Accommodation
Observatory Accommodation
The observatory offers a range of comfortable accommodation options to suit all our visitors and a variety of budgets. Half board (dinner, bed and breakfast) is available, and lunches can be provided to eat in or take away from the Obscafé. The observatory has a fully licenced bar and lounge selling a wide selection of quality wines, beers and spirits.
Guest House
The guesthouse and observatory building is set on the crofts of Twingness and Lurand, with fantastic views over the beach in Nouster Bay, Gretchen Loch and the surrounding croftland. The buildings are of a modern and energy-conscious design, employing generous levels of insulation with heat recovery on the ventilation system to conserve heat, and passive solar collection and two aerogenerators to provide power.
The guest house offers four double rooms, two twin rooms and a single, all of which are en-suite with tea & coffee making facilities. One of the twin rooms is situated on the ground floor and adapted for use by disabled visitors. Families are welcome and cots or additional sofa-beds can be set up.
Hostel
The 4 star hostel is self-contained with 10 bunk spaces, a well-equipped self catering kitchen and two washrooms. Available rooms include a single 2 bed dormitory and two 4 bed dormitories, one of which is en-suite. Rooms may be single sex or mixed and meals in the guest house can be included.
Camping
Camping space is available near the observatory, with use of the hostel kitchen and washing facilities. Campers and self-catering visitors can buy a variety of groceries at the observatory shop during their stay.
Obscafé
The observatory’s spacious bar stocks a wide selection of quality wines, beers and spirits and is open to residents and non-residents. Digital projection and videoconferencing equipment is available and the whole facility is ideal for private functions, lectures, meetings etc.
Wi-Fi internet access is also available.
Meals are served in the large conservatory, with views of Sanday and other Orkney islands across the North Ronaldsay Firth. Evening meals are communal with guests and observatory staff eating together. A TV lounge is also available for the use of visitors, and contains a range of books, DVDs and board games.