The Spaceguard Centre

Went there with my other half who's a engineer and my kids today. Good tour but when I made a general comment about how clever the solar system is i was informed very condescendingly that it was 'nature' and 'physics I understood this already but really put me off asking anything else. Not really kid friendly either. Would have been better with a different tour guide

Firstly, thanks to the Spaceguard Centre for an excellent guided tour including diverse media, demonstrations, a planetarium session and being elevated on the lift in the original dome. Jay Tate's talk is well balanced for people with the mildest interest in science and nature, interested kids and for the keen amateur astronomer alike. You will leave the centre having learnt something new about the our place on Earth and the technology and global organisations we didn't know we needed - until we need them. The view from the top of the hill is also wonderful, but is easy to see how the exposure to the weather causes more than the occasional problem.The centre is a working facility that really benefits from kind public support. Simply phone ahead to book a tour time in advance. Outside of the tour times the staff are understandably busy with maintenance, construction and planning the evening's observations.The tour itself is a bargain so I would certainly consider making an additional donation to help complete Project Drax. Despite its unpolished exterior, the centre (a registered charity) and its directors capture the spirit of what achievements can be made with a skeleton budget and a huge amount of goodwill from public, business and volunteer support.

Thought I'd share this as it would be a great summer activity for family and friends.Today I went to the Spaceguard Centre in Knighton. £10 per person (not sure about children). Lots to learn about the planet, asteroids and the solar system. Very interactive guide around the area and lots to learn. They don't get any government support and rely on visitors to fund their projects. Some of which are still outstanding and due to be completed middle of next year. All work done is via volunteers.Definitely worth a visit and a day out.

Whether you are a space lover or not this place is so worth the visit. Jay the Astronomer on site is knowledgable, funny and engaging. The tour was so interesting and executed perfectly. It was fascinating to find out what they do and how they do it. The observatory itself is fascinating and beautifully located. Would definitely visit again and worth the money as they are not government funded which is crazy.

Don't forget to book in advance and plan your trip. The centre only has tours at certain times of the day and is volunteer based.

SafeGuarding Earth against space rocks! This little known observatory helps to track comets, asteroids & meteors in our solar system. They give a very informative tour with immersive imagery and real meteorites for you to touch & feel. Totally unfunded by UK government, its totally worth the small £8 fee!

Extremely unwelcoming person at reception. We were refused the advertised 10.30 am tour and was told to come back later"

I took my family and mother-in-law to space guard centre. The lady at the front desk to be lovely and very helpful. However Jay Tate whilst you clearly know your subject matter. You need to be aware that's your dealing paying customers whom are there in search of the knowledge you offer and not to made look and feel stupid and beneath you like a second rate citizen. Being condescending and rude to paying customers when they haven't even given you reason to is most certainly not the way to keep your business alive and encourage people to donate, buy merchandise or recommend the space guard centre.Please Jay see this as constructive feedback as you do amazing work, you just need to curtail the manner in which you come across.