Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium
Sutton in Ashfield
Project summary
A state-of-the-art planetarium was built at Sherwood Observatory on top of the Victorian subterranean reservoir to provide a new visitor attraction and a world-class educational and science facility.
Project updates
Now open (opened in November 2024)
November 2025 - Volunteers receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Services
In detail
The planetarium and Science Discovery Centre at Sherwood Observatory was built and opened in 2024 as a joint project between Ashfield District Council and the Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society. The planetarium is a state-of-the-art facility with a 59-seat capacity that transports visitors right into space, with shows and entertainment about space, our solar system and beyond.
The Victorian subterranean reservoir, which the planetarium sits above, is now a Science Discovery Centre with displays about history, engineering, science and space.
The facility is a fantastic resource for home education, school trips, club trips, adult education and more, inspiring the next generation to aspire to careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths). Sherwood Observatory is going from strength to strength with over 35,000 visitors through the door in the first year (Nov 24 – Nov 25).
You can find out more about the planetarium shows and open days on their website: https://sherwood-observatory.org.uk/
