Observatories in the UK

There are a surprising number of observatories across the United Kingdom, perhaps reflecting the country's long history with astronomy. All of the locations on our map are open to the public. Most places require the purchase of a ticket for an event, some are open by general admission. Other locations, for example, those run by astronomical societies, are often open free of charge or ask for a small donation.

Observatories in the UK location list

  • Copthorne Observatory

    Effingham Lane, Copthorne, West Sussex, RH10 3HR

    Observatory

    More info
  • COSMOS Observatory

    Signal Row, St Martins, Isles of Scilly, TR25 0QN, South West

    Observatory

    More info
  • Cranbrook School Observatory

    Waterloo Road, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3JD

    Astronomical Society, Observatory

    More info
  • Cygnus Observatory at Washington Wetland Centre

    Washington Wetland Centre, Washington, Sunderland, NE38 8LE

    Astronomical Society, Observatory

    More info
  • Dalby Forest Visitor Centre

    Dalby Forest, Thornton-le-Dale, North Yorkshire, YO18 7LT

    Astronomical Society, Dark Sky Discovery Site, Observatory

    More info
  • David Le Conte Astronomical Observatory

    Rue du Lorier, St Pierre du Bois, Channel Isles, GY7 9JU

    Astronomical Society, Dark Sky Discovery Site, Observatory

    More info
  • Durlston Astronomy Centre and Observatory

    Durlston Country Park, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL

    Dark Sky Discovery Site, Observatory

    More info
  • Dyffryn Observatory

    Dyffryn Gardens, St Nicholas, South Glamorgan, CF5 6SU

    Astronomical Society, Observatory

    More info
  • EAARO Space Operations Centre

    Space Operations Centre - Building 1013, Alconbury Airfield, Cambridgeshire, PE28 4XA

    Observatory, Private Venue

    More info
  • Edinburgh Playfair Observatory

    Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH7 5AA

    Observatory

    More info
  • Eric Tomney Memorial Observatory

    Mugdock Country Park, Milngavie, Lanarkshire, G62 8EL

    Observatory

    More info
  • Failand Observatory

    Failand, Near Wraxall, Avon, BS8 3US

    Astronomical Society, Observatory

    More info
  • Fairwood Observatory – Swansea Airport

    Fairwood Common, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA2 7JU

    Observatory, Private Venue

    More info
  • Flamsteed Observatory

    Near Brailsford, Derby, Derbyshire, DE6 3BY

    Astronomical Society, Observatory

    More info
  • George Abell Observatory

    Kents Hill, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK7 6AA

    Observatory

    More info
  • Godlee Observatory (closed for redevelopment)

    Sackville Street, Manchester, Lancashire, M1 3NL

    Observatory

    More info
  • Hampstead Observatory

    Hampstead Grove, Hampstead, London, NW3 1DU

    Observatory

    More info
  • Hanwell Community Observatory

    Hanwell, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX17 1HN

    Observatory

    More info
  • Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre and Observatory

    Low Hauxley, Amble, Northumberland, NE65 0JR

    Astronomical Society, Observatory

    More info
  • Herschel Astronomical Society Observatory

    Eton, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 6EF

    Observatory, Private Venue

    More info

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