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    Yesterday's World

    3.5 (2 reviews)

    Yesterday's World Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Yesterday's World

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    17 years ago

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    18 years ago

    Great selection of displays, has been expanded recently so a lot to see, great little shop when u come out as well

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    Observatory Science Centre - Observatory and pond

    Observatory Science Centre

    4.5(2 reviews)
    7.2 mi

    Formerly the site of the Royal Observatory (from 1958-1990), the site is now run by a charity as a…read morevenue for exhibitions, lectures and educational programmes. The renovated telescopes can be visited by the public, for school visits, and are used by colleges and astronomical societies. It makes a great fun-but-educational family day out. Most people associate the Royal Observatory with Greenwich, where it was founded by Charles II in 1675. It was increasingly recognised that London was not a good location due to light and atmospheric pollution, and the effects of vibrations from rising road and rail traffic. Plans were made to relocate the observatory in the 1930s; transfer began to the new site at Herstmonceux in 1947 and was completed in 1958. The complex of buildings was constructed to house three reflecting and three refracting telescopes in six domes, of brick and concrete with green copper domes and balustraded balconies, with adjoining support buildings, all set around a central ornamental pond. These are themselves classic examples of 1950s architecture. The telescopes were joined in 1967 by the giant 98-inch Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) once housed in the silver dome to the south of the main complex. The UK was never an ideal site for astronomical observations because of the preponderance of cloud, and over time, increasing light pollution from Eastbourne. The growth of cheap air travel in the 1960s enabled astronomers to travel to parts of the world with clearer skies and in 1984 the INT telescope was moved to the Canary Islands. Eventually, the decision was taken to close the site and move the remaining staff to the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Cambridge. The site reopened in its current guise in 1995 and the site, including the telescopes, was refurbished in 2004. Visitors now enter through the eastern grounds of Herstmonceux Castle (itself now a college of Queen's College, Ontario). Car parking is available in a small car park but in summer most park on the lawn in front. The ticket office at the entrance houses a small shop with merchandise aimed at children and young people, covering a range of scientific subjects. Numbers are limited, so advanced booking is strongly recommended. There are guided tours of the telescopes (which take about half an hour) and separate science demonstrations. The site has both indoor and outdoor hands-on activities for children (of all ages!) covering aspects of science and engineering - a bit like a small hands-on science museum. We found the volunteer staff to be friendly and knowledgeable, and the sessions were very interactive for the children. We happily spent a couple of hours there. There is a small cafe on site, serving drinks and a limited range of snacks. The site is on several levels and has a lot of steps and gravel pathways, but there are ramps for level access and a disabled toilet: more details are on the main website. Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times, and dogs are not admitted (except assistance dogs). As well as being open for general visits, there are periodic stargazing evenings: numbers are also limited for these and need to be booked in advance.

    This is such an interesting place to take the kids for some star-gazing. They are so good at…read morekeeping everyone's attention on the go (things like this can get a bit boring). There's so many different night and daytime events on offer here and a lot of them depend on weather and, of course the stars but we had a great night there and got to see so many beautiful sights. There's a fantastic shop to pop into at the end of the day with some really interesting and informative books to buy.

    Photos
    Observatory Science Centre - Observatory and geological garden

    Observatory and geological garden

    Observatory Science Centre - Observatory and geological garden

    Observatory and geological garden

    Observatory Science Centre - Observatory: the refractive telescope of 1898.

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    Observatory: the refractive telescope of 1898.

    Bodiam Castle

    Bodiam Castle

    4.6(20 reviews)
    6.5 mi

    We did lots of castles, cathedrals and abbeys on this years Road Trip through England and Scotland…read more And this here was one of the finest we've encountered. We came by car, there's a huge parking lot with even some options at the shade. If you're a member then parking and entrance is free (scan your card for free parking). At the entrance there's a ticket office, a fine little restaurant and some shops. It's a short walk to the wonderful castle. Pretty flat and goes around the whole site. Dogs are allowed - our Bulldog had a great time. And not just our Bulldog; we did as well. It's a fantastic, well-preserved and well taken care of castle. With the mout surrounding it, it looks just like a "typical" castle you'd imagine. It was built from 1380-1385. By by Sir Edward Dallingridge. He was even promoted by King Richard II himself. So this castle here belonged to a person of great importance. Be sure to check out the interiour as well. It's a stunner from outside, but it's really worth your time going in and on top of it for some great views. There are lots of facilities on the site and also picnic spots with views of the castle. A great place to spend a few hours. One of the highlight of our Road Trip surely. Staff was very friendly and helpful. And be sure to grab a bite at the restaurant by the entrance (jacket potatoes were great).

    This is what a castle should look like. Tall towers, complete ramparts, portcullis, drawbridge and…read morea huge moat. It's every child's dream! Built in 1385, it functioned as both castle and a comfortable late mediaeval home. Now owned by the National Trust, it is set in lovely well-maintained grounds which are perfect for a family picnic. In the summer, there are lots of activities going on (check website for details), with people dressing up as mediaeval knights, jousting and cool stuff like that. For the adults there are also occasional concerts. The site is very family friendly, with the information office supplying all kinds of material to help children (of all ages!) enjoy their visit, and to stimulate their imaginations. The website has excellent information about access for wheel-chair users. The site has ample car-parking, and is close to some other excellent attractions - the Kent & East Sussex preserved steam railway, and the village of Battle where William the Conqueror beat the Anglo-Saxons in 1066.

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    Bodiam Castle
    Bodiam Castle
    Bodiam Castle

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    Yesterday's World - museums - Updated May 2026

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