Astronomy Festival

Camp under the backdrop of the observatory domes: 

• There are a limited number of pitches so BOOK EARLY!
  Friday, Saturday and Sunday (1, 2 &3 September)
• £45 per pitch regardless of the number of nights. Allows up to 5 people per pitch.
• Size of pitch: 7.5m x 7.5m. Please note that we cannot accomodate tents, caravans or motorhomes that are larger than this pitch size. There are plenty of camping sites in the local area that would be more suitable for your needs.
• If you are bringing a caravan or motorhome with toilet facilities, please note that there will be no provision for emptying toilet waste.
• Pitches will be allocated beforehand on a first come first served basis. Please choose a pitch and make sure you let us know which pitch you have chosen in the special requirements section when you book on-line. While we endeavour to update the map on a regular basis we cannot guarantee that the pitch you choose will be available when you book. Please select an alternative as a back up. We will automatically give you your first choice if it is still available.Please note that there are different areas for families, adults only and general camping. Please select a pitch in the appropriate area for your group. 

BOOKING CAMPING: Please click on Book Now and then click Weekend Registration. You can book camping without booking weekend registration by selecting add camping. Don't forget to let us know which camping pitch you would like to book.

PLEASE READ THE CAMPING RULES AND REGULATIONS BEFORE BOOKING YOUR PITCH. 

ABSOLUTELY NO DISPOSABLE BBQs OR OPEN FIRES ALLOWED

If you do not fancy camping but wish to stay within walking distance of the festival then this year Herstmonceux Castle have some ensuite and standard rooms available. Standard rooms have shared washroom facilities.

Herstmonceux Castle is located within a 600 acre estate and as an operating International Study Centre, offers 3-star rated campus accommodation. The rooms are located in Bader Hall about 500 metres walk from the castle where breakfast is served in the dining room.

Breakfast is an additional £10 per adult; £6 per child

For bookings please contact Bader Hall on 01323 834400 or bc.reception@queensu.ca

The Café

The Café serves a range of delicious refreshments including the necessary ‘wake-me-up’ caffeine from a bean-to-cup coffee machine! Located on the ground floor of the main corridor in a room that was an optical laboratory. The original marble bench forms the central table and the room has a retro 50s colour scheme.

The Launch Box

The Launch Box is part of our continuing investment as we strive to maintain and develop this historic site. The catering unit is located next to the lecture marquee. Menu includes Burgers, Cheese Burgers, Hot Dogs, Fries me to the Moon, Venus Burgers…the menu is evolving!

Newton’s Bar Friday 1 - Sunday 3 September

Newton’s Bar (to be confirmed) will be selling a varied selection of Beers, Wines & Spirits to suitably refresh our Astronomy Festival visitors.

Catering Unit on camping field Friday 1 – Sunday 3 September

A catering unit will be available on the cmping field during the festival (unit and menu to be confirmed). 

This fabulous photograph was taken at the festival in 2018 by a regular visitor, Ashley Fuggle. Ashley set up his equipment just as the Sun set after a lovely sunny day and as it became dark he started imaging. He left the camera to do its own thing for a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes. The image opposite is the result.