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 Southend 

 Planetarium 

Show Times

Term Time

Saturday and Sunday: 2pm

School Holidays

Wed-Sun: 2pm

Ticket Prices

Standard Shows

Adults: £7.50

Child/Concession: £5.10

Family Ticket: £23.10

(2 adults & up to 3 children)

Special shows

All tickets: £9

NB - Age restrictions apply on all shows, please check below for details.  

Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal adult.

Southend Planetarium offers visitors a unique experience with changing talks throughout the year, exploring the night sky.

 

All our presentations are given live, giving you plenty of opportunities to question our knowledgeable lecturers. Each show can seat around 20 people.


Public shows run every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Pre-booking is essential, please contact us on 01702 212345 to confirm seat availability and current programme.  Please note, public Planetarium shows cannot be booked via email.  Planetarium shows run for around 45 - 60 minutes.

The Planetarium is situated on the first floor within Central Museum. We regret that currently this floor is only accessible via stairs.

If you are looking to book on behalf of an education or community group, please contact us on museumseducationteam@southend.gov.uk for more information. 
 

Exploring the Moon

Exploring the Moon is a special moon themed Planetarium show, aimed at ages 7 to adult.  Learn about our own moon, as well as moons of other planets, with a special surprise at the end of the show!  

These are held during school holidays, join us during Halloween for a special Exploring the Moon at Halloween show! 

Please call Central Museum for more information.

Stories in the Sky

Want to learn more about the stories and mythology of space, and the history of constellations?  This show is aimed at ages 5 and up and is in a slightly lighter room more suitable for younger age children.   

These are held during school holidays, at 2pm.   

Please call Central Museum for more information.

Relax Amongst the Stars Planetarium Show

Everyone has stresses in their lives, whether that's at work or at home.  Why not take a bit of time out of your day to focus on mindfulness in our relaxed Planetarium show? 

 

This show is a quieter, slower paced show, with soft music, meditation and breathing exercises.  Cushions and throws provided! 

These shows are held periodically through the month at 11:30am.   

Please call Central Museum for more information and for dates.

SEND Friendly Shows

Don't think our standard planetarium shows are a good fit? Then come along to our SEND-friendly planetarium shows. 

 

When in the Planetarium, the show will have a smaller capacity than usual, and will be quieter and more relaxed.  Please note, the Planetarium is on the first floor of Central Museum and there is no lift access available.  For shows in our Lecture Theatre, we have a much larger capacity and it is on the ground level.  

Please note, during the show quiet background music will be playing and a red laser pointer is used. There will be also be some time where the planetarium is significantly darkened to allow for the stars to show.

Accessible parking is available behind Central Museum, with easy access to both the museum and the Beecroft Art Gallery Lecture Theatre.  

Our SEND show in the Planetarium, SEND show in the Lecture Theatre and our accessible standard show in the Lecture Theatre are held in a three monthly rotation on the last Sunday of the month at 11:30am.  

Please call Central Museum for more information.

Beecroft Lecture Theatre

Accessible Shows

While our Planetarium is on the first floor of the museum with no lift access, we do offer a Planetarium show in our Lecture Theatre, which has ground level access.  The content of this show is the same as the standard show in the Planetarium.  

Accessible parking is available behind Central Museum, with easy access to both the museum and the Beecroft Art Gallery Lecture Theatre.  

Please note, this show is held in a three monthly rotation with our SEND shows on the last Sunday of the month at 11:30am.  

Please call Central Museum for more information.

A Journey Into Space - Early Years Rocket Ship Show

Calling all future astronauts!  This show is aimed at 3 years plus, perfect for those with a keen interest in space at a younger age.  Blast off into space with us and begin your journey into learning about space!  

Please note, this show is held periodically through the month at 11:30am.  All children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of these shows.  

Please call Central Museum for more information.

Mini Myths/Moonlets

These shows are designed as short taster sessions for our Exploring the Moon and Stories in the Sky shows for younger children.  The sessions are shorter than normal at only 30 minutes.  

Please note, these shows are currently only held during our special Space Day event celebrations in school holidays.  Keep an eye on our social media for details of future events.  

Please call Central Museum for more information.

Combined Planetarium & Guided Museum Visit for KS2

Due to the capacity limit, we recommend that larger groups of up to 35 children split their group into two. Where one group can explore the museum while the other is in the planetarium show. For a small surcharge we can offer a choice of two museum trails.

1) Central Museum Explorers. A general history trail, exploring time from pre-history to modern times in Southend.

2) Anglo-Saxon Adventurers. Dive into local Anglo-Saxon history with this in-depth trail and activities, including the Princely Burial found in Prittlewell!

Please email museumseducationteam@southend.gov.uk for more information.

Getting Here

SOUTHEND PLANETARIUM

Central Museum

Victoria Avenue

Southend-on-Sea

Essex

SS2 6EW

 

Telephone: 01702 212345

Email: museums@southend.gov.uk

  • Getting Here by Train
    Two direct rail lines operate between London and Southend - Fenchurch Street to Southend Central (C2C line) and Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria (Greater Anglia). The journey time on both lines is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. The closest station to Prittlewell Priory is Prittlewell Station on the Greater Anglia line. Those arriving on Southend bound trains should exit the station and turn right onto East Street, those arriving on London bound trains will need to with the station via station approach leading on to East Street. Continue on until you reach the traffic lights and turn right onto Victoria Avenue, after a short downhill walk you will reach a set of traffic lights where Priory Crescent meets Victoria Avenue. Cross Priory Crescent and enter Priory Park.
  • Getting Here by Bus
    The nearest bus stops to Priory park are located on Victoria Avenue and Fairfax drive close the Main Entrances.
  • Getting Here by Car
    The A127 and A13 link Southend to the M25. From the north Southend is accessible via the A1, M11, M25 (Junction 29 - 20 miles) & A127. From the south, Southend is reached via the M25 (Junction 30 - 26 miles) Dartford Tunnel & A13. Parking at Priory Park is free and disabled parking is available
  • Getting Here by Train
    Two direct rail lines operate between London and Southend - Fenchurch Street to Southend Central (C2C line) and Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria (Greater Anglia). The journey time on both lines is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Closest station to Southchurch Hall is Southend East on the C2C line. Upon arrival exit the station turning right onto Ambleside Drive. Eastbound passengers from Liverpool Street will need to cross over the foot bridge.Turn right and then cross the road taking a left into Victoria Avenue. After a short walk turn left into Southchurch Hall Close follow the perimeter of the park railings and you will come to the entrance gates.
  • Getting Here by Bus
    The nearest bus stop is on Woodgrange Drive close to the main gates. This entrance will not provide wheelchair users access to the Hall.
  • Getting Here by Car
    The A127 and A13 link Southend to the M25. From the north Southend is accessible via the A1, M11, M25 (Junction 29 - 20 miles) & A127. From the south, Southend is reached via the M25 (Junction 30 - 26 miles) Dartford Tunnel & A13. Off either the A127 or A13 follow signs for the seafront and The Kursaal. The Hall is brown signed off the A1160 roundabout, Wood Grange Drive. Parking - There is free on street parking in Park Lane and the surrounding residential roads. Pay and display parking is available at Fairheads Green (Sealife Centre) which is 10 minute walk from the park.
  • Getting Here by Car
    We are located on the A127 just off the main junction between the A127 and A13. The Museum and Planetarium is brown signed off both roads. Closest parking is at the Beecroft Art Gallery (previously Southend Library) car park just off Great Eastern Avenue (off of Victoria Avenue). It is pay and display. Alternative car parking is available at The Victoria Shopping Centre (SS2 5SP) just off the A127 and A13 junction.
  • Getting Here by Bus
    There is a bus hub just outside the Southend Victoria train station.
  • Getting Here by Train
    Two direct rail lines operate between London and Southend - Fenchurch Street to Southend Central (C2C line) and Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria (Greater Anglia). The journey time on both lines is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Closest station to Central Museum is Southend Victoria on the Greater Anglia line. Upon leaving the station turn right from either exit, passing the station drop off zone, the Museum's banner situated high on the side of the building should be visible. It is a two minute walk.
  • Getting Here by Car
    We are located on the A127 just off the main junction between the A127 and A13. The Museum and Planetarium is brown signed off both roads. Closest parking is at the Beecroft Art Gallery (previously Southend Library) car park just off Great Eastern Avenue (off of Victoria Avenue). It is pay and display. Alternative car parking is available at The Victoria Shopping Centre (SS2 5SP) just off the A127 and A13 junction.
  • Getting Here by Bus
    There is a bus hub just outside the Southend Victoria train station.
  • Getting Here by Train
    Two direct rail lines operate between London and Southend - Fenchurch Street to Southend Central (C2C line) and Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria (Greater Anglia). The journey time on both lines is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. The closest station to Central Museum is Southend Victoria on the Greater Anglia line. Upon leaving the station turn right from either exit, passing the station drop off zone, the Museum's banner situated high on the side of the building should be visible. It is a two minute walk.
  • Getting Here by Bus
    Multiple bus routes run regularly, with a major bus stop adjacent to Southend Victoria Station.
  • Getting Here by Train
    Two direct rail lines operate between London and Southend - Fenchurch Street to Southend Central (C2C line) and Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria (Greater Anglia). The journey time on both lines is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. The closest station to the Beecroft Art Gallery is Southend Victoria on the Greater Anglia line. As you exit the station, turn right onto Victoria Avenue. Walk past the Central Museum. You will see the Beecroft Art Gallery immediately after on your right. If you are arriving at Southend Central, on the London Fenchurch Street line, the gallery is roughly a 5-10 minute walk away. Exit the station and once on the High Street, turn left. Continue straight to the end, taking the path between the Odeon and New Look towards Southend Victoria Station. Cross the road, carrying straight past the station and Central Museum. The Beecroft Art Gallery will be immediately after on your right.
  • Getting Here by Car
    We are located on the A127 just off the main junction between the A127 and A13. The Museum and Planetarium is brown signed off both roads. Closest parking is at the Beecroft Art Gallery (previously Southend Library) car park just off Great Eastern Avenue (off of Victoria Avenue). It is pay and display. Alternative car parking is available at The Victoria Shopping Centre (SS2 5SP) just off the A127 and A13 junction.
  • Volunteer with Us
    We have a number of opportunities to volunteer within the front of house team in Southend Museums Service. If you would like to become a volunteer at one of our branches, then email our Volunteer Support Team. Please note the minimum age to volunteer is 17.
  • Sponsor a Paver
    Be a part of the path at Prittlewell Priory The path transports visitors from the visitor centre to the restored Prittlewell Priory and all the special, personal messages engraved in the high quality natural stone pavers will form a permanent feature in the Priory Path. If you'd like to have a paver inscribed and added to the path, please fill in the form using the button below. A member of our team will be in touch to take payment for the next phase. The image below is an example of the heritage brick. Option 1: brick with two lines of text. Option 2: brick with four lines of text. Option 3: brick with historic logo and two lines of text. “ It is a wonderful park and building; a chance for everyone to be a part of Southend’s history.” - Phill Jupitus Please visit Prittlewell Priory or Central Museum to pick up an application form or email museums@southend.gov.uk for more information.
  • Donating an Item to Southend Museums
    Do you have an interesting item you would like to donate? Please email an image of your item to museums@southend.gov.uk. We are unable to accept donations without an arranged appointment. Please note that Southend Museums Service only accepts items which fall within its Collection Policies. Our collections policy may be downloaded here.
  • Friends of Southend Museums
    The Friends of Southend Museums is a Registered Charity (No 288219), whose aim is to support and assist Southend Museums and to promote their use and enjoyment by the public. This is achieved principally by raising funds, from which grants are provided to the Museums Service towards the purchase of items for the Museum collections. The Friends have an active calendar of events and meetings, including evening talks (held at the Beecroft Art Gallery), outside visits, and an annual Christmas Party. Members receive a Newsletter three times a year, and are invited to attend private views of exhibitions at Southend’s Museums. Friends of Southend Museum also have free use of the Cliff Lift (on presentation of current Membership Card). The Newsletters, issued in the winter, early summer and autumn, provide details of all the Friends’ meetings, visits and other events, together with the latest reports from the Museums. The Friends of Southend Museums Programme of Events: All talks take place at the Beecroft Art Gallery at 7.30pm, unless otherwise specified. All are welcome to join the meetings, a small donation from visitors is encouraged. For more information please download the PDFs below: 1. Visits - Download 2. Supporting Southend Museums - Download 3. Membership - Download
  • Related Downloads
    Museums Taskforce Activity Pack - Download The Priory Times Activity Pack - Download Southchurch Hall Activity Pack - Download
  • Related Downloads
    Education Sessions Booklet - Download Loan Boxes- Download Tudor Christmas- Download Southchurch Hall Visit Risk Assessment June 2009 - Download Central Museum Visit Risk Assessment June 09- Download Access Policy and Statement September 2010- Download
  • Loan Boxes
    Loans boxes are available for a period of two weeks only (and this may be restricted to one week in busy periods). Hire charge: £10 Loan boxes are available for the following topics; Palaeontology British Prehistory Romans Anglo-Saxons Tudors Victorians WWI WWII Loans boxes terms and conditions Boxes can be collected from Central Museum on Saturdays. Payment in cash only on collection
  • Topic Areas
    The Romans The Anglo-Saxons The Tudors The Victorians World War I World War II The Seaside Prittlewell Priory Tours Southchurch Hall Tours
  • Educational Session Prices
    Educational Pricing Adult groups £5 per person Child groups £4 per person Extended sessions are available for an additional £1 per person Please Note: Accompanying adults (teachers, classroom assistants and an appropriate number of supporting parents) are admitted free, (Schools only).

Visitor Information

Show and Group Bookings

To book a planetarium show please give us a call during opening hours at 01702 212345.

 

Group bookings during week days are also available, with a minimum requirement of 10 people per show. Please call the above number for more information. 01702 212301702 212345

Gift Shop and Refreshments

Discover unique gifts, toys and stationery in our museum Gift Shop. 

There are currently no refreshment facilities inside the museum.

Planetarium Accessibility

As the museum currently doesn't have a lift, the first floor (and therefore the Planetarium and toilets) are inaccessible.

Disabled toilets are available next door in the Beecroft Art Gallery

Limited disabled parking is available to the rear of the building. Access is through the Beecroft staff car park, which is located to the left of the entrance to the multi-story car park. 

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