South Downs Planetarium
& Science Center

Private Hire

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Find out more...

About Us

The South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre is a unique and convenient setting for all types of corporate or private events. Situated in the City of Chichester, close to Chichester rail and bus stations and the A27, makes the venue easily accessible. The site also has free car parking, full disabled access and is in a quiet and peaceful setting.

We can accommodate the following:

  • Private Clubs & Societies
  • Adult & Youth Groups (e.g. Cubs, Scouts, Brownies, Guides, etc)
  • Corporate Events
  • Full and Half Day Courses
  • Celebrations with a difference

How to Book a Group Visit

The best way to make an initial booking enquiry is to email us at sdownsplanet@proton.me.

In this email, please tell us about your group and give us some idea of when you would like to visit. For adult groups requiring a private visit we need minimum of 25 persons and for youth groups a minimum of 34 persons (that is accompanying adults and children combined).

Please do include a contact ’phone number in your email so we can call you if we need further information.

Admission Prices

Usually £8.00 for adults, and £6.00 for children between 6 and 16. years old, BUT we may offer a reduced rate for accompanying adults with youth groups, such as cubs, scouts, brownies or guides.

We usually make a small extra charge for visiting adult groups who require tea, coffee and biscuits as part of the visit

Payment is usually by cheque, cash, credit or debit card on the day or for corporate events we can arrange for payment on invoice.

EARLY BOOKING ADVISED

As the Planetarium is quite heavily booked during the Autumn and Winter months, please book a slot for your group visit or private function as early as you can to avoid disappointment.

Car Parking

There are two free car parks available.

An image of of one of our large car parks

The South Downs Planetarium one of two car parks.

Accessibility

The Planetarium is fully accessible for wheelchair users. There are two disabled toilets.

Important Information

At the start of a Planetarium show, your eyes will take several minutes to adapt to the dark. For this reason, latecomers cannot be admitted. To avoid this, please ensure that your group arrives at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Suitability

Our shows are generally suitable for children age 6 and upwards, but for some shows with specialist content this age limit may well be higher.

Duration of Presentation

All shows in the Star Theatre last about one hour.

Facilities for Corporate Hire

The Planetarium’s facilities include a lecture room, the main star theatre, together with a large entrance foyer and exhibition areas.

The main domed auditorium (star theatre) has seating for up to 96 people with additional space and easy access for wheelchairs.

The Lecture Theatre

The South Downs Planetarium meeting room.

The lecture room has seating for up to 60 people again with easy access for wheelchairs.

A range of audio and video equipment is available for hire.

A range of audio and video equipment is available for hire.

The lecture room can be set out as follows:

  • Board Style - 30
  • Theatre Style - 60
  • Cabaret Style - 30
  • U - Shape - 24

Lecture room equipment

  • Free wifi throughout building
  • High-definition video projection system and audio amplifier
  • HDMI connectivity for laptops
  • Black-Out Facilities
  • Tables, chairs and Flip Chart

Dimensions

  • 11.5m x 5m

Refreshments

The Planetarium volunteers are able to provide tea, coffee and biscuits for visiting groups, if required, for a small additional charge. Requirements for anything more substantial will need to be discussed at the time of booking and usually need the services of an outside caterer at the hirer's expense.

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