The Lime Tree Observatory, at Lime Tree Farm in Grewelthorpe was first opened to the public in 2016. It is one of a number of educational attractions at the farm.

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The observatory was built following the recovery of a large telescope and dome from an observatory in Kent. The telescope is a 24inch reflecting telescope with a motor drive which allows observers to keep the desired object in view for long periods of time.

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Adjacent to the observatory room itself is a small presentation room fitted with a large screen and a sound system. This is where presentations take place for groups of up to 25 people.

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The observatory is situated within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) on the Eastern edge of The Yorkshire Dales National Park which has been awarded an International Dark Skies status and enjoys very dark skies, with only a little light pollution from nearby Masham and Ripon.