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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Top 10 Hotels Near Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Owen House Farm

10.6 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Samuel

RM648 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Dec - 9 Dec

The Alexandra Court Hotel

9.6 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Donna

RM491 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Dec - 5 Dec

The Wheatsheaf Hotel Sandbach

11 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

William

RM579 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026

Lion & Swan Hotel

10.2 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

neal

Pickmere Country House

12.1 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Gopal

RM608 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Dec - 13 Dec

The Golden Pheasant

8.5 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Margaret

RM436 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

Bears Paw Inn

13.3 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Tracey

RM567 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Dec - 8 Dec

Rose & Crown Inn

8.7 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Carey

RM682 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Dec - 23 Dec

Premium bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

The Vicarage Freehouse & Rooms

5.2 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Tony

RM339 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout curtains

The Silk Rooms at Freemasons Inn

8.7 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

zoe

RM594 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Dec - 8 Dec

Ash Farm Country Guest House

17.2 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Bruce

RM491 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

De Vere Cranage Estate

5.4 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Trevor

RM372 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Dec - 8 Dec

TRIBE Manchester Airport

14.6 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

George

RM464 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Dec - 22 Dec

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

RM510 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Dec - 26 Dec

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; British cuisine

The Bulls Head Hotel

14.6 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Tracy

RM515 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Dec - 9 Dec

Ashfield Boutique Stays

16.4 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Lee

RM469 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Radisson Blu Hotel Manchester, Airport

14.4 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

David

RM796 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Dec - 22 Dec

Couples treatment room(s), body treatments, hot stone massages

Manor House Hotel & Spa

16.6 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Ian

RM1,522 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Dec - 24 Dec

De Trafford Hotel by Greene King Inns

8.4 km from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Claire

RM369 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

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Top Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre Hotel Reviews

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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 Crewe 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?

The Dog at Peover is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this inn offers free breakfast and a restaurant. It's located 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre. Other good options within a few miles include Chelford Guesthouse and De Vere Cranage Estate.

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.

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