Hesketh Park Observatory Public Open Day

Hesketh Park Observatory Public Open Day

The last Sunday of the month from January 2024 to December 2024

Hesketh Park Observatory
Hesketh Park, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 9LN

Visit the fabulous Grade 2 listed Hesketh Park Observatory at this one of their public open days that occur on the last Sunday of each month throughout the year.

This is a great opportunity to see up close a rare example of a working 6-inch aperture Victorian refracting telescope made by the famous self-taught optical specialist Thomas Cooke.

Learn about the facility’s history and Joseph Baxendale, the founding astronomer, who was in 1871 was appointed ‘Timekeeping Astronomer and Meteorologist for Manchester’.

These events are proudly run voluntarily by the enthusiastic members of the Southport Astronomical Society. No booking is required; turn up on the day and take the family along!

Note that opening times are 10.30 am to 4.30 pm (April to September) and 10.30 am to 4.00 pm (October to March).


Event organiser

Southport Astronomical Society

Southport Astronomical Society organises these events

Please contact Southport Astronomical Society directly for more details regarding their events.



Forthcoming events

Below is a list of Hesketh Park Observatory Public Open Day events at Hesketh Park Observatory. You can view events at this location on a calendar.

  • Hesketh Park Observatory Public Open Day

    Sunday 28th April 2024 from 10:30am to 16:30pm

    Hesketh Park Observatory, Southport, PR9 9LN

    More info
  • Hesketh Park Observatory Public Open Day

    Sunday 26th May 2024 from 10:30am to 16:30pm

    Hesketh Park Observatory, Southport, PR9 9LN

    More info
  • Hesketh Park Observatory Public Open Day

    Sunday 30th June 2024 from 10:30am to 16:30pm

    Hesketh Park Observatory, Southport, PR9 9LN

    More info
  • Hesketh Park Observatory Public Open Day

    Sunday 28th July 2024 from 10:30am to 16:30pm

    Hesketh Park Observatory, Southport, PR9 9LN

    More info
  • Hesketh Park Observatory Public Open Day

    Sunday 25th August 2024 from 10:30am to 16:30pm

    Hesketh Park Observatory, Southport, PR9 9LN

    More info
  • Hesketh Park Observatory Public Open Day

    Sunday 29th September 2024 from 10:30am to 16:30pm

    Hesketh Park Observatory, Southport, PR9 9LN

    More info

Stay and gaze nearby

Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.

  • Graystock Lodge – Cockerham

    Cockerham, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA2 0ER (19.5 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Bowland Wild Boar Park

    Chipping, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 2QT (23.1 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Clerk Laithe Lodge

    Slaidburn Road, Newton in Bowland, Lancashire, BB7 (29.7 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info