COSMOS Community Observatory

Things to do · Higher Town

About COSMOS Community Observatory

Visiting COSMOS Community Observatory on St Martin‘s

COSMOS Community Observatory is a local observatory in Higher Town on St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly. You will find it at TR25 0QL, set within the small island community. A community observatory is a shared space where residents and visitors can look at the night sky, often through telescopes or open viewing sessions. Because the Isles of Scilly have low light pollution, the location suits this type of place well. Also, the observatory sits away from the busier mainland, so the sky conditions can be clearer than in many Cornish towns. When you arrive, expect a modest setting rather than a large visitor centre. The website at cosmosscilly.co.uk is the best place to check what is on before you travel.

What you can see and do nearby

From the observatory, you are within easy reach of several natural and practical spots. The Flats and Little Bay are close by, and both offer straightforward coastal walks on St Martin’s. Then there is St Martin’s Self Catering, which suggests the area is used by visitors staying on the island for a few nights. If you want sea based activity, Seal Snorkelling Adventures and St Martin’s Watersports are also nearby. Because St Martin’s is small, you can move between these places on foot. A typical visit might pair a daytime walk at Little Bay with an evening look at the sky from the observatory. That works well because the observatory is most useful after dark, while the beaches and paths are better in daylight. Also, The Old Quay sits close enough to pass on your way around Higher Town.

Planning your day around the observatory

Start your day with a morning walk to The Flats or Little Bay. Then you could stop near The Old Quay for a break. In the afternoon, check the observatory website for any planned viewing times. Because the Isles of Scilly are reached by boat or small plane, travelling to St Martin’s takes more planning than a mainland Cornish day trip. If you are already staying at St Martin’s Self Catering, the observatory is a short walk rather than a separate journey. For water lovers, Seal Snorkelling Adventures and St Martin’s Watersports fill the middle of the day. Then, as the light fades, the observatory becomes the natural end point. This order works well because the daytime activities are weather dependent, while the observatory is best on clear nights. Keep the address Higher Town, Isles of Scilly TR25 0QL handy when you plan your route on the island.

Explore St Martin's (Scilly), or discover Cornish towns and villages.