Plan a trip

SWHAS Observatory

No. 1256 of 4,040 in the Chilterns, No. 1 for dark skies. History, 5.2 km from Amersham, just outside the Chilterns National Landscape.

An astronomical observatory run by SWHAS.Written by Claude from the facts on this page (describe-v1, 2026-11-04).

Facts

Website
swhas.org/about-us/observatoriesOpenStreetMap, checked 2026-11-04
Best months
Any time of yearoffyougo rules
Getting there
Directions in Google Mapswhat3words addressOpen in OpenStreetMap

Why it ranks here

Score 0.67 for any trip, from the same formula as every place.

Stay nearby

Within 8 km, best first
Kings Arms HotelGrade II* listed, 1.3 km from Amersham, just outside the areaHistory and heritage
The Kings LodgeGrade II* listed, 12 km from Berkhamsted, just outside the areaHistory and heritage
Lees Wood Scout & Guide Activity CentreStay, 13 km from Berkhamsted, just outside the areaCamping
North Hill Farm Overflow Camp SiteStay, 6.8 km from AmershamCamping

Food and drink nearby

Within 8 km, best first
The Crownin Berkhamsted, just outside the areaFood and pubs
Saracens Head9.6 km from Berkhamsted, just outside the areaFood and pubs
The Pennsylvanian10 km from Amersham, just outside the areaFood and pubs
Black Horse Pub7.6 km from Amersham, just outside the areaFood and pubs

If it rains

Within 8 km, best first
Milton's CottageGrade I listed, 5.7 km from Amersham, just outside the areaHistory and heritage
Amersham Museum1.3 km from Amersham, just outside the areaHistory and heritage
The Rexin Berkhamsted, just outside the areaRainy day
Dacorum Heritagein Berkhamsted, just outside the areaHistory and heritage

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