April to September events will be daytime only. Please navigate to 'Solar Viewing' under the Visiting Us menu to find more information.
Sherwood Observatory holds a number of public open evenings each year during the Autumn and Winter months.
Saturday 16th November 2024: Tickets now available here: https://tickets.msas.uk/open-evening/
These events are ticketed & pre-booking is required to gain entry to the observatory facility.
Please arrive on time with your ticket ready for scanning. Once onsite you will be given an allocated lecture & dome time. Entry into the main building will be in two blocks of 25 visitors every 30 minutes. Therefore please be mindful of your lecture time, as this will be called out 5 minutes prior.
Entrance fees are - Adults (over 16) £6, Under 16's £2 (please note that under 16's MUST be accompanied by an adult).
Please display your ticket for scanning upon entry.
Parking is free and is located in our top car park adjacent to Coxmoor Road. Please refrain from parking on residential grass verges opposite the observatory.
We ask that you do not park on the grass verges on the main road, and vehicles must NOT be allowed to block pavement or entry access to properties. It is also strongly advised NOT to park or queue on the busy main road as emergency vehicle access MUST be maintained at all times. Please observe instructions from the car park marshals. Access to the observatory from the car-park is via a designated thoroughfare via the Heras fencing.
Our activities include:
- Viewing the Moon and other astronomical objects through our main telescope and a variety of smaller telescopes owned by the society or our members (weather permitting).
- Finding your way around the night sky with the naked eye and binoculars (feel free to bring your own binoculars along).
- A rolling series of astronomical-themed talks in our lecture room.
- Opportunities to ask questions about astronomy or about the telescopes.
- Free factsheets and/or skymaps to take away.
- Merchandise, including excellent photos of astronomical objects.
- Refreshments and a selection of cakes will be available from our serving hatch.
There is wheelchair access into the building and disabled toilet facilities. However, please be advised that the main telescope is accessible only by a spiral staircase.
The dome and large telescope cannot be opened up and used if the weather is wet or very windy. Even in dry conditions, it is usually cold both in the dome and outside, so warm clothing is a necessity.
Please note that MSAS is a voluntary based organisation and all advertised activities are based on the society operating with a full complement of volunteers on the night of the open event. In the unlikely event that member participation is reduced, MSAS reserves the right to reduce the services offered. Poor weather conditions may also result in the event being canceled at short notice. If this happens, the Society will make all efforts to notify visitors through social media.
By attending Sherwood Observatory photography may be in progress at various times around the site. Conducted by designated members allows for our continual improvement and brand promotion. Should you have any concerns regarding our policy please speak to a member of the Sherwood Observatory team.
If you have any other queries about our open evenings, please contact our open events coordinator by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
