Astronomy Festival 2026 i-go Offer of Free Carer Applies
Fri 28 Aug - Sun 30 Aug
For our 22nd Festival, we’re excited to share all the Observatory has to offer, from day to night. With camping, kids’ activities, planetarium shows, astronomy societies, trade stalls, guest speakers and of course (weather permitting) plenty of stargazing!
We have a variety of passes to choose from including -
Solar Pass – A standard day pass with access to all our exhibits as well as telescopes tours and trade stands. No additional activities. Available Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm. £13.00.
Solar Flare Pass – A standard day pass PLUS extra activities such as children’s crafts, a planetarium show and more! Available Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm. £18.00.
The Observatory Science Centre - Herstmonceux
Herstmonceux
Price
How to claim
Booking in advance is advised but we do accept walk ins (based on availability).
When booking online, select carers ticket and show i-go card on arrival.
Terms and conditions
One carer is admitted free entry with an i-go cardholder.
This offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offers.
i-go Disclaimer We do our best to make sure information on this site is accurate. We rely on i-go providers to give us up-to-date information. If your experience visiting a provider is different from the offer you’ve seen on i-go please let us know at igo@eastsussex.gov.uk. We encourage you to raise any complaints directly with the provider. The Council are not responsible for the delivery of the services these organisations provide and cannot accept any liability for any goods or services provided.
About The Observatory Science Centre - Herstmonceux
Spectacular hands-on science and discovery among the domes and telescopes of a world famous astronomical observatory. With over 100 indoor and outdoor exhibits there's something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Learn more about The Observatory Science Centre - Herstmonceux
Accessibility
Mobility and/or building
- Exhibits Are Mostly At Wheelchair Height
- Other (please specify)
The Observatory is an old building, steps at reception cannot be avoided but there is good wheelchair access at the rear of the building
The hands-on exhibits are in a long wide corridor which is wheelchair accessible. The exhibits themselves are at a low height and accessible
The exhibition in Dome F is accessible
Dome E housing an historic refractor telescope is accessible during daytime
Disabled Parking & Drop-off
- Blue Badge
- Designated Disabled Parking
There are four blue badge parking bays
Blue Badge holders are asked to stop at reception and buy tickets, then drive to the Blue Badge parking area at the rear of the building where there is wheelchair access
Toileting/Changing
- Accessible Toilets
- Toilet Hoist
- Grab/Drop Down Rails
- Baby Changing Facilities
- Changing Places/Changing Places type Toilet
The accessible toilet is on the ground floor and has a height adjustable bed and hoist
Guide Dogs
- Guide Dogs Welcome
The Unexpected
- There are flashing lights
- There can be sudden loud noise
It can get noisy, the exhibition area is a large corridor and acoustics are exaggerated
There are flashing lights in the separate ‘Light and Colour’ exhibition – there is a warning in place about this on the door
Quiet days - The Observatory sometimes has quieter days. These are during term time and on days when there are no pre-booked schools. They are posting on social media to let people know when these are, so it's worth following them if this interests you on facebook or twitter
Location
Wartling Road
Herstmonceux, BN27 1RN