The Observatory Science Centre at Herstmonceux

A few of the domes

In half term the children were taken to the observatory science centre in Herstmonceux by their grandparents and had a fantastic day out. It's a hidden treasure, it was actually quieter than expected for such a great place during school holidays.

They found everything about it good, parking was easy, they visited the shop, and the cafe. They only used the cafe for coffee and ice creams, as they had a picnic lunch with them, but they found it friendly, clean, and the coffee was nice. They arrived shortly after 10am and didn't leave until 4.30pm, so it's easy to spend the whole day there, as there is plenty to do.

Inside a Dome - at the telescope talk

There's a variety of things at the centre, including a science show, which the children got to participate in. The one they went to was about inventions, and they discussed, looked at, and tested out velcro and kevlar.

They also went to a talk about the telescopes, which mine found interesting, but not quite as much as the show. Their grandparents felt this might be more suited to slightly older children. Although the children still found it interesting, and have remembered facts about the telescopes.

Also there were some great hands on exhibits, both inside and out, which they thoroughly enjoyed, and picked up lots of new information. Inside, their favourite things were the vacuum cleaner seat, which made them go up high, and a lever you turned that powered a model train around the ceiling. They also liked the art area.

Water Planet Area

Outside there was a water area, a pond, and a great, large scale interactive science 'playground'

The reviews from the children were that it was a great place, and they have asked to go back and visit again at some point.

My daughter who's 6 says “I liked all of it, because it was all magnificent.”

And my son who's 7 says “ I thought it was awesome and my favourite thing was the colour splodge game and my favourite thing of all was matching pictures.”

Prior to their visit I think we had underestimated how much there was to do at the observatory science centre, making it very good value for money. So if you live nearby, or are visiting the area it's definitely worth a visit.