Larger map of open evening entrance.
The observatory at night.
Telescopes in the grounds.
Orwell Astronomical Society (Ipswich)
Open Evenings 2025
Larger map of open evening entrance.
The observatory at night.
Telescopes in the grounds.
Our 2025 open evenings are Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October.
Orwell Park Observatory will be open to the public.
If the sky is clear, it will be possible to look through the historic Tomline Refractor in the observatory and a variety of smaller telescopes situated in the grounds.
Celestial objects well positioned for observing (if the sky is clear) include Saturn (with its rings edge-on to the Earth, so invisible in small telescopes), double stars, star clusters and galaxies (including the Andromeda galaxy).
Members of OASI will be able to provide information about historic aspects of the observatory.
Opening times: 7.30pm - 10.00pm.
Adult £5.00. Sixteen years or younger enter free.
It is not necessary to book to attend - simply turn up!
If necessary, we will operate a ticketing system during busy times to limit numbers in the observatory to safe levels.
Enter at purple marker ("open evening entrance").
Our address is:
Orwell Astronomical Society (Ipswich)
c/o Orwell Park School
Nacton
Ipswich
IP10 0ER
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Access to the observatory is via two flights of stairs and a spiral staircase.
Toilet facilities at the observatory are limited.