FAQs about visits
General
-What happens if the weather is bad?
The visit will run as planned, unfortunately with the exception of opening the domes and looking through the telescopes. You will still be able to visit the domes and see how the telescopes operate.
Please check the weather before visiting, and prepare for walking in the rain if necessary (umbrella, rain coat and sensible footwear).
-How far is the Observatory from the reception?
There is a 300 metre walk from the Bayfordbury Science Building/car park to the Observatory. For those unable to do the walk, we can arrange for you to use a paved access road to drive between the car park and Observatory.
-Can we bring outside food into the Observatory?
Food and drink may be consumed in the dining area in the Bayfordbury Science Building, however the Observatory is a science laboratory and we ask our visitors not to bring or consume food or drink at the Observatory itself.
-If I need to cancel my reservation, can I get a refund?
We do not offer refunds if you cancel or miss your booking.
-Is the Observatory wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Bayfordbury Science Building, where the first part of the visit will take place, has a ramp to the door and lift. Our two largest telescope domes are wheelchair accessible, and these are the main ones used for private visits and open evenings. However it is unlikely a wheelchair user will be able to look through the eyepieces due to the nature of the telescope geometry. A wheelchair user can look through one of our portable telescopes located at the observatory, and view images from our largest telescope on a computer screen.
Please contact us beforehand to discuss any other specific accommodations which may need to be made.
During private visits you may use your own transport (car/minibus) to drive passengers up to the Observatory from the Bayfordbury Science Building and back. For safety reasons vehicular traffic is not allowed up to the Observatory during public open evenings.
Private visits
-When can I book a private visit?
We now offer visits throughout the entire year, but please bear in mind that it will not be dark enough to use the telescopes between April and September. Available dates can be viewed in our calendar. Please note that we currently only offer private visits during weekdays.
-How long does the visit take?
Each visit usually takes 2 hours.
-Can I request the visit to be longer or shorter?
We normally have a maximum of 2 hours per visit, but you may request a shorter visit. Please contact us before your visit to discuss this.
-Can I add more people to my booking after I paid?
You may request that by contacting us. Please note that we can only accommodate a maximum of 40 people in total.
-If I'm booking for a group of kids, can the parents come along?
Parents are welcome to attend too, but must be included in the group total when booking.
-Is there a bar or cafeteria available to get food?
No, but we have a cash-only vending machine in the Bayfordbury Science Building.
-Where can I park?
There are two car parks at the entrance of the university campus, next to the Bayfordbury Science Building. Please do not drive up to the Observatory itself. Parking is free, and we have a small number of disabled spaces.
-Where should I go when I arrive?
Park in either of the car parks near the entrance of the campus and follow the signs to the reception of the Bayfordbury Science Building where you will be met by our guides.
Please do not drive or walk up to the Observatory itself, as there will be nobody there to greet you and it may interrupt other visitors. It is important that you don't drive past the no entry signs, as vehicles can interfere with our equipment and pose a hazard to pedestrians.
-Do you provide special needs tours?
Yes. Please refer any special needs questions to our education officer.