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Lodging

Grassholme Observatory

Grassholme Reservoir

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Photo: Annette Walker

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.

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

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

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

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

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 →

At a glance

Address
West Pasture Road, Mickleton, Barnard Castle, DL12 0PW Get directions
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