CATEGORY · RAINY DAY APPROVED

Observatories & Planetariums in Sheffield

There's no observatory in Sheffield itself, so this is one for a longer trip out. Huddersfield Observatory runs solar telescopes and star talks from £3, with a members' society meeting twice a month and ages 0+ welcome. A drive out to Sutton-in-Ashfield brings you to Sherwood Observatory, a planetarium with a volunteer-run café, though open events start from £50 and need booking ahead. West Yorkshire Astronomical Society, a longer trip out to Pontefract, keeps its open nights free and its groups small enough that everyone gets a proper look through the telescope. For price, the Pontefract nights cost nothing beyond booking a place. For families with younger children, Huddersfield's low entry fee and picnic-friendly grounds make it the easiest first go. Sherwood suits a fuller day out, with food on site and parking sorted, but book ahead and arrive early if you want time in the exhibition before the telescopes come out.

✓ 3 places✦ 1 free to visit