Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre & 3D Theatre

The Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre is the visitor centre for the world famous Lovell Radio Telescope and the Jodrell Bank Observatory, the astronomy research centre of the University of Manchester.

A phased redevelopment of the visitor facilities at Jodrell Bank has commenced. Details of the plans can be found here and our facilities available during the redevelopment are listed below.

The new Observational Pathway, which stretches 180 degrees around the base of the Lovell Telescope is now open. The pathway allows visitors to get closer to the telescope than every before.

We also have a 3D Theatre, small exhibition area, 35 acre Arboretum with its National Collections of Malus and Sorbus, an award-winning Environmental Discovery Centre, which houses our Tree Planet exhibition. Space Cafe and Shop.

Please note we no longer have the Planetarium and extensive exhibitions.

Two key scenes of this summer's blockbuster movie 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' were filmed here. The observatory features in the opening sequence of the film and the control room was transformed into a retro 50s set featuring dozens of kitsch flashing monitors and control knobs.