Visit Bayfordbury Observatory
Bayfordbury is primarily a university teaching observatory for undergraduate students, and is not generally open to the public.
We do, however, run several programmes to offer scheduled visits for both private groups and the general public. You can find out more about these in the section below; please note that all events must be booked in advance.
Our venue is wheelchair accessible, including several of our telescope domes, and we can accomodate visitors with special needs.
Open Evenings, public & private visits and School Trips
Bayfordbury Observatory gives the opportunity for private groups, schools, Brownies/Scouts and the general public to visit us and learn more about the universe and the work taking place here.
For individuals, or very small groups:
For private groups:
We may also be able to accommodate requests for other types of private event. To find out more, please contact the Bayfordbury Education Officer.
Alternatively, we could visit you with one of our mobile planetariums.
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We would like to make visitors aware of a temporary accessibility issue at the Bayfordbury Campus.
Due to essential drainage works currently in place to prevent flooding, a cable cover has been installed across part of the access route on campus. The cover has been designed to withstand vehicle traffic but currently presents a barrier for wheelchair users and some visitors with mobility impairments.
We recognise that this may affect accessibility to parts of the site, including the route beyond the Bayfordbury Science Building, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this may cause. The University is working with Estates teams to review possible solutions and resolve the issue as soon as possible.
If you are planning a visit and have accessibility requirements, please contact the Bayfordbury team in advance so that we can discuss arrangements and provide assistance where possible.
Thank you for your understanding while we work to improve access.
Official ESO outreach partner organisation
Bayfordbury Observatory is an official ESO (European Space Organization) outreach partner organisation.
Dark Sky Discovery partner
The University of Hertfordshire is the lead partner for the Dark Sky Discovery project in the East of England.
Consortium of Universities for Goonhilly Astronomy
The University of Hertfordshire is part of the Consortium of Universities for Goonhilly Astronomy, to refurbish the Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station for radio astronomy and public outreach.
Work experience
Due to the nature and timing of the Observatory's activities we are currently unable to offer work experience or work shadowing placements.
Health & Safety information for visitors to Bayfordbury
Please have a look at our health & saftey information, including risk assessments, prior to your visit.
- Watch a short video on our Emergency Action Plan
- View our risk assessments
- View our Bayfordbury Science Building (formally SLC) and Telescope Domes fire plans
What our
visitors say
I always find the event very informative but last night was the best night so far for observing with the optical telescopes. Thanks to everyone involved for making my evening very enjoyable.