York Observatory will open on Friday 28 November from 6pm to 8pm, when, weather permitting, we will be looking at the moon and any planets and stars that we can find, through our lovely historic Cooke telescope.

The Observatory is very small so space is limited, particularly on the viewing platform around the telescope.

Free, timed tickets are available for the observatory itself (maximum of 4 per booking). Children under 5 do not need a ticket but please be aware that the steps up to the telescope are steep and difficult to negotiate whilst carrying a child. Please be prepared to wait outside the observatory until it is time for your slot.

Your ticket will also include a guided tour of the sky from outside the Observatory, using binoculars. If the weather is cloudy, please feel free to bring your tablet or smartphone with any stargazing app already loaded so you can see through the clouds with your device.

Important: to reduce light pollution and aid our viewing, the external lights in the gardens will be switched off. The tours will stick to the main lawn but please make sure that you wear suitable footwear and bring a torch to help you to stick to the paths on your way to and from the Observatory. Red lights are best so that you can still see the stars (so bike lights are ideal), but any torch will do. Wrap up warm.

The Yorkshire Museum will NOT be open during this event, so there will be no refreshments or toilet facilities available in the gardens. The nearest public toilets are within the grounds of The Star Inn the City restaurant in the Museum Gardens, and also in Exhibition Square. Both will be open until 8pm.

If you are not successful in getting a ticket, you can still come along to join the outdoor sky tour. Bring your own binoculars if you have them and be aware that if it is very busy, you may not hear the commentary.

Please note that if it is raining (other than light sporadic showers), we may close the event early as we will not be able to see anything through the telescope or with the binoculars.

Please click here to book your place through our Eventbrite page