Other than at our annual Stars & Snowdrops open weekend and other organised events, we are unable to accept casual visitors.

We are however looking to increase the frequency of events. We are hoping to soon host monthly public stargazing events.

Directions to HCO

Exit M40 at junction 11. Following the signs for Banbury, go straight over the first two roundabouts. At the third roundabout turn right onto the A423. After 1.75 miles, turn left for Hanwell. Click here for a map of Hanwell village or click here to find us on Google Maps.

For sat-nav users, the postcode is OX17 1HN.

Please note that for events such as Stars & Snowdrops there is no general public parking on the site, only limited parking for those needing disabled access. We ask all visitors to please park outside the castle grounds. There is disabled parking only down the drive so please ask at the entrance. BUT remember this is a landscaped area and not suitable for wheelchairs.

There will be public parking behind St Peter’s church, the access is at the end of Gullicote Lane and it will be clearly signposted. We want as many as possible to park here in preference to parking on the narrow village streets though there is some space at the approaches and both ends of the village.  Please park with consideration of the Hanwell residents.

Postal address

If sending any postal communication to HCO please do not use the unreliable address given on Google search-listings. The correct address is:

Hanwell Community Observatory,
c/o The Coach House,
Hanwell Castle,
Nr. Banbury,
Oxon. OX17 1HN

Important HCO post has gone missing recently because of being sent to the Google Maps address – please do not use it.

Google Map