The Observatory Science Centre

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

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Tel+44 01323 832731

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From £8.95
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+£10.95
Child (4-17 years)£8.95 per ticket
Family of 4£35.00
Family of 5£42.00 per ticket
Senior£9.95

Tickets price excludes Gift Aid.
Booking advisable.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
  • Travelers Choice 2022
  • Excellent
    376
  • Very Good
    109
  • Average
    19
  • Poor
    12
  • Terrible
    6

Recent Reviews:

  • greggersp
    Brighton, United Kingdom
    Trip Type:
    Friends getaway
    very interesting
    5 of 5 stars
    Thursday, 18th May 2023
    came to today with a group, had a private tour with very knowledgeable guides, really interesting place. Great café, gift shop as well Read full review
  • DayTrip729379
    Trip Type:
    Couples
    Well worth a visit
    5 of 5 stars
    Sunday, 21st May 2023
    This is a fascinating place. Really interesting history. Needs an injection of cash and some TLC but wonderful staff (very likely some not all are volunteers). We'll worth a visit, adjacent to... Read full review
  • MilvoG
    London, United Kingdom
    Trip Type:
    Family
    Great day out for families
    5 of 5 stars
    Monday, 29th May 2023
    We've just got home from a great day out at the Observatory Science Centre. There are lots of interactive exhibits helping kids to understand things like mechanics, electricity, magnetism and light... 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

Saturday, 24th June 2023 - Saturday, 24th June 2023

Saturday, 29th July 2023 - Saturday, 29th July 2023

Family Evenings at The Observatory Science CentreImmerse yourself in an 'out of this world' experience at The Observatory Science Centre.
more info

Saturday, 1st July 2023 - Sunday, 2nd July 2023

Purple background poster with text overlaid saying "Quiz Night and Stargazing"Quiz Night & Stargazing at The Observatory Science Centre, HerstmonceuxAn adults only quiz night and stargazing evening at Herstmonceux.
more info

Tuesday, 1st August 2023 - Tuesday, 1st August 2023

Rocket Science at The Observatory Science CentreHalf day workshops all about rockets this summer holiday.
more info

Wednesday, 2nd August 2023 - Wednesday, 2nd August 2023

Crime Detectives Workshop at The Observatory Science Centre, HerstmonceuxOh no a crime has been committed and we need your help to assist with an investigation!
more info

Tuesday, 8th August 2023 - Tuesday, 8th August 2023

World of Colour Workshops at The Observatory Science CentreA journey of discovery for 6-8 year olds.
more info

Wednesday, 9th August 2023 - Wednesday, 9th August 2023

Green poster with illustration of a UFO and an a green alien. Text at top says "Alien Life: Workshop 9 - 11 years."Alien Life Workshops at The Observatory Science Centre, HerstmonceuxA workshop for age 9-11 years to question if there is life beyond Earth.
more info

Friday, 11th August 2023 - Saturday, 12th August 2023

Saturday, 23rd September 2023 - Saturday, 23rd September 2023

Saturday, 7th October 2023 - Saturday, 7th October 2023

Saturday, 21st October 2023 - Saturday, 21st October 2023

Saturday, 28th October 2023 - Saturday, 28th October 2023

Saturday, 11th November 2023 - Saturday, 11th November 2023

Friday, 17th November 2023 - Friday, 17th November 2023

Saturday, 2nd December 2023 - Saturday, 2nd December 2023

Saturday, 9th December 2023 - Saturday, 9th December 2023

Stargazing Evenings at The Observatory Science Centre, HerstmonceuxLook through some of the largest telescopes in the country at Herstmonceux.
more info

Tuesday, 15th August 2023 - Tuesday, 15th August 2023

Orange poster with title "Cool Chemistry" and coloured test tubes.Cool Chemistry Workshop at The Observatory Science Centre, HerstmonceuxA full day workshop for 6-8 year olds.
more info

Wednesday, 16th August 2023 - Wednesday, 16th August 2023

Simple poster with green background and graphics of coloured test tubes. Text to the right hand side says " The Chemistry Lab".The Chemistry Lab Workshop at The Observatory Science Centre, HerstmonceuxFind out what goes with a bang this summer.
more info

Wednesday, 23rd August 2023 - Wednesday, 23rd August 2023

Yellow poster with graphic illustrations of body organs including a brain, lungs and hear. Text says "Your Body How It Works".Body: How it works! Workshops at The Observatory Science CentreA fun way to explore how the body works at Herstmonceux. For 6-11 year olds.
more info

Friday, 1st September 2023 - Friday, 1st September 2023

Saturday, 2nd September 2023 - Saturday, 2nd September 2023

Sunday, 3rd September 2023 - Sunday, 3rd September 2023

Astronomy Festival 2023A weekend of astronomy at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux.
more info

Awards

  • Regional and Miscellaneous -WTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

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