If the weather permits there are observing sessions open to the public on a Friday evening. From the beginning of October until the clocks go forward the following March the usual opening time is 8pm. However, once we are on BST and right through until September, the skies are lighter and the opening time will be later. A decision on whether to open is usually made at around 6pm on a Friday. You can check the latest update here: Observatory Status

To receive a WhatsApp broadcast message advising when the observatory will be open, first add the HLCO number 07927662909 to your Contacts, then use WhatsApp to send the word “Addme” and your name/nickname to that number.
When you have been added to the broadcast, you will be sent a CheckMark/Tick symbol as an acknowledgement. You will then only receive subsequent messages when the observatory is to be open.
NOTE You must use WhatsApp to send the “Addme” message to the HLCO number. Sending an ordinary text message (SMS) to the number will not work; it is an automated process and SMS messages are ignored. You must also add the HLCO number to your Contacts to avoid WhatsApp identifying our broadcast message as unwanted spam.

You might also like to look at our FaceBook Page or join our FaceBook Group for the latest information:
https://www.facebook.com/high.legh.community.observatory/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/highleghlco/

The observatory may also be open for specific events such as meteor showers and eclipses.  It opens on the first Sunday morning of the month from 10am until 1pm in support of Abbey Leys Farmers’ Market – again, weather permitting. Group visits can also be arranged.

There is no charge for use of the observatory, but donations are always welcome. There is a donations tin in the warm room, should you wish to contribute.

The observatory is just off the approach track to Abbey Leys Farm, Peacock Lane, High Legh, Knutsford WA16 6NS

Park on the left side of the track. The Observatory is in the field, enclosed by a wooden-panelled compound. It is accessed through a gate into the field about 100 metres down the approach track.

If you need a light to guide you to the compound, consider using a red light. If you only have a white light, please consider turning it off before you enter the compound. Please dress appropriately, it can be very cold at the observatory.