You can bring your group to The Centre after our normal visitor hours for an atmospheric Twilight Visit. We will open exclusively for you: all we ask is that there a minimum of 20 paying visitors in your group. If there are less than 20 in your group you can visit along with others during our dedicated Uniformed Twilight Weeks in June (Science) & November (Astronomy).
"We had a lovely evening and our Beavers went home raving about all the fun they had. I’m not sure it could have been improved."
"Thank you, and the team at the centre, for putting last night on for the Scouts. They really enjoyed it. We heard from a parent that her son thought 'it was the best thing in the world', though in hindsight he should have said universe!"
We take twilight groups from February to November for science / astronomy focus and you can book to incorporate any of the activity badges.
If your main interest is viewing through the telescopes then it is best to book October - March when it will be dark by late afternoon / early evening.
With three of the telescopes restored to working order your visit can concentrate on astronomy. Tour the domes as the astronomers would have done and, with favourable weather conditions, view through a telescope.
The following is a suggested astronomy programme, but we will tailor the visit to suit your arrival and departure times (also according to the size of the group):
Cost
£12.25 per child (includes catering) minimum charge for 20.
Uniformed leaders and essential carers are admitted free of charge to the normal ratios: catering £5.50 if required.
Young leaders, additional adults & siblings: 5.75 pp. Catering additional
Visit The Centre for your regular meeting times and explore the hands-on exhibits for a fun science / astronomy evening with the extra option to book telescope tour / activities / worksheets to contribute towards Activity Badges.
We take groups from February to November, but if your main interest is viewing through the telescopes then it is best to visit October - March when it will be dark by late afternoon / early evening.
The following is a suggested programme, but we will tailor the visit to suit your arrival and departure times (and also according to the size of the group):
If you arrive in daylight you will initially explore the outdoor exhibits (weather permitting) and move indoors as the light fades.
You will then explore the indoor hands-on exhibits and, if you have booked badgework, groups will participate in specific activities and complete worksheets etc.
Cost
£5.75 per child, minimum charge for 20.
plus £1.50 for badgework (optional).
We recommend 2 hours if you are including activities / telescope tour etc.
A fantastic opportunity for all uniformed groups to visit after regular hours.
Activity, science show and interactive exhibits can contribute towards experiment, scientist and investigator Activity Badges.
Book to arrive any time from 5 pm. and depart any time up to 9 pm.... we recommend a minimum of 2 hours to fit everything in!
The science show performance will last approx. 35 minutes.
The activity session will last approx. 30 minutes.
You will also have opportunity to explore the interactive exhibits in the main corridor.
Outside exhibit areas will be open weather permitting.
The Gift Shop and Café will be open. Catering, including The Launch Box (hot dogs, burgers & fries etc) can be pre-booked (additional cost).
Cost: £7.75 per child to include science show and activity, alongside the interactive exhibits.
Uniformed leaders are admitted free of charge. Additional adults and essential carers for children within the group are also admitted free of charge.
Young Leaders and non- scouting children accompanying the group are admitted at the reduced rate of just £5.75 pp.
Pre-booking essential and numbers are limited.
There is no minimum group size but children must be accompanied and supervised by uniformed leaders from their group. Accompanying adults are responsible for the safe conduct of their group at all times.
Your activities will be planned within the arrival / departure times your groups requires.
You do not need to be on site all evening unless you choose to do so.
A fantastic opportunity for all uniformed groups to visit during twilight hours. Activities, telescope tour and planetarium presentation can contribute towards astronomy / stargazer / space Activity Badges.
Book to arrive any time from 5 pm. and depart any time up to 9 pm... we recommend a minimum of 2 hours to fit everything in!
The planetarium presentation will last approx. 30 minutes.
The tour and activity session will last approx. 45 minutes.
Actual night sky observing is subject to weather conditions.
You will also have opportunity to explore the interactive exhibits in the main corridor.
Outside exhibit areas will be closed.
The Gift Shop and Café will be open.
Catering, including The Launch Box (hot dogs / fries etc) can be pre-booked (additional cost).
Cost: £7.75 per child to include telescope tour, activity and presentation in our inflatable planetarium.
Uniformed leaders are admitted free of charge. Additional adults and essential carers for children within the group are also admitted free of charge.
Young leaders and non- scouting children accompanying the group are admitted at the reduced rate of just £5.75 pp.
Pre-booking essential and numbers are limited.
There is no minimum group size but children must be accompanied and supervised by uniformed leaders from their group.
Accompanying adults are responsible for the safe conduct of their group at all times.
Your activities will be planned within the arrival / departure times your groups requires. You do not need to be on site all evening unless you choose to do so.
Twilight Visits require particular regard for Health and Safety, especially if the entire visit is after sunset. Risk Assessments are available for all activities.
We recommend everyone wears appropriate clothing / footwear for the weather conditions.
For astronomy evenings you may like to bring a torch if you have one... especially for the walk to / from the parking areas. Red light torch is preferable for astronomy evenings, but not essential.
The temperature can drop rapidly at night and there is no heating in the telescope domes. Remember you will be going outside!
The visit will proceed regardless of weather conditions and viewing through a telescope is not guaranteed. The telescopes cannot see through cloud, nor can they be set up quickly if there is a brief gap in the clouds.
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The Observatory Science Centre is part of Science Projects Ltd, a company limited by guarantee registered in England No: 02186073 and a registered charity No: 298542. The registered office is 3 – 15 Stirling Road, Acton, London. W3 8DJ. UK.
