# Grassholme Observatory, Barnard Castle — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info > Explore celestial wonders and observe distant galaxies at this accessible stargazing facility beside Grassholme Reservoir, offering views of planets, stars and cosmic phenomena through powerful telescopes. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/barnard-castle/attractions/grassholme-observatory (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Lodging # Grassholme Observatory Grassholme Reservoir [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=13858406545530208208&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Annette Walker](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/105087976868788555977) **In short:** Grassholme Observatory is an attraction in Barnard Castle, rated 4.9 out of 5 from 192 Google reviews. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About Grassholme Observatory Explore celestial wonders and observe distant galaxies at this accessible stargazing facility beside Grassholme Reservoir, offering views of planets, stars and cosmic phenomena through powerful telescopes. ## Good to know ### Accessibility - ✓Accessible parking - ✓Accessible entrance Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs. ## Photos Photos via Google ## Facilities Toilets Onsite Parking ## Opening hours **Monday** Closed **Tuesday** Closed **Wednesday** 8:00 – 11:00 PM **Thursday** Closed **Friday** 8:00 – 11:00 PM **Saturday** 6:00 – 11:00 PM **Sunday** 8:00 – 11:00 PM Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours. ## What visitors say [Jarrow Kempo Jujitsu](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105883628838376714307/reviews) ★★★★★ Great place for a walk. Not suitable for people with mobility issues if you want to walk the full route but a great place to go. Fishing available and the shop has plenty of resources for you 3 weeks ago · via Google [Janet](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117120767287136178466/reviews) ★★★★★ A fantastic way to spend an evening. The only thing that wasn't great was my lack of preparation for just how cold it can get. Thankfully, the two guys who run it have blankets, hot drinks and brilliant conversations to compensate (including the expected space related to Tolkien's unexpected history of creating the Elvish language). It was a clear night for us, so we didn't have an issue, but I think it's a credit to the individual's character that they allow you to return for free if it's overcast and nothing can be seen. My only suggestions for how to improve it would be 1) When using the white telescopes, put a chair next to each telescope rather than waiting for people to ask 2) At the start of the introductory lecture, try to get a feel for the audience's subject knowledge and tailor it to help those with less remain interested. These are minor points, however. I would recommend visiting this place to everyone. I'll definitely be returning in the summer/autumn (when it isn't as chilly). 3 months ago · via Google [Matthew Minns](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101858114525887431211/reviews) ★★★★★ Super interesting evening where we managed to see Jupiter, Saturn and even Uranus. Very helpful, patient, intelligent and knowledgeable gentlemen that hosted the evening and willing to go the extra mile with any questions outside of the arranged evening. Throughly recommended! Still worth a visit even if the weather is against you as the classroom discussion is worth the visit alone. 8 months ago · via Google [Josh Spears](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101965447251831652853/reviews) ★★★★★ Beautiful place just to park up at night and watch the stars- no booking required for that. If you want a tour though you do need to book and it's on our bucket list now! 2 months ago · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x487c373e1b3444b5:0xe87dd68d0c8bacbb!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ## At a glance **Address** West Pasture Road, Mickleton, Barnard Castle, DL12 0PW [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=54.5978505%2C-2.0819900) **Category** Sightseeing & Attractions **Guest rating** 4.9 / 5 (192 reviews) **Suitable for** All Ages **Suggested visit** 1-2 hours **Setting** Indoor & outdoor **Good for children** Yes **Destination** Barnard Castle [More attractions in Barnard Castle](https://staycation.co.uk/barnard-castle/attractions) ★ 4.9 (192 reviews) [Visit official website](http://www.grassholmeobservatory.com/?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [07970 105607](tel:07970105607) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Barnard Castle **Postcode** DL12 0PW **Plus Code** 9C6VHWXF+F2 [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x487c373e1b3444b5:0xe87dd68d0c8bacbb!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487c373e1b3444b5:0xe87dd68d0c8bacbb!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487c373e1b3444b5:0xe87dd68d0c8bacbb!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Barnard Castle Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DBarnard%2BCastle%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/barnard-castle/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/barnard-castle/camping) ## Quick answers ### What are the opening hours of Grassholme Observatory? Grassholme Observatory is open Mon–Tue closed; Wed 8pm–11pm; Thu closed; Fri 8pm–11pm; Sat 6pm–11pm; Sun 8pm–11pm (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go). ### Is Grassholme Observatory any good? Grassholme Observatory is rated 4.9 out of 5 from 192 Google reviews. ### Is Grassholme Observatory good for children? Yes, Grassholme Observatory is listed as good for children. ### How long do you need at Grassholme Observatory? Allow one to two hours. ### Is Grassholme Observatory indoors or outdoors? Grassholme Observatory has both indoor and outdoor areas. ### What ages is Grassholme Observatory suitable for? Grassholme Observatory suits all ages. ### Is Grassholme Observatory wheelchair accessible? Grassholme Observatory has a wheelchair-accessible entrance. ### How do I contact Grassholme Observatory? Call Grassholme Observatory on +44 7970 105607. ## More near Grassholme Observatory ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [Micro Barn Barnard Castle Room Only ★ 5.0 · 1.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/barnard-castle/hotels/micro-barn-barnard-castle-room-only) - [The Teesdale Hotel ★ 4.4 · 1.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/barnard-castle/hotels/the-teesdale-hotel) - [Forresters Bar & Restaurant With Rooms ★ 4.5 · 1.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/barnard-castle/hotels/forresters-bar-restaurant-with-rooms) - [Belvedere House ★ 4.9 · 1.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/middleton-in-teesdale/hotels/belvedere-house) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [Westfield Cottage 0.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/cottages/westfield-cottage-syk558) - [Garden Cottage 0.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/cottages/garden-cottage-syk1132) - [Glen Cottage 1.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/cottages/glen-cottage-uk35114) - [Westholme 1.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/cottages/westholme-syk1040616) ### Campsites nearby - [Newton Lodge Campsite ★ 4.9 · 1.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/mickleton/camping/newton-lodge-campsite) - [Mickleton Mill Caravan Park ★ 4.8 · 1.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/camping/mickleton-mill-caravan-park) - [Leekworth Caravan and Camping Park ★ 4.6 · 1.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/middleton-in-teesdale/camping/leekworth-caravan-and-camping-park) - [Bendholm Farm Caravan Park ★ 4.3 · 2.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/camping/bendholm-farm-caravan-park) ### Things to do nearby - [High Force Waterfall ★ 4.6 · 5.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/forestinteesdale/attractions/high-force-waterfall) - [Barnard Castle ★ 4.6 · 6.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/barnard-castle/attractions/barnard-castle) - [Teesdale Sports Centre ★ 4.4 · 7.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/barnard-castle/attractions/teesdale-sports-centre) - [The Bowes Museum ★ 4.6 · 7.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/barnard-castle/attractions/the-bowes-museum)