Mills Observatory – Telescopes, Stars and a Dome
A few hours.
The route
Mills Observatory sits among the trees on top of Balgay Hill in Dundee's West End, a sandstone building with a domed roof whose telescopes have been open to the public since 1935.
On a clear evening the team will help you find the Moon, the planets and star clusters, and there's plenty inside on the night sky for a cloudy one. It's free, and a lovely outing for a family on a dark evening.
Before you go
Book accommodation nearby
If you are staying over: here are ours nearest where the day starts and ends.
Book Mills Observatory planetarium show
To see a planetarium show at Mills Observatory (on two Fridays a month at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm, £3 for adults and £1.50 for children at the time of writing), book by phone on 01382 435967: bookings open a month ahead and each show takes 25 people.
The day
Dundee
An evening under the dome on top of Balgay Hill, looking up at the night sky through the observatory's telescopes. On a cloudy night, the stars come to you in the displays and planetarium shows inside.
About two hours
Mills Observatory
An attraction
Mills Observatory is at the top of Balgay Park in Dundee's West End, off Glamis Road, with a small car park at its door that has accessible spaces. It opened in 1935 and calls itself Britain's first purpose-built public astronomical observatory. Entry and the telescopes are free, though donations are welcome. From October to March it opens Monday to Friday from 4pm to 10pm and on Saturday from 6.30pm to 10pm, and it's shut on Sundays. On a clear night the staff help you find the Moon, the planets and star clusters through the telescopes under the dome, but viewing depends on the weather. The sky is darkest from November to February, when the sun is down by 5.45pm at the latest. Inside there are displays on the night sky and space, hands-on exhibits and crafts for young children, and a shop. On two Fridays a month there are planetarium shows at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm, £3 for adults and £1.50 for children at the time of writing, booked by phone only. There are toilets inside. Dogs are welcome in the park but not in the building, apart from assistance dogs. If you have particular access needs, ring before you visit.
If it rains
The displays, the shop and the planetarium shows are all indoors; only the telescopes need a clear sky.
Photograph by Mark Jones via Google