the staff take 40mins to make a sandwich.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Knowing it was due to rain, we spent the first hour enjoying the outside activities. We joined the dome talk about the different telescopes, which was very interesting. We spent 3 further hours on the inside activities. We love the Science Museums in London, Bristol and Cambridge and the hands on exhibits here far exceed these others. Even in the drizzle, people were still outside enjoying themselves. We did not pay extra to see the Planetarium show as we had done these before elsewhere. A great day out with boys aged 8 and 12. There was a cafe which looked very busy. You can enjoy a picnic near your car on the grass.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Booked tickets for one of the themed evenings (Perseids shooting stars) for my other half. It was really well organised, there was a replenished selection of cheeses and wine and you were sat in small groups for the talk by a guest speaker (Dr Mark Sargent). The information was well delivered even for the less knowledgeable (me!) but detailed enough for those in the know. We were lucky with the weather and then managed to look through several telescopes at Jupiter, Saturn, the moon and a distant nebula.
Really enjoyable evening with a good variety of people. We also had access to inside the observatory centre which looks like it would also be a good family day out.
Really enjoyable evening with a good variety of people. We also had access to inside the observatory centre which looks like it would also be a good family day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I found this by accident while surfing google maps planning a tour of England. Our kids ranging in age from 6 - 14 all had a fantastic time. There's a great range of indoor and outdoor educational and fun interactive exhibits. The Science show and tour were both very engaging.
This is such a great piece of history brought to life and reasonably priced entry. I'm sorry we didn't give ourselves more time, the kids could have stayed all day!
The only disappointing bit was finding out that there was a planetarium on the grounds that wasn't marked on the map or mentioned along with everything else when we were paying in. So we missed that part.
If only we lived closer, we would love to return for an open evening to see the fantastic telescopes in action!
This is such a great piece of history brought to life and reasonably priced entry. I'm sorry we didn't give ourselves more time, the kids could have stayed all day!
The only disappointing bit was finding out that there was a planetarium on the grounds that wasn't marked on the map or mentioned along with everything else when we were paying in. So we missed that part.
If only we lived closer, we would love to return for an open evening to see the fantastic telescopes in action!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took some of our children and grandchildren to Herstmonceux Observatory yesterday, the first time I've been there. Knowing that many of the exhibits were outside, I was a little worried about the weather, as we experienced some storms driving down there from Surrey, but by the time we arrived, it had cleared up beautifully.
The first comment is that one day is not long enough to explore all that they have to offer. The children, aged from 3 to 14, all found so much of interest, and had to be almost forcibly moved on to the next exhibit or attraction. The greatest aspect was that nearly all the features were "hands-on", allowing our children to experiment and experience for themselves. The attractions themselves are spaciously laid-out, giving plenty of room, not just to participate themselves, but also to watch others.
It reminded me strongly of visits to the Science Museum in London when I was a child, and more recently to Eureka in Halifax, both of which also offer an introduction to science which is both educational and fun.
I cannot wait to get back to Herstmonceux to see and try out the things we missed through shortage of time, and I know that the children will be as keen as we are to return there. We'll need to pick day of good weather, as that makes all the difference.
The first comment is that one day is not long enough to explore all that they have to offer. The children, aged from 3 to 14, all found so much of interest, and had to be almost forcibly moved on to the next exhibit or attraction. The greatest aspect was that nearly all the features were "hands-on", allowing our children to experiment and experience for themselves. The attractions themselves are spaciously laid-out, giving plenty of room, not just to participate themselves, but also to watch others.
It reminded me strongly of visits to the Science Museum in London when I was a child, and more recently to Eureka in Halifax, both of which also offer an introduction to science which is both educational and fun.
I cannot wait to get back to Herstmonceux to see and try out the things we missed through shortage of time, and I know that the children will be as keen as we are to return there. We'll need to pick day of good weather, as that makes all the difference.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Enjoyed our visit very much. Many hands on exhibits and learnt a lot of interesting facts.Spent longer than we had planned as we became engrossed with all the activities.Plenty to keep children and adults occupied
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Was pleasantly surprised at how much there is to do and so hands on and educating at the same time .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We found this by accident while surfing google maps. My partner had wanted to go to Greenwich but we were not up for London and I am so pleased we came here instead. My 8 year old had an amazing time - spent the whole visit running from exhibit to exhibit to try out the next thing. There is a range of indoor and outdoor exhibits - making it perfect if the weather is a bit dodgy. The talk/tour is definitely worth doing and if we had got there a bit earlier (and had better weather) the joint ticket with the castle grounds would have been a great option.
So impressed - hands on keeps children so engaged and entertained and we all had a lot of fun!
(Oh and during the year they have plenty of evening sessions/activities for those interested in seeing the telescopes in action, as well as school holiday activities).
So impressed - hands on keeps children so engaged and entertained and we all had a lot of fun!
(Oh and during the year they have plenty of evening sessions/activities for those interested in seeing the telescopes in action, as well as school holiday activities).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is fascinating for both young and old. The centre has interactive stuff for kids to enjoy, not to mention the adults getting in!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A real must for 'children of all ages.' I think it is kept secret so that aliens don't start the invasion here. It's a breathtaking sight when you arrive, hard to take in and it's hard to do the interior justice. The green domes actually have machinery that moves the whole thing around, like a 50's sci-fi movie. Plenty of activities are here, and the guides are 'mad scientist' enthusiasts. This place is used a lot by schools in Kent and Sussex, so it's educational and fun. This place will have your family talking about the visit for a long time afterwards. To Infinity and beyond!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Came here with my husband and 6yr old son. We all thoroughly enjoyed the hands on activities available. The tour was excellent, really interesting, thanks to (Natasha?) who was engaging and made it interesting for all the different ages that were in the group. We loved seeing the telescopes and the roof opening. Would definitely recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There are so many interesting and fun things to try out here! We also enjoyed the tour of the observatory, learning about the telescopes and seeing the dome open. We will definitely be back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place has so many things to try out you are spoiled for choice.The tour of the observatory is a must as you get to see the dome opened and learn how the telescopes worked. The staff are very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. with both indoor and outdoor equipment there is plenty to see and do. We went as a couple and ended up as big kids, trying out many of the hands on bits. You can learn about the constellations, try a huge Archimedes screw and so much more. a joint ticket for this and castle is available making a great day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have visited the Observatory a number of times over the years with different ages of children and also some with disabilities and they have all enjoyed it. Even the adults get to have some fun. I wouldn't recommend it for toddlers because there are lots of uneven surfaces and a pond. The small café at busier times struggles to cope and has a very limited menu. There are areas you can have a picnic.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Observatory is situated right next to Herstmonseux Castle so together they make for a great family day out. The Observatory on its own, however, is fascinating if you have any interest in science. Adults will be particularly interested in the various telescopes and talks on astronomy while children (of ALL ages) will spend several hours playing with, and experimenting with, the myriad of displays, many of which are interactive.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with two 15 year olds and a 5 year old. Kept them entertained for a number of hours. Entrance price is reasonable given the charity status of the venue. Plenty to do and see although some of the exhibits were not working (some of these were not working last year when we visited). Could really do with some new interactive items but appreciate that this is expensive for the charity. Cafe was clean but very expensive - £4.50 for a toasted cheese sandwich made with cheap white bread. Staff were polite and helpful. Site was clean.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went with our two six year old grandchildren and they were entranced as soon as we arrived. There was a talk about one of the telescopes, a planetarium show and some great indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited 3 days ago with my children who are 10 and 5. I have to say it's brilliant here and there is so much for the them to do. Everything is interactive and educational at the same time and they kept wanting to go back to certain things. Would highly recommend a visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We weren't sure what to expect from the Observatory but were amazed by the activities on offer. We were advised to allow 2 hours to look around, but we could have easily spent a whole day there! I would even say it's better than The Science Museum in London for younger children as everything is accessible and easy to reach. Totally exceeded our expectations!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic place. Jeremy does a wonderful talk and tour. Plenty of fun hands on displays. We had a great time. Looking forward to going back for a night observation. Recommend to anyone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went with a 2 year old and a baby, probably more for older kids or keen astronomers! The place has a very interesting history which you learn about when you take one of the regular tours of the eerie domes! The science activity’s are great, not all are suitable for young children or those with heart conditions as they do give electric shocks, my son loved the planet display and the lights and the outdoor activity area.
It’s not a huge place, I feel there should be more info about the building itself as I found the tour truly fascinating, adults and will, the kids tend to get a bit bored on the tour, but they will love the activities.
It’s not a huge place, I feel there should be more info about the building itself as I found the tour truly fascinating, adults and will, the kids tend to get a bit bored on the tour, but they will love the activities.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What an excellent exciting day. Our 9 year old really liked the Space centre in Winchester so we thought we would give this a try. Superb especially as the sun was out to a degree as some of the larger play items are out doors but there is still a lot to do indoors.
There is all types of science items to play with and they also offer extra special treats today’s was the big bubbles where they get you to stand in a ring and then they bring up the bubbles so your inside. Great. They then go on to making all sorts of shapes and size of bubbles for adults and children alike.
The restaurant is a little small but food is good and the service is the fastest they can do.
The talk on the telescopes is very informative and enjoyable.
Great day out was had by all. Also free parking
There is all types of science items to play with and they also offer extra special treats today’s was the big bubbles where they get you to stand in a ring and then they bring up the bubbles so your inside. Great. They then go on to making all sorts of shapes and size of bubbles for adults and children alike.
The restaurant is a little small but food is good and the service is the fastest they can do.
The talk on the telescopes is very informative and enjoyable.
Great day out was had by all. Also free parking
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent visit, the children loved everything about it. Staff is friendly and always happy to help. We'll go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great day out here, which we thought, whilst smaller,was better than the Science Museum in South Ken. as virtually everything worked, everything easy to interact with, not over-crowded and no extra charges.
A whole range of science demonstrations/talks and very hands-on for children with science devices both inside and outside on the lawns. Hard to tear our g/children (aged 10 and 13) away after 6 hours there.
A whole range of science demonstrations/talks and very hands-on for children with science devices both inside and outside on the lawns. Hard to tear our g/children (aged 10 and 13) away after 6 hours there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My SatNav took me to the wrong, ie closed , western entrance to the castle and Science Centre but having found the correct one there is ample parking. The entrance fees are reasonable and the souvenirs are also well priced and of good quality. My two 10 yr old companions enjoyed the exhibits which inform by demonstrating scientific principles, and the water features, but were really a bit bored by the two 20 minute talks .One was about the Apollo moon landing and the other about the history of the observatory itself and one of the telescopes. Both were fluently delivered but intended for a younger audience, in fact I didn't feel there was a lot to interest anyone between the ages of 8 and 18. The food in the cafeteria was fine but the service was slow. Not a great day out but worth visiting. It is run asa a charity so funding may be difficult but it all seemed a bit tired and in need of a revamp.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
