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York Observatory
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Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York YO1 7FR -
View on Map
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Open all hours
A small Victorian observatory of 1833 housing the oldest working telescope in Yorkshire.
Booking This Attraction
- Over 20 immersive illusion exhibits that double as photo ops.
- Ideal for visiting with kids or taking a break between York’s heritage sites.
Attraction Duration
1.5 hours
Age Range
Fun for all ages
About York Observatory
Built in 1832–33 by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society, this little domed observatory contains a 4-inch refractor telescope made by celebrated York instrument maker Thomas Cooke in 1850, alongside an 1811 sidereal clock still set four minutes 20 seconds behind GMT. It commemorates the pioneering variable-star observations carried out in York by John Goodricke and Edward Pigott in the 1780s. The building is generally viewed from outside, opening only for occasional volunteer-run events.
Culture 
History & Heritage 
Food & Drink 
Family Friendly 
