Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope and Museum

In Brief.

Jodrell Bank his best known for the Lovell Telescope, which when completed in 1957 was the largest steerable radio telescope in the world; with a diameter of over 75m, it is still an impressive site. As a visitor attraction, in addition to a walk round the Lovell Telescope with several associated displays, there are also several Pavilions, some with exhibitions. The most noteworthy of these is the First Light Pavilion which opened in 2022, with an engaging exhibition on the history of the Lovell Telescope and an auditorium with a large curved screen showing space documentaries.

The Lovell Telescope

What's Here?

The centerpiece of a visit to Jodrell Bank is likely to be following the path adjacent to the Lovell Telescope, which includes several display boards on the history and use of the telescope. This includes an early application tracking Sputnik 1. It is still a striking sight, and the information provided, along with some associated exhibits, provide insights into the challenge of constructing the telescope and the science in which it has been involved.

The Entrance to the First Light Pavilion



A visit is more likely to start, however, at First Light Pavilion, a recently opened dome-shaped building that reflects the size and shape of the Lovell Telescope. Though perhaps overdoing the concrete chic, the building includes some distinctive public spaces, and the highlight is a large new exhibition space that focuses primarily on the development of the Lovell Telescope. This modern space, with its screens, landscapes and mini-exhibition spaces is a worthwhile new addition. Alas, the free films in the space dome are largely content free, and overall there is a tendency for information to be repeated in different parts of the site, when there must be so much more to say.

There are other things to do, but the other exhibition space seemed in need of a refresh in the light of First Light Pavilion, and perhaps it is not so obvious what synergy exists in the inclusion of an arboretum. 

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 22 miles

Drive Time: 1 hour 

Price: $$

Parking: There is a charge for the on site carpark.

Food and Drink: There is a cafe with some appealing cakes in a setting for concrete aficionados. Alas, the decaf Americano turned out to be instant.

Retail therapy: There is a spacious gift shop, largely with space themed items for kids. 

Child Friendly: Many of the visitors are young; there were five school coaches on my weekday visit. Thus the exhibits and not just the play area have been designed with primary school children in mind.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: 90 minutes.

Inside-Outside: 70:30

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