Jodrell Bank has been at the forefront of a revolution of our understanding of the Universe. It has contributed to the discovery of objects and phenomena that weren't dreamt of back in 1945. Black holes, quasars, pulsars, gravitational lenses and the fading glow of the Big Bang.
Its iconic telescope stands proud in the Cheshire landscape, a place we always point out when we see it in the skyline while driving or in the distance when on walk.
During February half term we spent a day learning about space and the impressive history of the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank in Cheshire. We were invited to come along to see the what the centre has to offer families. While we were there we experienced their half term science show. "Curious Kids - The Explosive Science Show" and making a mini telescope to take home. We live just 5 minutes from Jodrell Bank and feel proud to have something of such significance on our doorstep.
Top Info
🔭 Open Tues - Sun 10am - 5pm
👨🦼 Suitable for Pushchairs and Wheelchairs
💰 Museum Shop
🚗 FREE parking
🛝 Children's Playarea
🌳 Arboretum to walk around
☕ Two Cafes for lunch, cakes or a drink
🥪 Picnics allowed
📖 Extra activities and events during school holidays
🐕 Only assisting dogs allowed
📱 They ask that you switch your phone to airplane mode. Phones can cause interference with radio telescopes.
🎟 Book in advance online and visit again free of charge for the rest of the year.
🚗 Bomish Lane, Lower Withington Cheshire. SK11 9DW
Our Day
There are two main areas of Jodrell Bank. The Space pavilion is the original area and the new building called the "Light Pavilion" When we arrived at 10.45 we first headed to the original part of Jodrell Bank as this was where out 11.45 show was so we didn't want to venture too far. Here, there are some outside experiments to have a go on including the wonderous whispering dishes, which my girls are fascinated by.
The Lovell Telescope
The striking feature to this part of the centre is the bright white Lovell telescope towering up into the sky right next to where you are stood. As the telescope can move and pivot you always will get to see it from different angles when you visit. Today it was facing away from us and you could see the impressive frame work. There is a short walk further round the telescope so you can get to see the other side. I always enjoy photographing the Lovell telescope as its such a beautiful structure.
Space Pavilion
Within the Space Pavilion you will get to explore the wonders of the Universe, the main room is filled with interactive displays. Whether it's pushing a button to listen to the 'Big Bang', looking through a telescopes and exploring how an infrared camera works.
Next the girls wanted to do the crafts that were on especially for half term. In the room there was instructions of how to make your own paper telescope. It was a simple craft of cutting out and sticking together but this works well as it was easy to follow and good for a wide range of ages. The finished article was quite cool. There was also colouring for younger children. Now it was time for the science show.
The Explosive Science Show
The show was lead by two scientists. It was an adult v kids quiz with members of the audience being chosen to come to the front to answer a question about space. After each question the scientists did a fun and very visual experiments which linked to the question asked. There was fire, explosions and hidden test tubes. The show lasted 30 minutes as was really entertaining and was perfect for children and families.
The show was included in your entry price and was on twice a day, you just had to get a wrist band for the time you wanted when you first arrived. The seats are on a first come basis so i would always get into the queue 10 minutes before.
Food and Drink
After the show we wanted to eat our picnic. There are some picnic areas around the site but as it was abit cold we went to eat inside the picnic room. There are two cafes on site. One at each main area so its easy to buy some lunch, a drink or a snack. The First Light Pavilion cafe which we visited was serving a good range of lunch time items, lots of yummy cakes, cold and hot drinks and snacks. There is seating inside and outside.
Children's Playground
Just out side the First Light Pavilion is a small children's Playground. It has a climbing frame, swing and spinning disc.
First Light Pavilion
Next we walked up to the First Light Pavilion. Here you can uncover the inspirational heritage of Jodrell Bank. Inside this architecturally stunning building, you’ll find a high tech exhibition telling the pioneering stories of the scientists and engineers that made history. Explore interactive displays, projections and artefacts as you journey from the early post-war days of Jodrell Bank, through the heights of the Space Race and the depths of the Cold War, to today’s world-leading discoveries.
The interactive screens have some activities suitable for children, with quizzes or building the Lovell Telescope. There are a couple of little games and challenges. Some of the information may be a little complex so its good to read through the boards and screens with your children so you can help them get more from it.
Science Shows
You can journey round the night sky in a traditional planetarium show which are pre bookable at £5 per person. However, there was another free show so we decided to see it. It was a specially-commissioned immersive film on the Story of Jodrell Bank, narrated by Professor Brian Cox. It really shows off the planetarium brilliantly. With your head lent back, you can take in the full wall and ceiling screen. The images in the film were beautiful and awe inspiring.
Our verdict on Jodrell Bank
Jodrell Bank is the perfect place for families to explore their shared sense of curiosity and discover the wonders of science together. With it's interactive displays, space shows, cafe, picnic areas, a playground, arboretum, and gift shop you can easily spend most of the day exploring and leaning. The fact your ticket becomes an annual pass makes it a really reasonably priced place to visit too.
School Holidays
Jodrell Bank hold regular events throughout the year, especially in the school holidays. Including Meet the Expert, live Science Shows and Crafts.
As you get an annual pass when you pre book your tickets online, it becomes a free activity perfect for the school holidays. Along with all the usual exhibits they have, there is always a new event or show especially designed families during the holidays.
Prices (Feb 2024)
Adult £14
Consession £12
Child £10
Under 4's FREE
Family of 3 £33.00
Family of 4 £42.00
Family of 5 £50.00
Carer FREE
Annual Pass
When you pre book your tickets online, your ticket becomes an annual pass. Making all future visits in 12 months free.
Relaxed visits to Jodrell Bank
10am - 11am on the first Sunday of the month
Join us for a relaxed start to the day – sound in our exhibition spaces will be at a reduced level and there’ll be a relaxed early showing of our free film ‘The Story of Jodrell Bank’ at 10.15am.
A place for learning
Perfect for school trips and Home educators.
Our engaging schools programme provides curriculum-linked learning for each Key Stage from Early Years to A-Level.
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