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The Observatory Science Centre

Wartling Road, Herstmonceux, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1RN

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 539 reviews539 reviews
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Tel+44 01323 832731

Add The Observatory Science Centre to your Itinerary

From £9.50
The Observatory Science Centre

About


The Observatory Science Centre is one of the country's leading interactive science centres …

This unique attraction opened in 1995 with the vision to establish a place where people could explore, discover and learn for themselves. Sir Patrick Moore jubilantly declared that the Observatory had been ‘Saved for Science’.

It has gone from strength to strength celebrating spectacular science and discovery amongst the iconic domes and telescopes in the former home of The Royal Greenwich Observatory. The restoration of the Grade II* Listed building and historic telescopes has been described as a ‘labour of love unfolding in the Sussex countryside’ … 

Visitors of all ages and abilities explore over 100 interactive exhibits (indoors and out), join telescope tours, science shows and seasonal activities. Regular events include an annual Astronomy Festival in September, workshops for children and courses for adults (Star Search, Telescope Clinic, Night Sky Photography etc.).

Evening visitors experience the awe and wonder of the night sky (weather permitting!) viewing through historic telescopes assisted by knowledgeable volunteers.

Incredibly you can be married beneath an historic telescope: a truly memorable celebration venue.


The Observatory Science Centre is part of Science Projects Ltd, a non-profit company with charitable status (No: 298542) dedicated to the promotion of science for everyone, specialising in the design and construction of interactive exhibits both in the UK and overseas.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult 18+£11.50
Child (4-17 years)£9.50 per ticket
Family of 4£36.75
Family of 5£44.25 per ticket
Senior£10.50

• Prices on the door. Book in advance for reduced rate.
• Tickets price excludes Gift Aid.
• 0-3 years go free.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      390
    • Very Good
      111
    • Average
      19
    • Poor
      12
    • Terrible
      7

    Recent Reviews:

    • char1ie471
      Trip Type:
      Family
      Stargazing Evening
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 24th February 2024
      What an amazing evening, my daughter was captivated from start to finish (as were me and my husband). We were very lucky with the weather and managed to see many things through various telescopes... Read full review
    • Joanna B
      Hastings, United Kingdom
      Fabulous Star Gazing
      5 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 25th February 2024
      What an absolutely fantastic evening we had. Went to a Stargazing event and it was amazing, informative and just spectacular! This is a gem of a place to visit day and night and was a fabulous event... Read full review
    • isaac w
      Herstmonceux Observatory is the star of Sussex
      5 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 17th March 2024
      Great for the science Great for the science history. The hands on science exhibits are numerous and working and so well designed. The explanations about the telescopes are clear, and... Read full review

    Map & Directions

    Road Directions

    Signposted from A272 Road at Herstmonceux two miles east of village on Boreham Street to Pevensey road. Look for sign to Herstmonceux Castle on A271 or A27.

    Opening Times

    Open (13 Feb 2023 - 31 Dec 2023)
    DayTimes
    Monday - TuesdayClosed
    Wednesday10:00 - 16:00
    Thursday - FridayClosed
    Saturday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00

    * For opening times please visit the website.

    Video

    • The Observatory Science Centre

    Events

    Thursday, 29th February 2024 - Thursday, 21st March 2024

    Monday, 14th October 2024 - Monday, 4th November 2024

    orange poster with silhouette of observatory for star search course at herstmonceuxSTAR SEARCH COURSESJoin a Star Search course at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux.
    more info

    Saturday, 23rd March 2024 - Sunday, 24th March 2024

    Poster for Adult Stargazing and Planetarium Experience at Herstmonceux Observatory and Science Centre.Adult Stargazing & Planetarium ExperienceExplore the night sky at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux.
    more info

    Tuesday, 2nd April 2024 - Tuesday, 2nd April 2024

    ASTRONAUT ACADEMY at The Observatory Science Centre, HerstmonceuxFun half day workshops this Easter at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux.
    more info

    Wednesday, 3rd April 2024 - Wednesday, 3rd April 2024

    ROCKET SCIENCELearn to be a Rocket Scientist this Easter at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux.
    more info

    Tuesday, 9th April 2024 - Tuesday, 9th April 2024

    bold poster with colourful test tube graphics.FUN WITH CHEMISTRYHave fun with chemistry at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux.
    more info

    Wednesday, 10th April 2024 - Wednesday, 10th April 2024

    DISCOVER CHEMISTRYDISCOVER CHEMISTRY at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux.
    more info

    Friday, 19th April 2024 - Saturday, 20th April 2024

    Friday, 9th August 2024 - Saturday, 10th August 2024

    Friday, 30th August 2024 - Friday, 30th August 2024

    Saturday, 31st August 2024 - Saturday, 31st August 2024

    Saturday, 28th September 2024 - Saturday, 28th September 2024

    Saturday, 12th October 2024 - Saturday, 12th October 2024

    Saturday, 26th October 2024 - Saturday, 26th October 2024

    Saturday, 2nd November 2024 - Saturday, 2nd November 2024

    Saturday, 9th November 2024 - Saturday, 9th November 2024

    Friday, 15th November 2024 - Friday, 15th November 2024

    Saturday, 30th November 2024 - Saturday, 30th November 2024

    Saturday, 7th December 2024 - Saturday, 7th December 2024

    Poster for Stargazing evenings at Herstmonceux.Stargazing EveningsStargazing evenings at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux.
    more info

    Saturday, 20th April 2024 - Sunday, 21st April 2024

    LYRIDS SHOOTING STARSShooting stars event at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux.
    more info

    Saturday, 6th July 2024 - Sunday, 7th July 2024

    Purple text poster for quiz night and stargazing.QUIZ NIGHT & STARGAZINGQuiz night and stargazing at the Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux.
    more info

    Saturday, 10th August 2024 - Sunday, 11th August 2024

    Poster for Perseids Shooting Stars.Perseids Shooting StarsBe an astronomer for the evening with the Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux.
    more info

    Sunday, 22nd September 2024 - Sunday, 22nd September 2024

    Night sky photography at Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre.Night Sky PhotographyLearn to photograph the stars at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux.
    more info

    Thursday, 7th November 2024 - Thursday, 5th December 2024

    Astronomy course posterBack to Basics AstronomyAn introductory course in astronomy at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux.
    more info

    Sunday, 10th November 2024 - Sunday, 10th November 2024

    Telescope ClinicTelescope ClinicA course at the Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux.
    more info

    Saturday, 16th November 2024 - Sunday, 17th November 2024

    Poster for Leonids Shooting StarsLeonids Shooting StarsLearn all about the Leonids meteor shower before heading out to spot it!
    more info

    What's Nearby

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