Jodrell Bank, in the Cheshire countryside, is so much more than just a dish! Yes, the huge radio telescope is still the centrepiece here but there’s also a 35 acre park to explore and a discovery centre.
This is still the UK’s largest radio telescope and the whole complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was created in 1945 and getting up-close to the huge dish is particularly memorable. You don’t realise just how big it is until you’re standing in the small park area beneath it.
The indoor areas here are divided into ‘pavilions’. The biggest and newest is the First Light Pavilion, which sits under a grass mound. It reminded us of the mound from the UK kids tv show ‘Teletubbies’! Here you’ll find the First Light exhibition, but it’s the Space Dome you’ll remember the most. It’s an underground theatre where you get to experience the vastness of the universe and Jodrell Bank’s place in exploring it, in a film narrated by Professor Brian Cox. The other pavilions – the Space Pavilion, the Star Pavilion and the Planet Pavilion – all help to bring space to life for visitors.
Outdoors there’s loads of parkland to enjoy along with some notable features. There’s the Jodrell Bank Arboretum, picnic areas, ponds, a playground and the fun Whispering Dishes! There are also several cafes on the site and a gift shop too. Jodrell Bank is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Adult admission is £14.85 (2025 prices).
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: Jodrell Bank, Bomish Lane, Cheshire, Macclesfield SK11 9DW
Phone: +44 1477 571766
MORE ON JODRELL BANK
Jodrell Bank – Official Website
Jodrell Bank – Wikipedia
Places To Stay Near Jodrell Bank – Booking.com