Jodrell Bank Observatory
Goostrey, United Kingdom
A working radio observatory in the Cheshire countryside, dominated by a huge steerable dish that you can see from a long way off. Visit the discovery centre and gardens, and allow time for the exhibitions.
Jodrell Bank in Cheshire was founded in 1945 by Bernard Lovell at the University of Manchester and began as a cosmic-ray research station. When completed in 1957, the Lovell Telescope was the world's largest steerable radio telescope; its diameter is 76 m. Among other things it tracked the carrier rocket of Sputnik 1. In 2019 Jodrell Bank became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, opened in 2011, offers exhibitions, a café overlooking the telescope and an arboretum; attractions such as the planetarium or the “Whispering Dishes” may change, so check the website beforehand. Allow half a day. Parking is available on site.
- Nearest town
- Goostrey, United Kingdom
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 53.2367, -2.3086
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and August–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Capesthorne Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover5 km from Jodrell Bank ObservatoryMotorhomes
- Kinderton ParkMotorhome stopover9 km from Jodrell Bank ObservatoryMotorhomes
- Stoneyford Cottage Gardens CLMotorhome stopover21 km from Jodrell Bank ObservatoryMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Ringstones Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover24 km from Jodrell Bank Observatory · 10 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Delamere Forest Camping and Caravanning Club SiteCampsite24 km from Jodrell Bank ObservatoryTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Leek Club SiteMotorhome stopover24 km from Jodrell Bank ObservatoryTentsMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Jodrell Bank Observatory?
Jodrell Bank Observatory is in Goostrey, United Kingdom, at GPS 53.2367, -2.3086. It is about 27 km from Buxton.
Can you camp near Jodrell Bank Observatory?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Capesthorne Caravan Park, about 5 km away; within 25 km there are 64 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Jodrell Bank Observatory?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mam Tor (35 km), Chester City Walls (39 km), Dovedale (41 km) and Ladybower Reservoir (43 km).
When is the best time to visit Jodrell Bank Observatory?
The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and August–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)