Hesketh Park Observatory Public Open Day

Hesketh Park Observatory Public Open Day

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

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).

Please note that this has already taken place on 29/09/2024


Event organiser

Southport Astronomical Society

Southport Astronomical Society is organising this event

Please contact Southport Astronomical Society directly for more details regarding this event or, if appropriate, contact the event venue.


Event booking

For full details on how to attend this event, including how to book, please see the event's official website.

Visit event website

Event darkness

The Moon has a big impact on the visibility of celestial bodies in the night sky. Try to plan your stargazing when there is no bright Moon at night as this is when the skies will be at their darkest.

The below chart shows if and when the skies will be at their darkest during this event. Moonlight is shown in light yellow and the Sun's twilight in light blue. Midnight on the date shown is shown as a white line with sunset to the left and sunrise the next morning to the right. A black background with stars shows the best times for stargazing.



Forthcoming events

Below is a list of events at Hesketh Park Observatory. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.

  • Hesketh Park Observatory Public Open Day

    Sunday 27th October 2024 from 10:30am to 16:30pm

    Hesketh Park Observatory, Southport, PR9 9LN

    More info
  • Hesketh Park Observatory Public Open Day

    Sunday 24th November 2024 from 10:30am to 16:30pm

    Hesketh Park Observatory, Southport, PR9 9LN

    More info
  • Hesketh Park Observatory Public Open Day

    Sunday 29th December 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

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  • Bowland Wild Boar Park

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

    Stay & Gaze

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  • Clerk Laithe Lodge

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

    Stay & Gaze

    More info