The Observatory Science Centre is a Grade II* Listed building and historic site: visitors must take care at all times.
Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
Ball games, roller footwear, skateboards etc. are not permitted.
No dogs are admitted except assistance dogs.
CCTV is recording throughout the site.
Access to outdoor equipment is weather dependent.
ALL parking is free.
There is a large mown grass field adjacent to The Centre with ample space for cars.
Coaches / minibuses / camper vans can use the coach park at the bottom of Bradley Road within the estate.
In the event of prolonged wet weather we will probably need to close the parking field but we are really fortunate to have an alternative hardstanding area just 5 minutes walk from our reception.
Please ring ahead to check if you have any questions regarding parking.
This is a Grade II* Listed building with associated difficulties for heating: we advise all visitors to wrap up warmly...
The main corridor building is south facing so heats rapidly when the sun puts in an appearance, but is single glazed with many doors making it almost impossible to retain heat.
If you wish to use the outdoor exhibit areas you should wear appropriate footwear and lots of layers! Outdoor exhibit areas are open whenever it is safe to do so.
Please note: there is no heating in the telescope domes and the temperature can drop rapidly - especially if you are visiting for a stargazing evening when you will be outside.
There are a dedicated team of employees and volunteers, all holding a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Certificate and most of whom are STEM Ambassadors.
Employees can be identified by their name badges and purple uniform.
Volunteers wear name lanyards.
Female toilets are located on the ground floor.
Male toilets are located up a short flight of stairs.
Access / gender neutral toilet is located on the ground floor: this wheelchair accessible facility now includes an height adjustable changing bed and hoist.
Baby Change facilities are in the Access toilet room.
We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all visitors and staff. The Centre is a non-smoking environment, including E-cigarettes.
Smokers can leave the main building to access the smoking point in the car park field.
Please report LOST items at reception on the day of your visit or call us as soon as possible.
Please hand-in FOUND items immediately.
If a school / group leave identifiable items behind then we will contact you.
With all items we do our best to reunite with the owner as quickly as possible. However, as an educational charity we are unable to carry the cost of posting items back to you. If you send us a SAE we will return promptly, or you can collect in person.
Items of Lost Property are recorded and cleared from site in July and end of season.
PLEASE NOTE WE ARE UNABLE TO KEEP DRINK BOTTLES / CUPS OR ITEMS OF PPE INCLUDING FACE COVERINGS: THESE WILL BE DISPOSED OF DAILY.
THE WET WEATHER CAR PARK IS ON WARTLING ROAD JUST OUTSIDE THE HERSTMONCEUX ESTATE ENTRANCE. This is a 5 minute walk to the science centre.
Parking is FREE for all vehicles, including coaches.
Coaches / minibuses / heavy vehicles use the hardstanding coach park area which is just a short 3 minute walk from the entrance reception.
There are 5 bays at the back of the building for Blue Badge holders.
There is a large mown grass field adjacent to The Centre with ample space for cars but in the event of prolonged periods of wet weather this may be closed. We recommend you ring ahead to check parking information.
We operate within historic buildings: access is provided to as many areas as possible. Whatever your requirements, we will do our best to meet them.
Free parking for drivers requiring the ramped entrance is at the back of the main building.
If you have purchased admission tickets in advance via our on-line booking system you will be asked for the Booking Reference number when you arrive.
If you have not purchased a ticket in advance you can pull up in front of our reception and sound your horn if you require assistance. Once you have your admission tickets you can proceed to park your vehicle at the rear of the building where there are spaces for 5 vehicles displaying blue badges.
Ramps around the site for wheelchair and pushchair access.
Cafe, first aid, toilets and baby change facilities are all located on the ground floor.
The access toilet now includes an height adjustable adult changing bed and hoist.
An attendant wheelchair can be borrowed free of charge during your visit - please ring ahead to ensure it is available.
Assistance dogs are welcome.
During stargazing evenings we aim to operate telescopes in domes that are not open to the public during the day. These are only accessible via narrow, steep stairs - please contact us for further details.
2 Telescope Domes (B and E) are normally open for visitors to explore, plus the Domes Of Discovery Exhibition in Dome F.
Guided tours are usually available daily and our knowledgeable team will give information about the history of the site as well as operational aspects of the telescopes.
Once you have paid your admission there is no additional charge to join a guided Telescope Tour: these are repeated through the day. Please call ahead to check times.
If you are bringing a group you can book a private guided tour (in advance) for a small additional charge. Groups cannot join a public Telescope Tour.
3 telescope domes (A,C and D)have very narrow steep access and are only open for private tours (day and evening options available) as well as during astronomy evenings and special events.
Spectacular Science Shows are presented during the East Sussex school holidays and have an educational theme presented in a fun style: with compulsory audience participation!
Once you have paid your admission there is no additional charge to watch a Science Show: these are repeated through the day. Please ask on arrival for show times.
If you are bringing a group you can book a private science show (in advance) for a small additional charge. Groups cannot join a public science show.
The Gift Shop is located within the entrance reception and you can visit the shop without paying to enter the site.
You will discover science and astronomy related gifts, resources and own branded merchandise suitable for all ages as well as many pocket money science toys and items suitable for party bags etc.
We also have a book donation area with books from just 50 pence.
The Cafe is located on the ground floor in a room that was formerly an optics laboratory and has seating for 24.
Whenever we're open (day /evening) we have drinks / snacks available and always aim to have a food offering. There is a high chair and free bottle / baby food warming facilities.
Our catering unit 'The Launch Box' offers delicious burgers & fries (meat and veg options). This unit is located outside the main building adjacent to The Space Deck (an open decking area with picnic benches). There is also The Big Space: a large marquee with tables and chairs offering protection from the weather… be it rain, wind or even hot sun!
Group catering can be arranged so do contact us in advance to discuss your requirements.
We are committed to using less plastic and to reduce plastic waste wherever possible.
We are using up our stock of plastic bags rather than waste them and we have taken delivery of paper bags for shop purchases.
We have changed birthday party and workshop activities to avoid using plastic straws.
We have made many changes in The Launch Box and Cafe:
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Please note we all work part-time .. if your enquiry is urgent you are welcome to call us
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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 Unit 1 Warren Farm, Steventon, Basingstoke, Hampshire UK, RG25 3BL.
