One of Cornwalls best attractions (Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station)

Member Name: Beanie8844

Product:	Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station
Date:	25/09/08 (72 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: very interesting, quite cheap, for all the family

Disadvantages: can get busy, only accessible by car

Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station is the largest earth station in the world and has been in existence since 1962. It occupies over 160 acres of the magnificent Lizard Peninsula and has over 60 dishes, 25 of which are still in use. Goonhilly is able to transmit to anywhere in the world via space and the site also links to undersea fibreoptic cable lines. It really is one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in Cornwall, attracting around 80,000 people per year.

The site is owned by British Telecom (BT) and is opened to visitors throughout the year who are able to explore the story of international communications via the visitor centre and shuttle bus tour. The shuttle bus takes visitors through the security perimeter fence which enbles a closer look at the larger dishes; named after King Arthur and his knights as well as characters from Cornish legends and folktales. You can learn all about satellite technology in the film theatre and operate an antenna dish yourself, tracking different orbiting satellites in space which is very cool. The site also has the fastest internet café in the world, a nice touch, as well as a gift shop, restaurant and children's play areas.

Sadly it has been revealed that BT plan to scale down the site and satellite operations could be moved to Madley, Hertfordshire. I feel that goonhilly earth station is well worth a visit, so if you're ever in the area pop in; it may not be there for too much longer!
A must see attraction for all the family.

Opening Times: 11am - 4pm (approx)
Cost: Adults £6.00
5 - 16yrs £4.00
U5's FREE
Seniors £4.50

Location: 7 miles from Helston on the Lizard Peninsula.
B3293 - Helston to St Keverne

Tel: 0800 679 593

Thanks for reading.
(This review is also posted on Ciao under the same name)

Summary: well worth a visit if you're in the area