Visit Bayfordbury Observatory
Bayfordbury is primarily a university teaching observatory for undergraduate students, and is not generally open to the public.
We do, however, run several programmes to offer scheduled visits for both private groups and the general public. You can find out more about these in the section below; please note that all events must be booked in advance.
Our venue is wheelchair accessible, including several of our telescope domes, and we can accomodate visitors with special needs.
Open evenings, community & group visits and school trips
Bayfordbury Observatory gives the opportunity for private groups, schools, Brownies/Scouts and the general public to visit us and learn more about the universe and the work taking place here.
For individuals, or very small groups:
For private groups:
We may also be able to accomodate requests for other types of private event. To find out more, please contact the Bayfordbury Education Officer.
Alternatively, we could visit you with one of our mobile planetariums.
Official ESO outreach partner organisation
Bayfordbury Observatory is an official ESO (European Space Organization) outreach partner organisation.
Dark Sky Discovery partner
The University of Hertfordshire is the lead partner for the Dark Sky Discovery project in the East of England.
Consortium of Universities for Goonhilly Astronomy
The University of Hertfordshire is part of the Consortium of Universities for Goonhilly Astronomy, to refurbish the Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station for radio astronomy and public outreach.
Work experience
Due to the nature and timing of the Observatory's activities we are currently unable to offer work experience or work shadowing placements.
Risk Assessment for visitors to Bayfordbury
Download our visitor risk assessment form.
What our
visitors say
I always find the event very informative but last night was the best night so far for observing with the optical telescopes. Thanks to everyone involved for making my evening very enjoyable.