This event has already passed
- Where?
- Hampstead Observatory, Lower Terrace (near Whitestone Pond), Hampstead
- When?
- 15th September 2023 to 13th April 2024
- 8 PM to 10 PM (Fri-Sat)
- Note: The Observatory will only open if the skies are clear
- Tickets?
- Free, but donations are welcome. No need to book
- See hampsteadscience.ac.uk
- Buses:
- 210, 268
- Bus fares
- Trains:
- The closest station is Hampstead Northern
- Train fares
Hampstead Observatory has one major advantage over the Royal Observatory in Greenwich... it allows the public to just turn up and see the stars for free. You don't even have to book. As long as the skies are clear the observatory will open up for a few hours at the weekend and allow people to take a peek at the stars.
Don't go there expecting a massive telescope like the one on Greenwich Hill because Hampstead is just a small observatory with a six-inch refractor, housed inside a rotating dome. The space only takes about 12 people as well, so you might have to wait your turn.
Local astronomers will sometimes bring along their own equipment and there are usually plenty of experts around willing to share their advice with beginners and keen amateurs.
[Note: The observatory will only open if the skies are clear. The Sunday lunchtime opening hours are there for people to view the Sun.]
If you enjoy Hampstead Observatory then you might like to visit Hampstead Heath, Royal Observatory (catch a tube from Hampstead to Greenwich) and Science Museum (Hampstead to South Kensington)
Related articles and events
Astronomy Photographer of the Year Competition See the best entries from the annual space photography at the National Maritime Museum
Walk & Royal Tea in Kensington Gardens Pavilion Take a pleasant walk through Kensington Gardens and then enjoy an afternoon tea outside the palace
Marc Quinn: Light into Life at Kew Gardens Contemporary sculptures and artworks inspired by Kew Gardens' collection of plants
An Audience with Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don Hear Monty Don talk about his favourite gardens while sharing stories from his 30-year career