"It might seem odd to have a set of telescopes carrying out science in London, with all our urban light glare, and maybe even odder, as it sits next to a major road with street lamps everywhere. Despite the main road outside, there are still a lot of fields around the observatory, and most of the area is quite low-rise property, while the street lamps have extra shades to reduce glare."
"They have four telescopes, and if the skies are clear, you can have a look through the 8″ Fry Telescope. During my visit a few years ago, they successfully set up a clear view of a pair of binary stars, and even a moderately decent photo was possible just by holding a smartphone up to the eyepiece. Tours are free, with donations appreciated."
UCL Observatory in north London runs research telescopes and offers public tours in winter. Urban street lighting and a nearby main road do not prevent quality observing because surrounding fields, low-rise buildings, and shaded street lamps reduce glare when telescopes are above the main street light level. The site has made discoveries including a 2014 supernova and exoplanets. Tours are free, donations are appreciated, and a cash-only gift shop is available. Four telescopes are on site and visitors can view through the 8″ Fry Telescope when skies are clear. Tours run roughly fortnightly with initial dates released and FAQs should be read before booking.
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