Larger map of open evening entrance.
The observatory at night.
Telescopes in the grounds.
Orwell Astronomical Society (Ipswich)
Our Next Open Evenings
Larger map of open evening entrance.
The observatory at night.
Telescopes in the grounds.
The dates of our next open evenings will be advertised here in late 2026.
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 portable telescopes situated on the lawns behind the observatory.
Celestial objects well positioned for observing (if the sky is clear) will include planets, galaxies, star clusters and, usually, the Moon.
Members of OASI will be present to provide information about the Society and about the history of the observatory and the instruments within it.
Opening times will be advertised here (likely 7.30pm - 10.00pm).
The admission fee will be advertised here.
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.
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.