scouting and guiding

The Observatory Science Centre offers 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 to the centre, 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) we can also take your group through the requirements for Activity Badges (small additional charge) or for something really different, why not arrange a  Twilight Visit.

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

Facilities

•  Ample Free parking for coaches, minibuses & cars
•  Access to a delightful historic site in rural East Sussex
• Geodesic dome (or similar) usually available as a base for the day and to leave coats, bags, eat lunch etc
• Ample picnic space for eating outdoors
•  Café serving refreshments, sandwiches & light meals etc (lunch boxes can be pre-ordered).
• Fantastic gift shop packed with a unique 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)
•  Dedicated team of staff, all of whom are checked through the Criminal Records Bureau and many of whom are registered SETPOINT Science & Engineering Ambassadors.
• Risk Assessments for the site in general, exhibits, activities etc are all available as downloads
• 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 50 metres outside the entrance to the science centre, but still within the Herstmonceux Castle Estate.

Please note

• The Observatory Science Centre is now a completely non-smoking site.
• CCTV is operating throughout the site.

Costs & How to Book

Costs

Group organisers are welcome to a complimentary visit to the centre to check the facilities and discuss arrangements etc– please call us in advance and we will try to ensure a member of staff is available to answer your questions.  We can also 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 will be in the group.
 

Cost: £4.50 per child, plus £1 per badge

Accompanying adults are responsible for the safe conduct of their group at all times. Adults 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.
 

Large groups are welcome, with additional adults and children accompanying the group admitted at the reduced rate of just £4.50 pp

How to Book

Please ring the centre 01323 832731
 or email j.harris@the-observatory.org with your enquiry.

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