The Observatory Science Centre

The Observatory Science Centre

The Observatory Science Centre
4.5
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsScience MuseumsObservatories & Planetariums
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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  • Claire W
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Perfect fun for everyone to explore, experiment and interact.
    We just had the most wonderful few hours. Really good value for money. Rediscovered our childish curiosity and wonder. Great to interact, explore, experiment. Outside area is lovely to enjoy on a sunny day. Staff are fun, friendly and helpful.
    Thank you for your review. Delighted you enjoyed our interactive Spectacular Science and hope you can visit again.
    Written 4 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 7 April 2023
  • victor m
    Peacehaven, United Kingdom8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A day to remember
    Really good fun for young and old, lots of interesting and interactive things to pay with. Events throughout the day which were fascinating, kept the kids entertained and us adults. Food on site was not bad and reasonable prices. Car parking was out by the main gate so had to walk in but the weather was good and sunny so not an issue.
    Thank you for your review. We are delighted you all had a great visit and hope you can visit again.
    Written 4 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 9 April 2023
  • Breda L
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth a visit
    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 Herstmonceux Castle and gardens so a great combination visit.
    Thank you for your review. We are an educational charity, reliant upon visitor income. Covid lockdowns have had a profound effect, but we are delighted to be welcoming many visitors again this season.
    Written 4 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 May 2023
  • MilvoG
    London, United Kingdom5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great day out for families
    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. Some are fairly small and there are some large pieces outside. There are a couple of large water table type activities outside which our two (5 and 7yo) could have spent hours playing with. It was a science weekend and we went to a talk on sound, a planetarium show about cells in our body and a tour of the telescopes - all were very good and the kids enjoyed them. The astronomer giving the tour on the telescopes was particularly good, I think his name was Jack, his enthusiasm about astronomy really came across. We spent about 6 hours here today and felt the family ticket was a bargain price compared to other days out. We've travelled for about an hour and a half today from SE London but will definitely look to come again for another science weekend.
    Thank you for your review. All of our team aim to engage with visitors and ensure they have a fun learning experience. Every purchase: admission / catering / gift shop, helps to support us maintain and develop this unique attraction. We look forward to your future visits and you will notice that some of the exhibits have already changed since May as we have 2 new exhibitions for the summer.
    Written 4 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 29 May 2023
  • Justin_st
    Brighton, United Kingdom5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun and educational
    Just back from a highly enjoyable 3 hours at the observatory. All the exhibits are interactive, well maintained and fun. The tour of the telescope rooms was engaging and enthusiastically presented. My 8 year old especially loved the playground and water games. Lunch in the cafe is simple (toasties and baked potatoes) but tasted good. The staff are all happy and keen to help. Will be coming back, maybe for a stargazing evening.
    Thank you for your review. We aim to offer something for everyone with out interactive exhibits, science shows and telescope talks. We look forward to your future visits for stargazing and clear skies!
    Written 4 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 15 July 2023
  • Julia C
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A nice day out
    We came across the Observatory when we visited Herstmonceux Castle, but didn‘t have the time to visit on this day as well. So we decided to come back another day. Sadly it was raining the day we returned, so that we could not enjoy the outside activities as much as we would have, when the weather would have been better. But luckily most of the exhibits are on the inside, so the weather doesn‘t bother anyhow. There are lots of hands-on activities and our son (5) couldn‘t decide, which one he liked best. But I think the hoover-raised-chair was his secret favourite. All the staff was kind and didn‘t bother to answer any question. If it‘s time for a snack, you‘ll find a cafe inside and a food truck outside. The food truck serves burgers and hot dogs as well as chips. Try the vegan burger. It is delicious! We recommend the observatory warmly to everybody of every age. It‘s a nice day out.
    Thank you for your review. We are fortunate to have indoor and outdoor exhibit areas so can offer Spectacular Science whatever the weather. Delighted you enjoyed the vegan burger - all purchases help to support us maintain and develop this unique attraction. We hope you can visit again - perhaps without the summer rain!
    Written 4 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 27 July 2023
  • Jjoolie
    Eastbourne, United Kingdom24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent day out!
    My Grandson loved this place, I didn't expect to but did! Weather was awful, but there is plenty to do inside & out! The 2 shows we saw where excellent, informative and interesting! The guys that delivered them are so good at what they do! All the staff deserve a shout out, makes a change to go somewhere that the staff are genuinely friendly and actually ask you if you are enjoying your day! Only slight moan is the cafe isn't big enough but plenty of seating under cover outside with a hot food van but you can't get hot drinks from it, so have to go back to the cafe! Food good and reasonably priced to! Will definitely be back!!
    Thank you for your review. Our team all actively engage with visitors to ensure they have a great experience - whatever the weather. We operate in a Grade II* Listed building and the cafe is located in a room that was originally used as an optical laboratory, complete with original marble centrepiece table. We are an educational charity, reliant upon visitor income but still always aim to offer value for money with admission / catering / gift shop etc. We hope you can visit again without the rain!
    Written 4 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 2 August 2023
  • Olivia T
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic family day out
    We absolutely love the Observatory Science Centre. Have been going for years with our SEN son and he loves the hands-on experiments, the outdoor water experiments as well as the pond with koi carp. Absolutely one of our favourite places to visit. Special shout out to Jeremy, who on our latest trip, gave us an impromptu talk on the history, architecture and events coming up. It was fascinating, so thank you!
    Thank you for your review. We are delighted that you and your son continue to enjoy our Spectacular Science and the general ambience of the site with outdoor areas and beautiful pond. All of the team are passionate about their involvement and more than willing to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for this special place. We hope you can visit again next season ...
    Written 6 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 23 August 2023
  • jennifer886
    Eastbourne, United Kingdom20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Immersive fun for all ages
    It would be hard to pick one thing that stood out during our visit. Everything was well organised. The signage very clear and not over detailed. The talk and the interactive show were brilliant. ‘Teddy’ the young man who lead these session was friendly, well informed and didn’t make anyone feel inadequate if they gave the wrong answer to his questions. There was so much to interactive with and clear directions on how to do each activity. My only negative was the food available. Not s lot of choice but excellent quality. A very good value for money day out.
    Thank you for your review. The team are all passionate about their involvement with the site and it is very rewarding to receive such a glowing review which we hope will encourage others to visit in the future. We are an educational charity, reliant upon visitor income and we strive to keep prices as competitive as possible - every purchase helps to support us.
    Written 6 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 24 August 2023
  • aspara gustation
    London, United Kingdom7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great value family ticket
    This is great value if you buy the family ticket . We are a family of six. Two seniors, one adult and three children. We arrived early and stayed most of the day as we all kept finding new and interesting things to do. The centre is well signed and tannoy announcements remind you of talks and events which take place throughout the day. A “walking encyclopaedia” scientist named Collin presented a fantastic talk and presentation including some chemistry experiments which the children got involved in. The talks were informative and fun but not boring. We were able to leave our packed lunch in the car and collect it later. Parking is close to the main entrance. There is also a picnic area and a small cafe which serves snacks and ice creams. Our grandchildren have asked to return . The staff should also be congratulated for their hard work and approachability.
    Thank you for your review and lovely feedback. All of the team take great pride in their work and association with this special place. They love to share their enthusiasm and knowledge to inspire everyone to have a great educational and entertaining visit. We hope you can visit again - perhaps for a stargazing evening or special event.
    Written 6 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles539 reviews
Excellent
390
Very good
111
Average
19
Poor
12
Terrible
7

isaac w
18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Friends
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 interesting.

The staff are charming and helpful.

Probably the best parts were the talks. One is aimed at adults and older children (say +7) looking at the telescopes and another for younger children.

I did not see the science presentation for youngsters but the telescope presentation was so professionally delivered that it came to life and engaged the audience. Ten out of ten.
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joanna B
Hastings, UK2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
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 for our family. It's very dark there and lots of steps involved so be aware of that. The people there doing the talks etc were lovely. They let us all take our time looking at Orions Belt, Jupiter, Uranus and the Moon, right down to the craters. Honestly it is an incredible thing to do and very affordable. The main centre was open too so we got to experience that too.
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Charlotte
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
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. A very big thank you to the staff and volunteers for giving their time to show and explain what we were seeing through the telescopes, as well as the history and answering questions. You certainly have further fuelled an 11 year olds love for space. We will definitely be back later in the year when we can hopefully see Saturn 🪐
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MW
Eastbourne, UK27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
Behind the slightly foreboding appearance I was really surprised at the depth of displays and activities within. Our kids found a tonne of stuff to hold their interest and the science show was well presented and just long enough to hold younger kids attention. I'd never been inside the Observatory before and for the hours we spent here it represents terrific value for money. The cafe was pretty reasonable also. We certainly be back with friends.
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lesleyjones65
Gloucester, UK3 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
We were disappointed that the telescopes were not in use on this star gazing evening despite there being gaps on the clouds and a very bright and beautiful full moon and Jupiter visible.
No preparations of the telescopes was apparent leading to the conclusion that the decision regardless of the weather had been taken prior to the event not to use them.
Email reply when I contacted directly was weak and did not answer the points raised even though I sent photographic evidence.
Very disappointed and would not recommend
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

P F
Uckfield, UK25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
Thoroughly enjoyed a 'Stargazing evening' at the Science centre. We learnt so much, saw so many things including Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune through the telescopes (lucky with the weather) . The volunteers and staff cannot do enough for you and love to part their knowledge with some famous historical facts that happened at the centre years ago and what is up there in the sky (some mind-blowing).
To also be allowed to see/try out the science experiments in the centre was an added bonus.
We will be back again one day.
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. Stargazing evenings are a great experience, especially when the weather permits night sky viewing. All of the evening team are passionate about astronomy and always happy to share their enthusiasm and knowledge. We also offer Astronomy Courses through the year and for something completely different - you can even now be married beneath an historic telescope!
Written 6 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

lovelife
London, UK49 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
Returned with 5 adults and still had a great time. Lots to do, see and read, nice cafe and views. Good value and interesting for all.
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We aim to offer Spectacular Science for all ages, and strive to offer an educational and entertaining experience that is great value for money.
Written 6 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Philip S
Storrington, UK28 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
Based off some good things we’d heard, we decided to visit the Observatory Science Centre in the last week of the summer holidays. It exceeded all expectations for the admission price. Both the science show with David and the telescope talk with Jeremy were brilliant as were all the hands on exhibits. I would definitely recommend.
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We are delighted you enjoyed your visit including (at no extra cost) a spectacular science show and telescope tour. We hope your review will now encourage future visitors, and perhaps you will be able to return for a stargazing evening or special event too.
Written 6 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Icecreaminthesand
Devon, UK127 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
What a place! I can only assume that it was ‘quiet’ here as people don’t know of it?

What an absolute gem! If you want hands on fun, where children and adults alike can touch, push, wind, press, feel, see, hear - then this is the place!

Nigh on EVERYTHING is hands on (except the telescopes and a few other bits).

Maybe the only place you can use a vacuum cleaner to raise the seat you are sitting on! Where you can make a dam in the water, make the Archimedes screw move, make the duck swim.

The outdoor play area and the water play area were the busiest.

We borrowed the only wheelchair and the site was 98% accessible. One dome has a slight raised door lip which was tricky to get up the ramp, tip the chair and get the chair through the door!

Loved the constellation quest! Really tests your night sky star spotting skills!

The edges are of the walkways are painted white for those with visual impairments. They offer days for those looking for quieter days and they also have a changing places toilet!

Cafe was okay, basic fair. We had what seemed artisan sausage rolls, crisps, cake and drinks for about £27. Which seems to be the average rate based on our experiences. We ate them outside whilst the children played. There was a burger van there (run by the centre).

At various points in the day there is an announcement for science shows. We went to the first one. Found it a little too ‘sciencey’ (science language) for younger children to get.

Staff were all super friendly, extremely knowledgeable and what I liked most was that no staff member stayed in one job all day, they all switched around the various locations on site.
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and for taking the time to enthuse about all that we offer,,, This is an historic site operated by an educational charity: visitor income is vital to all that we do and strive to develop in the future. We frequently state that we offer 'Spectacular Science' ... and perhaps now we can add 'Science-tastic' too!
Written 6 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

aspara gustation
London, UK7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
This is great value if you buy the family ticket . We are a family of six. Two seniors, one adult and three children. We arrived early and stayed most of the day as we all kept finding new and interesting things to do.
The centre is well signed and tannoy announcements remind you of talks and events which take place throughout the day.
A “walking encyclopaedia” scientist named Collin presented a fantastic talk and presentation including some chemistry experiments which the children got involved in. The talks were informative and fun but not boring.
We were able to leave our packed lunch in the car and collect it later. Parking is close to the main entrance. There is also a picnic area and a small cafe which serves snacks and ice creams.
Our grandchildren have asked to return .
The staff should also be congratulated for their hard work and approachability.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and lovely feedback. All of the team take great pride in their work and association with this special place. They love to share their enthusiasm and knowledge to inspire everyone to have a great educational and entertaining visit. We hope you can visit again - perhaps for a stargazing evening or special event.
Written 6 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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THE OBSERVATORY SCIENCE CENTRE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Observatory Science Centre

The Observatory Science Centre is open:
  • Wed - Wed 10:00 - 16:00
  • Sat - Sun 10:00 - 16:00