Observatory Science Centre
Herstmonceux, East Sussex
Image: Observatory Science Centre & MuseumImage: Observatory Science Centre & Museum
A hands-on science centre set among the green telescope domes of the former Royal Observatory at Herstmonceux. Children can try more than 100 interactive exhibits indoors and out, then see the historic telescopes that once mapped the night sky.
Highlights
- Over 100 interactive exhibits indoors and outdoors
- Historic telescopes in the original domes
- Orrery next to the Congo Schmidt telescope
- Stargazing evenings with the astronomy team
Good to know
- Spooky Science runs at October weekends and through the East Sussex half term (24 October to 1 November 2026)
- A café sells sandwiches, toasties, cakes and hot drinks
- Stargazing evenings are booked separately
Getting there
Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, near Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1RNParking: Check website.
Get directionsChecked on 15 October 2026 against the-observatory.org, the-observatory.org, the-observatory.org. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
Nearby
Image: Herstmonceux Castle EstateHerstmonceux Castle Estate and Gardens
A 15th-century moated brick castle set in formal gardens and woodland, now the UK campus of a Canadian university. The grounds and gardens are open year round, and you can see inside the castle on a guided tour.
Image: English HeritagePevensey Castle
One of the biggest Roman Saxon Shore forts, with walls that still stand almost to full height, and the place where William the Conqueror landed in 1066. Inside you can explore the Norman castle ruins, a dungeon and displays that run from Roman times to the Second World War.
Image: Knockhatch Adventure ParkKnockhatch Adventure Park
Knockhatch near Hailsham mixes a small zoo with rides and play for a rain-or-shine family day. Visit the Jungle Kingdom zoo and owl display arena, ride Blackbeard's Buccaneer, and use the indoor and outdoor play areas, with bookable experiences with capybaras, lemurs, meerkats and owls. It opens almost every day of the year.