It's official! Our visual limiting magnitude is 6.44 - click here for a report

This is what we offer with your holiday:
 We give you a tour of the observatories on your arrival.
You will be given a free introductory night session of at least one hour on the telescope(s) you wish to use.
There are no extra charges for guests who are happy to use the telescopes unaccompanied.
You may use the telescopes on any night, at any time of the night, and for as long as you like.
 We can offer further chargeable guidance and courses if you would like them. Please click here for details


The following observatories and equipment are available for guests to use. NB. You may have to share a facility with another guest.

20" (half meter) f5.3 Dobsonian Reflector.
The half meter telescope is housed in a large run off roof observatory which provides the perfect environment for visual observation of the night sky. It is equipped with an 'NGC Max' object locating computer, Telrad finder and a 2" JMI NGF focuser. This telescope is the ultimate for visual deep sky observing. The use of step ladders is required. Now with HiLux coatings this telescope has the same light gathering capacity as a normally aluminised 22" telescope!

Click here for more pictures

Intes MN71 - 18cm f6 Maksutov-Newtonian. EQ6 Pro SynScan equatorial mount with autoguider.
The Intes is housed in a 3 meter dome which has mains power, work benches, and lighting. This creates a superb environment from which to carry out all kinds of imaging. Equipped with a MoonLite motorised focuser, even a DSLR can be comfortably mounted and bought to focus at prime-focus*.
We have a webcam based autoguider system that can be connected to the EQ6 mount for superb tracking on long exposures.This is a great telescope for deep sky or planetary imaging. You could even try looking through it for some of the best planetary and lunar views available! (seeing permiting)
A 'goto' mount, superb russian optics with plenty of light grasp and high contrast make this an excellent and enjoyable telescope. Now with HiLux coatings for 25% more light throughput!

Click here for more pictures or *Click here for DSLR mounting details
Should you prefer to bring your own telescope there is an area of level, paved hard standing picture or you can set up on grass in our paddock area. If you would like to leave your telescope set up from night to night we have a 'Pop Up' observing tent that you can use. picture
The following telescopes can be set up with prior arrangement.

14" (35.5cm) f4.5 Dobsonian Reflector with Telrad. Compact but plenty of light gathering. Fitted with an NGC Max. This telescope is proving to be very popular as no use of step ladders is needed.. picture

15.5" (39.5cm) f6 Dobsonian Reflector with 'NGC Max' computer plus 50mm sight.
Although a little smaller than the 20" you won't be disappointed! The use of step ladders is required.

Intes MN61 - 15cm f6 (6") Maksutov-Newtonian on HEQ5 driven equatorial mount. Renown for very sharp, high contrast visual images plus outstanding wide field views. Second only to our 7inch. Ideal for webcam images of the moon and planets. A camera mounting can be fitted for easy 'piggyback' photography. picture
We have a Meade DSI colour ccd camera and a StellarCam video camera available for deep sky imaging plus a Phillips 2-U-Pro Webcam available for the moon and planets. Both camera types can be used on any combination of the EQ mounted telescopes. For electronic imaging the user will need their own laptop computer with USB ports. (We also have a Scopetronix eyepiece to mount Nikon 850-4500 cameras).

Our site is located in one of the darkest areas of England. This data was collected by the Campaign for Dark Skies who rate this area with a visual limiting magnitude of 5.75 - 6.00. Click here to see an excerpt from the 'Philips Dark Skies Map' that clearly show the outstanding skies this area offers.

Both the run off roof and the domed observatory provide valuable shelter from the elements and your lodge is only a moment away for that all important coffee and warmth! We will show you how to use the telescopes during daylight, so that come nightfall you will be able to observe without someone 'looking over your shoulder' the whole time. If you don't feel confident then we would be pleased to assist until you do. This all contributes to a unique and enjoyable observing experience.

We really enjoy visual astronomy, but as you'll see from our gallery we have experience in most types of imaging and image processing. We will be more than happy to help or advise.

For pictures of visiting equipment and guests enjoying the night sky. click here.

 To see some of our telescopes being used 'in the field'. click here

From our Home Page - Don't forget our Gallery and the Gallery of images taken by guests during their stay.
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