Mills Observatory

Visit website

The Mills Observatory in Dundee is Britain’s first purpose-built public astronomical observatory, perched on the wooded summit of Balgay Hill. Opened in 1935, it offers visitors a close look at the night sky through its historic refracting telescope and regularly hosts stargazing sessions, planetarium shows, and educational events. With panoramic views over the city and the River Tay, it serves as a welcoming gateway to astronomy for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Mills Observatory

Contact Mills Observatory


Regular meetings with Mills Observatory

  • Mills Observatory Weekend Open Day (free!)

    Saturday, Sunday every week from October 2026 to March 2027

    Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB

    Join the knowledgeable staff at Mills Observatory for one of their free open weekend days through their winter season (start of October through to the end of March). Observe the Sun through their solar telescope and take in beautiful views over the River Tay and beyond.

    Due to the popularity of these events, access to the observatory dome is ticketed. Please book your space via Eventbrite. You can enjoy the rest of the observatory during opening hours without any prior booking.

    There are loads of things to see and do, and with free admission and free parking, these events offer a fantastic family day out and excellent value too!
  • Mills Observatory Weekday Open Evening (free!)

    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday every week from October 2026 to March 2027

    Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB

    Join the team at Mills Observatory for one of their free open evenings that run regularly through their winter season from October through to the end of March. Observe breath-taking views of the Moon and planets and see some of the brighter star clusters, nebulae and galaxies through their large 16-inch diameter telescope. They often have planetarium shows on Friday evenings, but please note that these require telephone booking and incur a small charge.

    Due to the popularity of these events, access to the observatory dome is ticketed. Please book your space via Eventbrite. You can enjoy the rest of the observatory during opening hours without any prior booking.

    These events offer a fantastic family evening out and excellent value with free admission and free parking.

Forthcoming events by Mills Observatory

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

  • Mills Observatory Weekday Open Evening (free!)

    Thursday 1st October 2026 from 16:00pm to 22:00pm

    Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB

    More info
  • Mills Observatory Weekday Open Evening (free!)

    Friday 2nd October 2026 from 16:00pm to 22:00pm

    Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB

    More info
  • Mills Observatory Weekend Open Day (free!)

    Saturday 3rd October 2026 from 12:30pm to 18:00pm

    Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB

    More info
  • Mills Observatory Weekend Open Day (free!)

    Sunday 4th October 2026 from 12:30pm to 18:00pm

    Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB

    More info
  • Mills Observatory Weekday Open Evening (free!)

    Monday 5th October 2026 from 16:00pm to 22:00pm

    Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB

    More info
  • Mills Observatory Weekday Open Evening (free!)

    Tuesday 6th October 2026 from 16:00pm to 22:00pm

    Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB

    More info
  • Mills Observatory Weekday Open Evening (free!)

    Wednesday 7th October 2026 from 16:00pm to 22:00pm

    Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB

    More info
  • Mills Observatory Weekday Open Evening (free!)

    Thursday 8th October 2026 from 16:00pm to 22:00pm

    Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB

    More info
  • Mills Observatory Weekday Open Evening (free!)

    Friday 9th October 2026 from 16:00pm to 22:00pm

    Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB

    More info
  • Mills Observatory Weekend Open Day (free!)

    Saturday 10th October 2026 from 12:30pm to 18:00pm

    Mills Observatory, Dundee, DD2 2UB

    More info

Event locations used by Mills Observatory

  • Mills Observatory

    Glamis Road, Balgay Park, Dundee, Angus, DD2 2UB

    Astronomical Society, Observatory, Planetarium

    More info

Latest from the blog

Our most recent astronomical articles...