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Jodrell Bank

Science & technology museums ·Macclesfield ·Closed
4.44.9K
#2Science & technology museums in the UKMost reviewed in Macclesfield
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About

Jodrell Bank is a radio observatory and visitor centre in Lower Withington, near Macclesfield, with the 76-metre Lovell Telescope.

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What's on here

Step Into Astrophotography Step Into Astrophotography Wednesday · All day Journey to the Dark Side of the UNE Journey to the Dark Side of the UNE Thursday · All day What Santa Sees What Santa Sees Saturday · All day Festive fun at Jodrell Bank Festive fun at Jodrell Bank Saturday · All day Jodcast Live – Parsecs, Planets and Podcasts Jodcast Live – Parsecs, Planets and Podcasts Thursday · All day Astro Night: Uniformed Groups Astro Night: Uniformed Groups Tuesday · All day Monster Black Holes in the Early Universe Monster Black Holes in the Early Universe Thursday · All day Lovell Lecture Series 2026/27 Lovell Lecture Series 2026/27 Thursday · All day Show more

Why go

  • The Lovell Telescope, the UK's largest radio telescope, viewed from the path around it.
  • The interactive Space exhibition in the Space Pavilion.
  • Space-themed shows in the Space Dome.
  • The Galaxy Maze in the landscaped gardens.

Opening hours

TodayClosedShow all
MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday10:00 – 17:00
Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 17:00

Don't miss

  • Mark II TelescopeAn elliptical radio telescope stands alongside the observatory's other instruments.At the observatory. On the map
  • First Light exhibitionAn exhibition tells the story of the site.Inside the dome-shaped First Light Pavilion. On the map
  • Whispering dishesThe telescope pathway leads past the whispering dishes.Along the telescope pathway. On the map
  • Solar System modelA small-scale model of the Solar System is displayed among the trees.In the arboretum. On the map
  • Beagle 2 plaqueOne of thirteen plaques commemorates the UK's first Mars lander.At Jodrell Bank. On the map

Know before you go

  • Tickets can be bought on Jodrell Bank's website.

What's inside

  • The Planet Pavilion contains a model Solar System, a gift shop and a café. The model has a ceiling mobile and interactive displays.
  • The Wolfson auditorium in the Star Pavilion hosts talks, events and science shows. It seats up to 200 people and has an induction loop.
  • The Space Dome has tiered seating for 140 people, including accessible seats.
  • The First Light Pavilion contains the main café.
  • An event space sometimes hosts temporary exhibitions.
  • Comet Lodge can be used for indoor picnics, though wheelchair access inside is limited.

With kids

  • A woodchip play area surrounds the outside of the First Light Pavilion.
  • The cafés serve space-themed lunch boxes for children.

Tips for your visit

  • Bring your own food to eat at the picnic spots; Comet Lodge can be used for indoor picnics.
  • The site covers a large area, so a visit can involve considerable walking.
  • Roadworks on local roads may add time to the journey.

Interesting facts6

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  1. The Lovell Telescope's motor system incorporates gun-turret parts from two First World War battleships.

    Jodrell Bank Observatory - Wikipedia

  2. The 42-foot dish continuously monitors the Crab Pulsar.

    Jodrell Bank Observatory - Wikipedia

  3. The observatory hosts the global headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array.

    Jodrell Bank Observatory - Wikipedia

  4. The Lovell Telescope collects radio waves that are invisible to the human eye.

    Homepage - Jodrell Bank

  5. A 7-metre dish is used for undergraduate teaching.

    Jodrell Bank Observatory - Wikipedia

  6. Jodrell Bank is the centre of MERLIN, a network of radio telescopes that work together.

    Jodrell-Bank-Radioobservatorium - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

Bernard Lovell moved equipment there in 1945 to investigate cosmic rays, after interference from trams affected his work. Early research used wartime radar equipment, and a telescope on a searchlight mount helped identify radar signals from meteors. Lovell designed the Lovell Telescope with engineer Charles Husband. Built in 1957, it tracked Sputnik's booster rocket that year.

  1. 1939A university botany department bought farmland at Jodrell Bank.
  2. 1945Bernard Lovell founded the observatory to investigate cosmic rays, using wartime radar equipment.
  3. 1946A telescope built on a searchlight mount helped establish that radar signals came from meteors.
  4. 1947The 66-metre Transit Telescope was built.
  5. 1957The Lovell Telescope was built and tracked Sputnik's booster rocket.
Show all
  1. 1964The Mark II Telescope was built on the site of an earlier telescope.
  2. 1966The observatory tracked Luna 9 and recorded its transmitted photographs of the Moon.
  3. 2019Jodrell Bank became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to get there

  • CarReach the observatory from the A535. Use postcode SK11 9DW for satellite navigation.
  • TrainGoostrey is the nearest station, about two miles away. There is no walking route from the station to the site, and taxis are limited.
  • TrainMacclesfield is the nearest mainline station, ten miles away.
  • ParkingThe car park has spaces for around 320 cars and four coaches.
  • BikeA bike shed provides storage and a place to lock bicycles.

Accessibility

  • Step-free entry All buildings have level access and automatic doors.
  • Accessible parking There are 20 accessible spaces near the Planet Pavilion.
  • Wheelchair loan Wheelchairs can be borrowed; contact the venue to book one in advance.
  • Assistance dogs Assistance dogs are welcome.
  • Space Dome seating Accessible seats are available in the tiered auditorium.
  • Arboretum access Most of the arboretum has no paths; grass may be muddy and uneven.

Sources: Jodrell Bank Observatory - Wikipedia · Homepage - Jodrell Bank · Food and Drink - Jodrell Bank · Accessibility Statement - Jodrell Bank · Jodrell-Bank-Radioobservatorium - Wikipedia · Observatoire de Jodrell Bank - Wikipedia · Jodrell Bank: booking (its own site) · Jodrell Bank: booking (its own site) · checked 28 Oct 2026

Where
Bomish Lane, Macclesfield

Plan from here: A day out →

Questions and answers

How do I buy tickets for Jodrell Bank?

You can buy tickets on Jodrell Bank's website.

How do I get to Jodrell Bank by train?

Goostrey is the nearest station, about two miles away. There is no walking route to the site, and taxis are limited.

Is there parking at Jodrell Bank?

The car park has space for around 320 cars. There are 20 accessible spaces near the Planet Pavilion.

Is Jodrell Bank accessible for wheelchair users?

All buildings have level access and automatic doors, and wheelchairs can be borrowed. Most of the arboretum has no paths, and access inside Comet Lodge is limited.

What can children do at Jodrell Bank?

Children can use the play area outside the First Light Pavilion and explore the interactive Space exhibition.

Can you eat at Jodrell Bank?

There are two cafés and several picnic spots. Comet Lodge can be used for indoor picnics.

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