The Jodrell Bank Observatory (originally the Jodrell Bank Experimental Station, then the Nuffield Radio Astronomy Laboratories from 1966 to 1999; /ˈdʒɒdrəl/) is a British observatory that hosts a number of radio telescopes, and is part of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics at the University of Manchester. The observatory was established in 1945 by Sir Bernard Lovell, a radio astronomer at the University of Manchester who wanted to investigate cosmic rays after his work on radar during the Second World War. It has since played an important role in the research of meteors, quasars, pulsars, masers and gravitational lenses, and was heavily involved with the tracking of space probes at the start of the Space Age. The managing director of the observatory is Professor Simon Garrington.
The main telescope at the observatory is the Lovell Telescope, which is the third largest steerable radio telescope in the world. There are three other active telescopes located at the observatory; the Mark II, as well as 42 ft (13 m) and 7 m diameter radio telescopes. Jodrell Bank Observatory is also the base of the Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network (MERLIN), a National Facility run by the University of Manchester on behalf of the Science and Technology Facilities Council.
The site of the observatory, which includes the Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre and an arboretum, is located in the civil parish of Lower Withington (the rest being in Goostrey civil parish), near Goostrey and Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, North West England. It is reached from the A535. An excellent view of the telescope can be seen by travelling by train, as the main line between Manchester and Crewe passes right by the site, with Goostrey station being only a short distance away.

Hotels near Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

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Our top choices for Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre hotels

Owen House Farm

10.6 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Samuel

RM649 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

The Wheatsheaf Hotel Sandbach

11 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Heather

RM580 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026

The Alexandra Court Hotel

9.6 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Donna

RM492 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Jan - 9 Jan 2026

Lion & Swan Hotel

10.2 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

neal

Bears Paw Inn

13.3 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Craig

RM487 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

The Golden Pheasant

8.5 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Philip

RM437 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

Pickmere Country House

12.1 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Gopal

RM677 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026

Rose & Crown Inn

8.7 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Carey

RM683 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; British cuisine

The Bulls Head Hotel

14.6 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Victoria

RM543 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout curtains

The Silk Rooms at Freemasons Inn

8.7 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

zoe

RM541 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Dec - 29 Dec

Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

The Vicarage Freehouse & Rooms

5.2 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Tony

RM388 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Dec - 29 Dec

TRIBE Manchester Airport

14.6 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Michelle

RM464 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Jan - 10 Jan 2026

The Tytherington

12.5 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Michael

2 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Mediterranean cuisine

Holiday Inn Manchester Airport by IHG

14.6 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Pik Kwan Sarah

RM481 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Jan - 27 Jan 2026

Ashfield Boutique Stays

16.4 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Lee

RM470 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

De Vere Cranage Estate

5.4 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Trevor

RM372 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Jan - 19 Jan 2026

Radisson Blu Hotel Manchester, Airport

14.4 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Denise

RM699 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Jan - 27 Jan 2026

Alderley Edge Hotel

8.5 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Fiona

RM519 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

The Wilmslow Lodge

10.8 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Liz

RM514 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Dec - 29 Dec

Oddfellows on the Park

17.1 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Andrew

RM528 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Dec - 29 Dec

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Top Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre Hotel Reviews

The Vicarage Freehouse & Rooms

10/10 Excellent

"Didn’t have breakfast "

Chelford Guesthouse

8/10 Good

"You'll need to manage your expectations if staying here. Its cheap & its cheap for a reason. Its not Travelodge style accommodation, but (I suspect) cheaply built and maintained block of approx 15 holiday camp type rooms in a working farm yard. I stayed in room 12 that had been recently painted & had a new carpet. Lovely hot shower, comfortable bed, working kettle. No towels supplied but i expected this from other reviews. & no breakfast despite plenty of signs saying B&B. I feel its sensibly priced for the room. "

Hotels near other Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre attractions

Capesthorne Hall

Learn about the local history of Macclesfield with a stop at Capesthorne Hall. Visit the spas and lively bars in this family-friendly area.

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Cranage Village Hall

After visiting Cranage Village Hall, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Cranage. Visit the spas and lively bars in this family-friendly area.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre?

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre is located in a welcoming area of Goostrey known for its array of dining options and bar scene. You'll find 40 hotels and other accommodations within a few miles for a convenient home base.

What's the best place to stay close to Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre?

Holly Tree Farm is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this B&B offers free breakfast and free parking. It's located just a short 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre. Other good options within a few miles include The Dog at Peover and Chelford Guesthouse.

How many hotels will I be able to find close to Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre?

Expedia has 40 hotels and other accommodation options a few miles from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, will I receive a refund?

Yes! Most room reservations are fully refundable if cancelled prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your arrival date. If you booked a non-refundable reservation, it may still be possible to cancel it and get a refund within 24 hours of booking. Add dates, click "Search", then use the filter option "fully refundable" to get the best options available near Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre.

What can I see and do near Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre?

You might spend a leisurely day outdoors at Capesthorne Hall and Brereton Heath Country Park. Create some family memories at Seven Sisters Farm Ice Cream and Delta Force Paintball Holmes Chapel. If you want to see more of the surrounding area, you might plan a visit to Cranage Village Hall and Wilmslow Golf Club.

Hotels near Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

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Treat yourself

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Our top choices for Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre hotels

Owen House Farm

The Wheatsheaf Hotel Sandbach

The Alexandra Court Hotel

Lion & Swan Hotel

Bears Paw Inn

The Golden Pheasant

Pickmere Country House

Rose & Crown Inn

The Bulls Head Hotel

The Silk Rooms at Freemasons Inn

The Vicarage Freehouse & Rooms

TRIBE Manchester Airport

The Tytherington

Holiday Inn Manchester Airport by IHG

Ashfield Boutique Stays

De Vere Cranage Estate

Radisson Blu Hotel Manchester, Airport

Alderley Edge Hotel

The Wilmslow Lodge

Oddfellows on the Park

Top Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre Hotel Reviews

The Vicarage Freehouse & Rooms

Hotels near other Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre attractions

Capesthorne Hall

Cranage Village Hall

Frequently asked questions