Sherwood Observatory

Sherwood Observatory is home to the Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society (MSAS) and its famous white dome houses a 24-inch hand-built Newtonian Reflecting Telescope. The observatory was opened to the public in 1986. Today, visitors can be guided around the attraction by its volunteers or attend public open evenings during the autumn and winter viewing season. 


Development
A new planetarium and education centre, due to be completed in 2024, are planned to transform Sherwood Observatory. The planetarium will be built on top of the existing Victorian subterranean reservoir that will become an exhibition hall, classrooms, and conference rooms. The planetarium will be open for events, and educational and pre-booked visits. Work started in late summer 2023, with a completion date expected in 2024.

Opening times
During the autumn and winter viewing season, the observatory holds monthly public open evenings and caters for private groups. Volunteers work on Monday and Wednesday evenings and can show visitors around. The observatory also holds a twice-yearly, six-week basic astronomy course. To learn about the course or plan a visit to check volunteers are available, telephone 01623 552276.

How to get there
By car: Sherwood Observatory is on Coxmoor Road (B6139) next to Coxmoor Golf Course – one of the highest points in Nottinghamshire. Leave the M1 motorway at Junction 28, take the A38 heading towards Mansfield until you reach the B6139. 

By train: Sutton Parkway (1.6 miles).
Parking: Available at the Sherwood Observatory site.

Website: Sherwood Observatory