The Astronomy Centre is high up on the moors of the Southern Pennines, near the border between Yorkshire and Lancashire. At an elevation of about 1112' (339m), the main observatory is situated on a level plateau surrounded by a ring of low hills which offer protection against light pollution from nearby towns.
Access to the site is off the A681 Todmorden to Bacup road, about halfway between the two towns. There is a large hard standing car park nearby for visitors and limited disabled parking at the observatory itself.
The above site plan shows access from the main road (red), the tracks and main parking area (grey), plus the observatory itself. For parking, take the right-hand fork in the track to the lower plateau next to the static caravans, then walk back up to the observatory. Please do not go onto any of the other tracks or park elsewhere on the site, as this is all private ground not owned by the centre.
If you need to park close to the observatory, for unloading equipment or for disabled access, then follow the left-fork of the track and keep going towards the field-gate, turning left up the track beyond the wooden fencing.
The observatory can be clearly seen on the following
Google Maps Satellite Image, which was updated in June 2007 and now shows the new track to the upper plateau.
The latitude and longitude of the site are 53:42:40N 2:09:16W. The OS grid reference is SD 899 239.
For SatNav users: the postcode OL14 7HP will bring you to the site entrance. Do not use the address on the CONTACT page.
Visitors are welcome, with the Observatory being open to the public every Saturday evening from 7:30pm onwards.
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