"A massive thank you to all the staff at the Observatory for making our trip such a success. We all had a great time and as we were leaving the children were already requesting a return visit. Please pass on thanks to everyone involved, it was so well organised and everyone was wonderful with the children."
"We enjoyed a wonderful visit to the Observatory. Please thank your excellent staff; all the Beavers found this a really great, educational trip and just wanted to stay longer! Thank you for your time showing us around."
The Centre provides 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 at Hailsham).
As well as exploring the hands-on exhibits, your group can be taken through some of the requirements for Activity Badges (small additional charge). Or for something really different, why not arrange a Twilight Visit?
Daytime visits: £6.45 per child, plus £1.50 for badgework (optional).
Minimum charge £30 for badgework.
Uniformed leaders are admitted free of charge. Essential carers for children with additional needs are also admitted free of charge.
As an educational charity we can only admit official uniformed leaders free of charge but we do offer the reduced admission rate (£6.45) for Young Leaders, non-uniformed adults and siblings.
Large groups are welcome, with additional adults and non- scouting children accompanying the group admitted at the reduced rate of just £6.45 pp.
Booking essential.
Contact us to check availability and discuss options. Details can be taken over the phone or you can email a provisional booking enquiry.
Access to the interactive exhibits indoors and outside (weather permitting).
For a small additional charge you can add a guided Telescope Tour, Science Show or Science Centre team led activity / workshop contributing towards Activity Badges.
The Observatory Science Centre can accommodate groups of up to 240 children (plus adults) from the beginning of February to end of November. It is a suitable venue for a daytime District or Area event.
Group organisers are welcome to a complimentary visit to check the facilities and discuss arrangements etc. Please call in advance and we will try to ensure a member of our team is available to answer your questions. This is also the opportunity to discuss options of additional workshops, Science Shows & Telescope Tours (small extra charge per child) dependent on when your group are planning to visit and how many there will be.
FREE parking for coaches, minibuses & cars.
A geodesic dome / marquee is usually available as a base to leave coats, bags, eat lunch etc.
Dedicated team of Observatory Science Centre employees & volunteers; all with a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Certificate. Many are registered as STEM Ambassadors.
All employees & volunteers wear uniform and / or name badge.
The Observatory Science Centre is a NON-SMOKING site, including E-cigarettes.
CCTV is operating throughout.
Our Café and catering unit serve burger & fries, toasties, jacket potatoes, hot dogs, etc. as well as cake and coffee!
Lunch boxes can be pre-ordered to save bringing packed lunches etc.
Please tell us at the time of booking if you intend to picnic on site and we will endeavour to have an indoor space available for inclement weather.
Every purchase helps to support us......
You will discover science and astronomy related merchandise suitable for all ages as well as pocket money science toys.
Many items are suitable for Goody Bags etc. and items can be pre-ordered.
The Observatory Science Centre offers inspirational opportunities to support your group with some of the requirements for badges you may be working towards.
Pre / post activity is required in your group meetings: our activities / worksheets will compliment your own activities.
Astronomy related Activity Badges include a guided tour of at least one telescope dome.
Please discuss with us if you wish to issue your own badges during the visit: or if you wish to hold an investiture: our telescope domes can be available and provide a fantastic photo opportunity!
Cost: £1.50 pp per badgework session in addition to the admission price of £6.45 Please note: we do not provide the actual badges
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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.
