Scouting and Guiding

The Centre provides a great venue for all uniformed groups whether you are local or planning to camp in the area. (Nearest camp site is Eastbourne District, Bushy Wood on the A22) Your group will have a fantastic visit; be it just a few hours, all day or even for an evening!

As well as enjoying the hands-on exhibits indoors and out (weather permitting) your group can be taken through some of the requirements for Activity Badges (small additional charge) or for something really different, why not arrange a Twilight Visit.

The Centre can accommodate groups of up to 200 children (plus adults) anytime from the beginning of February to mid December and is a suitable venue for a District or Area daytime event.

• Access to the hands-on exhibits indoors and out (weather permitting).
• Optional additions to your programme which can include science shows, telescope tours, bridge building (small additional charge).
• Optional work towards Activity Badges (small additional charge).

Cost £4.75 per child, plus £1 for badgework (optional).

Accompanying adults are responsible for the safe conduct of their group at all times and are admitted free of charge to the following ratios:
Beavers & Brownies 1-4
Cub Scouts & Scouts 1 -6
Explorer Scouts & Guides 1 -8
Carers for children with disabilities within the group are also admitted free of charge.

Group organisers are welcome to a complimentary visit to The Centre to check the facilities and discuss arrangements etc- please call in advance and we will try to ensure a member of staff is available to answer your questions.  This is also the opportunity to discuss options of Bridge Building or even Science Shows & Telescope Tours (small extra charge of 75 pence per child) dependent on when your group are planning to visit and how many there will be.

Large groups are welcome, with additional adults and non- scouting children accompanying the group admitted at the reduced rate of just £4.75 pp.

• There is ample FREE parking for coaches, minibuses & cars
• A geodesic dome (or similar) is usually available as a base to leave coats, bags, eat lunch etc.
• There is plenty of picnic space around the site. 
• Café serving refreshments, sandwiches & light meals etc (lunch boxes can be pre-ordered).
• Gift shop packed with a fantastic range of pocket money science toys (starting at 15 pence!) & souvenirs as well as science books, resources & astronomy related items. (Goody Bags can be pre-ordered, from £2.50)
• Dedicated team of staff, all of whom are checked through the Criminal Records Bureau and many of whom are registered STEM Sussex Science & Engineering Ambassadors.
• Risk Assessments for the site in general, exhibits, activities etc are all available as downloads.
• The Centre is a NON-SMOKING site.
• CCTV is operating throughout the site.

Communicator Badges are run by accredited instructors from the QRZ Amateur Radio Group of Sussex in association with the Radio Society of Great Britain. 
This amateur radio station is located just outside the entrance to The Centre but still within the Herstmonceux Castle Estate.