Dark Space Planetarium – Stars Overhead in Kirkcudbright
A few hours.
The route
Galloway is famous for its dark, starry skies, and the Dark Space Planetarium in Kirkcudbright brings them indoors for a wet afternoon.
A live stargazing talk under the dome is followed by an immersive film, then there are space exhibits to try. A show lasts 45 minutes, the exhibits are for all ages, and under-3s go free.
Before you go
Book accommodation nearby
If you are staying over: here are ours nearest where the day starts and ends.
Book Kirkcudbright Dark Space Planetarium
Book a show at the Dark Space Planetarium online before going, once its visit page shows that month's opening days: shows start at a quarter past the hour, and the last is two hours before closing.
The day
Kirkcudbright
A 45-minute show under the dome, then time among the space exhibits.
About two hours
Kirkcudbright Dark Space Planetarium
The Dark Space Planetarium is in the Johnston building on St Mary Street in Kirkcudbright, with free parking and a bus stop outside. Its opening days are posted a month at a time on its visit page, and the show times on its booking page, so check both before going: outside the summer holidays it usually opens on Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends. Shows start at a quarter past the hour and last 45 minutes, a live stargazing talk followed by an immersive film, and the last show is two hours before closing. After it there's time for the interactive space exhibits. Book ahead online, or ring 01557 337213 about the few tickets kept for the door. Tickets are £12 for adults and £6 for children under 16 at the time of writing, under-3s free, or £5 for the exhibits only. The entrances have ramps, everything inside is accessible, and there are accessible toilets and baby changing. Only assistance dogs are allowed. Over Christmas and New Year, check before going.
If it rains
It's all indoors.
Photograph by Frances Coombey via Google