I have the privilege of speaking at The South West Astronomy Fair this Saturday (11th August).
@Flat_Tim, Buzz and I will once again “Celebrate Tim Peake’s Principia Mission”, so there will be more fun and games for all ages.
I am really looking forward to the day and being able to visit the historic Norman Lockyer Observatory.
It should be a great day.
Venue:
Norman Lockyer Observatory,
Salcombe Hill Road,
Sidmouth,
Devon,
EX10 0NY
Directions:
The Observatory is about 2 km east of Sidmouth and 0.5 km from the coast. It is on the north side of Salcombe Hill Road which runs between the town and Trow Farm, where it joins the east-west A3052.
If you are travelling via the M5 leave at Junction 30 and head towards Sidmouth on the A3052. Continue on this road through Newton Poppleford and past the Sidmouth turnings and through Sidford. At the far end of Sidford take a right turn on to Fortescue Road just after the Blue Ball pub. After 2 km turn left up Salcombe Hill towards the Observatory.
Sat-Nav
Enter the postcode EX10 0NY,
use the coordinates:
Latitude 50° 41′ 16″ N
Longitude 3° 13′ 07″ W
or National Grid Reference SY 139 883.
or by Bus or train:
There are rail stations at Exeter and Honiton.
Local buses to Sidmouth run from Exmouth (157), Exeter (52A and 52B), Honiton (52B and 379) and Seaton (52A).
These have a frequency of hourly or better.
A longer-distance service X53 runs between Exeter and Poole, but passes through Sidford rather than Sidmouth.
From June to September a shuttle bus service, the Sidmouth Hopper, runs half-hourly between the town and the Observatory.