Members' Experience: A Beginner’s Guide to Observing

Please note this event is only available to Members over the age of 16. 

Ever wondered how a telescope works? Or what you might be able to see once the Sun has set?

Join us for a beginner's guide to observing the night sky. These events will begin with tea and coffee, alongside talks run by Flamsteed Society committee members to inspire beginners: from what you can hope to discover in the night sky, to learning the best telescope to invest in. 

After the talk, telescopes will be set up on the lawn of the Queen's House and Members can begin to explore the night sky. 

If you already own a telescope or a pair of binoculars, you are more than welcome to bring them along. We would recommend wearing warm head coverings and gloves too.

Dates for 2026 and locations 

Wednesday 21 January 2026 (Sold out): 

• 6.30pm-7.30pm Tea and coffee will be served and the talk will be held in the Queen's House Orangery.
• 7.30pm-9pm Members will move to the Queen's House back lawns to begin observing. 

Wednesday 25 March 2026: 

• 6.30pm-7.30pm Tea and coffee will be served and the talk will be held in the Queen's House Orangery.
• 7.30pm-9pm Members will move to the Queen's House back lawns to begin observing. 

Weather contingency 

Due to the nature of British weather, should it rain on the day of the scheduled event, we will continue with the lecture and Members will still learn how to set up a telescope, however we will be unable to observe the night sky on the lawns. This will mean that the event will run from 6.30pm-7.45pm.

Not already a Member?

Join today for a host of exclusive benefits and events, including unlimited free entry to Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, and special exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum.

With Membership starting from as little as £65, what are you waiting for? Membership is your time to explore!

Image credit: The Star Observer by Antoni Cladera Barceló