Orwell Park Observatory Public Open Evening

Orwell Park Observatory Public Open Evening

Saturday 25th October 2025 from 19:30pm to 22:00pm

Orwell Park Observatory
Orwell Park School, Nacton, Suffolk, IP10 0ER

Enjoy a visit to Orwell Park Observatory for this special public open evening, organised by Orwell Astronomical Society. View and use one of the few remaining fully operational Victorian observatories at this historic location.

See the gas giant Saturn and the Andromeda Galaxy, along with a variety of celestial objects, using the observatory’s 10″ Tomline refracting telescope and a selection of other smaller telescopes made available by society members. If you have binoculars, bring them with you! Observing is subject to the weather!

Pay on the door entrance fee is £5.00 for adults with children 16 and under free of charge. No booking is required, just turn up on the night!


Event organiser

Orwell Astronomical Society

Orwell Astronomical Society is organising this event

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


Event booking

No prior booking is required, pay on the door!

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 Orwell Park Observatory. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.

  • Orwell Park Observatory Open Evening

    Monday 6th October 2025 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm

    Orwell Park Observatory, Nacton, IP10 0ER

    More info
  • Orwell Park Observatory Public Open Evening

    Friday 24th October 2025 from 19:30pm to 22:00pm

    Orwell Park Observatory, Nacton, IP10 0ER

    More info
  • Orwell Park Observatory Public Open Evening

    Saturday 25th October 2025 from 19:30pm to 22:00pm

    Orwell Park Observatory, Nacton, IP10 0ER

    More info
  • Orwell Park Observatory Open Evening

    Monday 3rd November 2025 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm

    Orwell Park Observatory, Nacton, IP10 0ER

    More info
  • Orwell Park Observatory Open Evening

    Monday 1st December 2025 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm

    Orwell Park Observatory, Nacton, IP10 0ER

    More info
  • Orwell Park Observatory Open Evening

    Monday 5th January 2026 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm

    Orwell Park Observatory, Nacton, IP10 0ER

    More info

Stay and gaze nearby

Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.

  • Windmill Lodges

    Red House Farm, Saxtead, Suffolk, IP13 9RD (15.8 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Blyth Rise Stays

    Station Road, Laxfield, Suffolk, IP13 8HF (20.9 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Haw Wood Farm Caravan Park

    Hinton, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 3QT (23.7 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info