Preparing for your School or Group visit

Accessibility

We believe science is for all. Please visit our Accessibility page for more information about our site.

Parking Map

Ample free coach parking is available on our hardstanding. It is just a 2 minute walk from the coach park to our main entrance.

We also have Blue Badge parking suitable for cars and small minibuses.

Site Map

Your group will be welcomed at our Main Entrance, then taken to where you may leave bags and coats. Please note all items are left at your own risk.

A personalised itinerary will show you where and when to meet for your scheduled activity sessions.

Risk Assessment Guidance

Download our guidance document designed to help you write your risk assessments.

What to Wear and Bring

Groups should dress according to the season and weather, including suitable footwear, coats and sun protection.

Groups should bring packed lunches and water bottles. We will assign you a covered picnic space for lunchtime.

Your visit includes time in both indoor and outdoor areas. Please note, our historic buildings are unheated and our outdoor areas may be closed on the rare occasion of being too slippery.

Free Preview Visits

We are happy to offer teachers and group leaders a free visit before your trip to view our site and ask questions.

Please get in touch to book a date.

Transport Bursary

We are partnered with the Great British School Trip, a scheme offering school trip bursaries for eligible schools. Please visit the GBST website for more details.

We will soon be announcing our own transport bursary scheme for eligible schools from September 2026. Please sign up for our Schools and Groups newsletter to be notified when the scheme starts.

Free Return Tickets

Every young person visiting on a school or group daytime trip receives a free ticket for a return visit to the Observatory Science Centre & Museum, which can be used on any of our public days (i.e. weekends and school holidays) up to the date shown on the ticket.