A new £6.8 million state-of-the-art space attraction, the Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium, has opened in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. This new attraction features a cutting-edge planetarium, an education centre, an exhibition hall, a meeting room, and a cafe. The construction of this project began in 2023, with a disused underground Victorian reservoir transformed as part of the development. Visitors of all ages can learn about the wonders of the cosmos, experience the scale of the universe in the wrap-around planetarium shows, and stargaze through observatory telescopes.
Inside the Planetarium, there is a 10m-high projection screen where different shows are projected and 59 seats for visitors. Shows range from pre-recorded animations, presenter-led tours of the night sky, to guest lectures and cinema shows. Other attractions at Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium include the Observatory Telescope, one of the largest public-access optical telescopes in the country. Visitors purchasing show tickets for the Planetarium can also explore the Science Centre, housed in the underground Victorian reservoir, which features a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions. The site also includes a cafe and a Radio Astronomy section, currently closed for refurbishment until 2025.
Entry tickets to the shows at Sherwood Observatory cost £7.50 for full-paying adults and £6 for children. Visitors with show tickets can arrive one hour before their time slot to enjoy the Science Centre and cafe. Dr. Steve Wallace, Chair of Sherwood Observatory, expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing collaboration and teamwork in bringing the new Planetarium and Science Centre to fruition. Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, also praised the attraction, describing it as “spectacular” and transformative for the local community and beyond. Sherwood Observatory is located a 40-minute drive from Nottingham and a 70-minute drive from Birmingham.
In addition to the Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium, there are several other space attractions across the UK that are worth exploring for space enthusiasts. These include the National Space Centre in Leicester, the Royal Observatory Greenwich in London, the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre in Cheshire, the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in Northern Ireland, and the Glasgow Science Centre in Glasgow. These attractions offer interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, educational programs, and opportunities to learn about astronomy, space science, and the universe.
Looking ahead, a new Super Nintendo World attraction based on an iconic 1980s video game is set to launch in the UK next year. Additionally, across the Atlantic, a new Universal Theme Park featuring Super Nintendo World will open in Florida next summer. These exciting developments in the world of themed attractions offer unique and immersive experiences for visitors of all ages who are interested in space, gaming, and entertainment. As new attractions continue to emerge, visitors can look forward to engaging and educational experiences that showcase the wonders of the universe.
