New £6.8million attraction that kids will love opens in the UK with live shows and underground exhibitions
A NEW £6.8million state-of-the-art space attraction has opened in Nottinghamshire – and kids are going to love visiting.
The Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium in Sutton-in-Ashfield opened to the public last month.
Construction work on the new space attraction began back in 2023, with a disused underground Victorian reservoir transformed as part of the project.
Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium features a cutting-edge planetarium, an education centre, an exhibition hall, a meeting room and a cafe.
A description on the site’s website reads: “Fantastic for all ages! Learn about the wonders of the cosmos, experience the scale of the universe in our wrap-around planetarium shows, and stargaze through our observatory telescopes”.
The huge dome on top of the building houses the Planetarium where screenings take place.
Inside the Planetarium, there’s a 10m-high projection screen where different shows are projected and 59 seats for visitors.
Shows range from pre-recorded animations and presenter-led tours of the night sky to guest lectures and cinema shows.
Other attractions at Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium include the Observatory Telescope, which is one of the largest public-access optical telescopes in the country.
Visitors who buy a show ticket for the Planetarium can also go to the Science Centre.
Housed inside the underground Victorian reservoir, the Science Centre is a brick building that features a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions.
The permanent exhibition displays rocket parts that Rolls Royce donated and a display that details the history of the Victorian reservoir.
A temporary exhibition currently documents the history of human space flight.
There’s also a Radio Astronomy, which is closed for refurbishment until 2025, and a cafe.
Entry tickets to shows cost £7.50 for a full-paying adult and £6 for kids.
Those visitors with show tickets can arrive one-hour before their time slot to explore the Science Centre and cafe.
Dr Steve Wallace, Chair of Sherwood Observatory and client project manager, told Building Design & Construction Commercial: “Right from the initial vision, this project has been about collaboration and teamwork.
“The new Planetarium & Science Centre has exceeded expectations and the excitement that has been generated in the area as it has taken shape has been tangible.
” We are really pleased to open our doors to visitors and show them the wonders of the universe.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “It really is spectacular, and it is something that will transform the lives of not just the people of Ashfield but also further afield.”
Sherwood Observatory is a 40-minute drive from Nottingham, and it’s a 70-minute drive from Birmingham.
Here are five other space attractions to visit in the UK
HERE are five other space attractions for would-be astronauts to visit in the UK.
- National Space Centre in Leicester – This is one of the UK’s leading visitor attractions dedicated to space science and astronomy, featuring interactive exhibits, the UK’s largest planetarium, and the iconic Rocket Tower.
- Royal Observatory Greenwich in London – Established in 1675, this historic observatory offers a range of exhibits on astronomy and navigation, as well as the opportunity to stand on the Prime Meridian Line.
- Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre in Cheshire – Home to the famous Lovell Telescope, this centre provides visitors with interactive displays, gardens, and opportunities to learn about the universe and the workings of this significant radio telescope.
- Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in Northern Ireland – Founded in 1790, this observatory offers a range of educational programmes, a planetarium show, and beautiful grounds to explore.
- Glasgow Science Centre in Glasgow – Featuring the Planetarium, which offers immersive shows about the stars, planets, and the universe, this centre is a great place for space enthusiasts of all ages.
Meanwhile, a huge new attraction will launch in the UK next year – and it’s based on an iconic 1980s video game.
And across the Atlantic, there’s a new Super Nintendo World opening at the new Universal Theme Park coming to Florida next summer.