Visiting Orwell Park Observatory

Observatory Tours

Observatory tours provide an opportunity for individuals to visit Orwell Park Observatory.

Tours start at 8.15pm on the following dates:

• Monday 02 October 2017
• Monday 13 November 2017
• Monday 11 December 2017
• Tuesday 09 January 2018
• Tuesday 13 February 2018
• Tuesday 13 March 2018
• Tuesday 10 April 2018

Places on observatory tours must be booked in advance. Demand is high so we ask you to book in good time - we cannot accommodate last-minute requests!

Email us to arrange an observatory tour at tour@oasi.org.uk. Please provide a contact email address and telephone number.

Group Visits

We open Orwell Park Observatory by arrangement for visits by groups (e.g. social clubs, Scouts, hobby groups, etc). Group visits are generally organised for Thursday evenings, starting at 8.15pm.

Group visits must be booked in advance. There is generally a high demand so we ask you to book in good time - we cannot accommodate last-minute requests!

Email us to arrange a group visit at tour@oasi.org.uk. Please indicate the number of visitors and provide a contact email address and telephone number.

About Observatory Tours And Group Visits

Two or more experienced members of OASI are assigned to host each observatory tour and group visit. They will generally cover the following topics, although these can be varied depending on the particular interests of visitors:

• Guided tour of the observatory.
• History of the observatory.
• The instruments at the observatory, how they were used historically and how they are used nowadays.
• If weather conditions permit, view the night sky using the Tomline Refractor.

PLEASE NOTE:

• We ask for a minimum donation of £3 per visitor (payable during the visit) to assist with running costs of the observatory.
• Access to toilet facilities at the observatory is very limited.
• Access to the observatory is via a steep, spiral staircase. All visitors should ensure that they are able to ascend/descend the staircase safely before attempting to do so.

For observatory tours and group visits, enter at green marker.

Open Days

We hold observatory Open Days occasionally.

It is not necessary to book in advance for an Open Day - simply attend on the day.

Enter at blue marker.

The date for our next Open Day has not yet been decided.  Further information.   Previous Open Days.