Spring and summer are now upon the horizon and we have lots to look forward to this coming season at the state-of-the-art Sherwood Observatory Science and Planetarium on the outskirts of Nottinghamshire.
This world class centre is housed in a wonderful, modern, converted Victorian reservoir with fantastic views of the local area.
So, if you’re looking for a fantastic family outing that appeals to all ages, look no further than Sherwood Observatory.
A perfect way to step into astronomy. This hidden gem is not only a centre for learning about the universe, but also an amazing place to gather as a family or visit with friends and make lasting memories.
The online Planetarium programme is added monthly, and offers a variety of immersive and enlightening shows, special events which take place throughout the week and at weekends, there’s always something inspiring going on for everyone, and its a great way to dip into STEM with the family.
Sherwood Observatory is run by a charity made up of members, volunteers and a small in-house team. It offers astronomy enthusiasts and visitors a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of space at a cleverly designed facility in Nottinghamshire. So, whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or simply curious to learn more about the cosmos, the observatory’s friendly volunteers and staff and engaging Planetarium Shows, Open Days and Events will immerse and enlighten you across the topic.
It’s also an inclusive and accessible place which welcomes everyone and where questions about space and science are encouraged, and discoveries are always celebrated! ( accessibility is a priority and you can learn more about it here)
Experience and learn about the night sky and space like never before. The Planetarium at Sherwood Observatory offers immersive shows that transport you into the heart of the universe. With stunning visuals and narratives that fascinate both children and adults, these shows are perfect for sparking interest in astronomy and science.
Explore the Solar System with a bear named Ted, and his companion Plant, learning about the things we find there and how they affect us.
Ted’s Space Adventure is an ideal introduction to the wonders of the Solar System, and features interactivity, music and rhyme, the show is a must for pre-school children!
Following on from this show, our presenter will lead you through a night sky story, specifically aimed at inquisitive young minds.
Suitable for under 5’s. One adult can accompany up to 3 children aged 3 and under for this event.
Explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and our explosive origins. Connect life on Earth to the evolution of the Universe by following the formation of Hydrogen atoms to the synthesis of Carbon, and the molecules for life.
With expert input from leading scientists, leading cosmologists, astrophysicists, Astro chemists, planetary scientists and astrobiologists, We Are Stars presents humanity’s current understanding of where everything, including us, came from. Both educational and entertaining, this show includes an animation style that is designed to be appealing and accessible to families, keeping children engaged.
Suitable for all ages 4+ Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult.
Join showman extraordinaire “The Great Schiaparelli” as he takes the audience on a death-defying space-time adventure within his wondrous Observatorium.
From the sun-scorched surface of Mercury to the icy expanses of Pluto and beyond, prepare to be subjected to the myriad dangers and wonders of our Solar System, on a breathtaking tour that reveals just how precious our home planet really is. Both educational and entertaining, this show includes an animation style that is designed to be appealing and accessible to families, keeping children engaged.
Suitable for all ages 4+ Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult.
Join Astronaut George on an exciting adventure in our full-dome Planetarium show aimed at under 5’s.
The perfect introduction to space, George investigates the best planet to live on and the dangers lurking on the surface of other planets in our Solar System. Will he find any alien friends to play with? Join us for this fun interplanetary adventure!
Following on from this show, our presenter will lead you through the constellations in the sky using the Planetarium dome to locate and identify key features of the night sky.
Both educational and entertaining, this show includes an animation style that is designed to be appealing and accessible to families, keeping children engaged.
Suitable for under 5’s. *One adult can accompany up to 3 children aged 3 and under for this even
Sedna, a joyful otter dreams of distant lands. Inspired by a cormorant’s travels she begins an extraordinary journey to explore the water cycle on Earth & beyond
Sedna is fully adapted to her environment, and has everything she needs to live the contented life of a happy little sea otter. But Sedna dreams of travelling to distant places…
Join Sedna and Toklo the Cormorant on an extraordinary journey to discover the water cycle on Earth.
Aimed at viewers 5 -10 years old
Please note that under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
CAPCOM GO! celebrates the achievements of the Apollo program and what it took to put the first human on the Moon more than 50 years ago.
It introduces a new generation to the immense challenges they overcame and will inspire them to become the explorers, designers, engineers, thinkers and dreamers of the future.
Aimed at teen/adult audiences (however children 4+ are welcome to attend). Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult.
Explore the possibility of life on other planets. Learn the limits of biology as we know it. Imaginative visualizations of possible life forms.
“Distant Worlds — Alien Life?” is a beautiful planetarium film exploring one of the most enduring questions of humankind — are we alone?
For millennia our ancestors watched the stars, questioning the origin and nature of what they saw. Still today we ask these questions, knowing that the Universe is a vast place filled with billions and billions of stars and planets — Yet, Earth is the only planet we know for sure to be inhabited.
Aimed at teen/adult audiences. Please note that under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. Not suitable for children 3 and under.
There are also many other Planetarium shows which cover more in depth topics and children are welcome to watch these too, age recommendations can be found on our Planetarium show summaries.
When you book a Planetarium show, you also get to explore our in house and visiting exhibitions and take the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments in our comfortable café. The majority of our shows are also accompanied by a short talk about space (check individual show details for information on this)
We suggest you book in advance, as our shows are popular and fill up fast. ( especially in the holidays!)