Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre is the University of Manchester’s public visitor gateway to the UNESCO-listed Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, home to the iconic Lovell Telescope and pioneering radio astronomy. The site includes the First Light Pavilion’s Jodrell Bank history exhibition, Planet Pavilion orrery, Space Pavilion interactive science exhibition, Star Pavilion talks, outdoor telescope pathways and Whispering Dishes, Space Dome shows, cafés and a shop. School, group and special-event programmes are available. The visitor site currently lists daily opening from 10:00–17:00 with last entry at 15:30; ongoing local roadworks may require extra journey time. Current online ticket prices are £15 for adults, £12.70 for adults aged 65+ and students, £10.50 for children, free for under-4s and free for companions; all tickets are Annual Tickets allowing returns within 12 months. Online booking saves 10% and helps guarantee an entry time, while optional Dome Shows and events are separate add-ons; ticket payments are card-only and visitor parking is included in the entry ticket. Buildings have level access, automatic doors and accessible toilets; accessible parking and wheelchair hire are available, while the rural site includes long walks and some uneven or seasonal outdoor ground, with limited public transport. Assistance dogs are welcome. The observatory is a working environment: the Lovell Telescope may be under maintenance, and visitors cannot enter the observatory building or climb the telescope. Visitor entrance: Bomish Lane, Lower Withington, Cheshire SK11 9DL, United Kingdom.