Visit Bayfordbury Observatory
Bayfordbury is primarily a university teaching observatory for undergraduate students, and not generally open to the public during the year.
However, we hold a number of events for the public throughout the year.
Our venue is wheelchair accessible including several of our telescope domes.
Open evenings, community & group 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.
Browse the pages below to find out more:
We can also host birthday parties and other recreational events. Or find out how we could visit you with our Mobile Planetarium.
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.
Risk Assessment for visitors to Bayfordbury
Download our visitor risk assessment form.
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.