Tourist Information Centre
Congleton Tourist Information Centre is at hand to make sure your trip to South East Cheshire runs smoothly from start to finish. For extra information whilst in the Borough please visit our touch screen information kiosk at Roadchef, Sandbach Services Northbound.
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From Roman Middlewich to Saxon Sandbach, South East Cheshire is steeped in history, enabling you to experience true culture and finely preserved heritage, explore our bustling market towns and quaint rural villages.
Home / What To Do & See / Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre
Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre
The Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre is the visitor centre for the world famous Lovell Radio Telescope and the Jodrell Bank Observatory, the astronomy research centre of the University of Manchester.
A phased redevelopment of the visitor facilities at Jodrell Bank has commenced. Details of the plans can be found here and our facilities available during the redevelopment are listed below.
The new Observational Pathway, which stretches 180 degrees around the base of the Lovell Telescope is now open. The pathway allows visitors to get closer to the telescope than every before.
We also have a 3D Theatre, small exhibition area, 35 acre Arboretum with its National Collections of Malus and Sorbus, an award-winning Environmental Discovery Centre, which houses our Tree Planet exhibition. Space Cafe and Shop.
Please note we no longer have the Planetarium and extensive exhibitions.
Two key scenes of this summer's blockbuster movie 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' were filmed here. The observatory features in the opening sequence of the film and the control room was transformed into a retro 50s set featuring dozens of kitsch flashing monitors and control knobs.
Opening Times
10.30am - 5pm 15 Mar 2008 - 2 Nov 2008
Tues - Fri - 10.30am - 3pm 4 Nov 2008 - 27 Mar 2009
Sat & Sun - 11am - 4pm 4 Nov 2008 - 27 Mar 2009
Events
Monday, 18th August 2008 - Friday, 22nd August 2008
Wednesday, 15th October 2008
Monday, 27th October 2008 - Friday, 31st October 2008
Saturday, 15th November 2008
Saturday, 13th December 2008
Tickets Information
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff* |
|---|---|
| Adult | £2.00 adult |
| 4-16 yrs | £1.00 child |
| Admission to 3D theatre | £1.00 anybody |
Road Directions
From A535 follow Holmes Chapel A535 signs to Chelford. Jodrell Bank is signposted.
Public Transport Directions
By rail From Goostrey. Turn right down Station Road to the church in Goostrey village. Turn right at church and follow country roads, do not turn off this road, even though you appear to be heading away from the telescope. The road goes over the railway bridge and the entrance is on the right hand side.
Facilities
Provider Features
- In countryside
- Indoor Attraction
- Visit Chester & Cheshire Member
Accessibility
- Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Hearing loop
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Catering
- On-Site café/restaurant
Payment Methods
- American Express accepted
- Delta accepted
- Diners Club accepted
- JCB accepted
- Maestro accepted
- MasterCard accepted
- Solo accepted
- TIC Staff Admitted Free
- Visa accepted
Provider Facilities
- Toilets
Target Markets
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Children
- Marketed Towards Families
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
Printed Material in Foreign Languages
- German printed material