Guided Astronomy Evenings

Visitor group

A blend of our popular Open Evenings and Private Visits, our Guided Astronomy Evenings will involve a 2-hour guided tour of Bayfordbury Observatory, including a talk on Astronomy by one of our Astrophysics students, a planetarium show, and an opportunity to observe some wonders of the night (or day!) sky through our range of telescopes, weather permitting.

Depending on the weather, between October and March, we will attempt to view targets in the night sky. Between April to September, we will attempt use our solar telescopes to reveal features on the Sun's surface.

Guided Astronomy Evening dates will be listed here. To sign up for one of our visits, please follow the link below to book a place. These visits are perfect for individuals, families or small groups that otherwise wouldn't meet the requirements for minimum numbers of our Private Astronomy Visits. Visit contents are aimed at an audience of all ages, unless stated otherwise in the list of upcoming visits below.

If you would prefer a private visit, please see our "Private Astronomy Visits" page.

What is included?

A Guided Astronomy Evening will include:

  • a talk from one of our astronomy students
  • a tour of the sky in our Planetarium
  • a tour of our telescopes including viewing some objects through them if weather permits

Ticket Prices

  • Entry to the Observatory is £15 per person.
  • Tickets will be listed below when they become available.

Booking in advance is preferred as spaces are limited and demand can be high, however we can offer tickets on the door if any spaces are available.

Upcoming Guided Astronomy Evenings

All 2026 Guided Astronomy Evenings will be 6pm - 8pm

Available

Wednesday 19th August 2026 - What is Dark Matter? - buy tickets - one ticket left

Sold Out

Friday 15th May 2026 - Are We Alone in the Universe? - SOLD OUT

Friday 22nd May 2026 - Are We Alone in the Universe? - SOLD OUT

Wednesday 10th June 2026 - An Introduction to Astronomy

Friday 12th June 2026 - The Story of the Universe - SOLD OUT

Friday 19th June 2026 - The Story of the Universe - SOLD OUT

Friday 26th June 2026 - The Story of the Universe - SOLD OUT

Monday 6th July 2026 - An Introduction to Astronomy

Friday 10th July 2026 - Our Solar System - SOLD OUT

Monday 13th July 2026 - Our Solar System

Friday 17th July 2026 - Our Solar System - SOLD OUT

Friday 31st July 2026 - Our Solar System - SOLD OUT

Friday 7th August 2026 - What is Dark Matter? - SOLD OUT

Friday 21st August 2026 - What is Dark Matter? - SOLD OUT

Monday 24th August 2026 - What is Dark Matter?

THURSDAY 27th August 2026 - What is Dark Matter? - SOLD OUT

Friday 11th September 2026 - The Future of Space Travel - SOLD OUT

Friday 18th September 2026 - The Future of Space Travel - SOLD OUT

Friday 25th September 2026 - The Future of Space Travel - SOLD OUT

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Please note: we are unable to offer refunds or date changes