About Lime Tree Observatory
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.
The observatory was built following the recovery of a large telescope and dome from an observatory in Kent. The original telescope was a unique 24 inch reflecting telescope built in the 1970s with a motor drive which allows observers to keep the desired object in view for long periods of time. This device, whilst of significant historical interest, has now been moved to the reception area of our Planetarium.
A new, state of the art, computer controlled 16 inch ODK telescope and EQ mount was introduced in October 2026 as part of our exciting project to refurbish the observatory. Adjacent to the observatory there is a reception room fitted with a large screen. Weather permitting, this telescope forms part of your booking experience under the guidance of one of our volunteers.
The observatory and planetarium are maintained and run by a small team of unpaid volunteers under the governance of Lime Tree Farm Earth & Sky, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. The facilities are situated within the Nidderdale National Landscape (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.