Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

The Discovery Centre is a great day out for all the family. You can explore the wonders of the universe and learn more about the workings of the giant Lovell Telescope.

Planet Pavilion
This is where the day of discovery begins for all our visitors and where our staff will offer you a warm welcome and provide information about your day.

Challenge yourself with our interactive games and explore the wonders of the solar system through our clockwork orrery. There is also an outdoor Planet Path, where children aged between four and ten years can borrow one of our backpacks for a journey of fun, educational challenges. Backpacks can be borrowed for an hour at a time between 10.00am and 3.30pm.

Fresh seasonal food and drink is always available in our cafe where you can relax and enjoy a fantastic views of the Lovell Telescope.

Galaxy Gardens
The Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre gardens are a great family-friendly space. The fully accessible pathway connects the Galaxy Gardens, Space Playground and areas of the arboretum (tree collection).

The Galaxy Gardens are a beautiful new addition planted to the design of TV gardener Chris Beardshaw, who worked in collaboration with Jodrell Bank astronomer Dr Tim O'Brien.

We also hold two national collections here – Sorbus (Rowan and Whitebeam) and Malus (Ornamental Crab Apple), which have stunning displays of blossom in the spring, followed by a diverse range of berries, fruits and vivid colour in the autumn.

Whether you prefer a leisurely walk, a picnic or an adventure off the beaten track, we have something for everyone.

Space Pavilion
How did the universe begin? What is a black hole? You can explore the wonders the universe, listen to the sound of the Big Bang and find out about the Lovell Telescope and its research via a range of hands-on activities.

Next to the exhibition room is our events space, in which we hold a range of events for adults, children and family groups. Our science explainers are always on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Whispering dishes
Experiment with sound waves. This is a long-standing favourite with our visitors!

The Lovell Telescope
Standing 89 metres high and 76 metres in diameter, the magnificent Lovell Telescope is a sight to behold. Visitors can walk around the base of the telescope to gain a deeper understanding of how it works and the history of Jodrell Bank Observatory.

We offer visitors free car parking, bicycle racks and accessible parking bays.