Goonhilly - what a let down (Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station)

Member Name: Roger

Product:	Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station
Date:	29/09/08 (31 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: None

Disadvantages: Everything

Our visit to Goonhilly was a HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. It's all a pretty amateurish set up.
At the desk I asked for tickets to the 'full experience' and all we got was a look round some very static exhibits and a very rushed tour of the site. Two of the main attractions in the site's publicity are a tour of Arthur, a huge satellite dish and a ride on a Segway. These, it seems are £5 extra for the Arthur tour and £12 (yes, £12) for a play on a Segway. Haveing seen these were missing from our 'full experience' tickets, I asked a member of the guide staff about them. Oh, they're extra, I was told. Fine, but without any interest or even help as to where I might source these.
The main hall exhibits are pretty staid. A few descriptions of telecommunications achievements with the odd prop lying about but to be honest, if I want to see a few telephones, I'll pop into Carphone Warehouse.
British Telecom run this place and their all pervading like it or lump it attitude can be felt throughout Goonhilly.
Another of the 'attractions' is "the world's fastest internet connection - free to use". As we were on holiday, I thought I'd take the opportunity to to check my emails. OK, after negotiating BT's own search formula, I was able to do that but even the greatest internet cafe in the world wouldn't let me look at the attachments. Waste of space.
The tour of the facility by coach - hurried uninformative and disinterested commentary all the way - thakes you to three halls.
1. Past inventions. A look at some things that didn't quite make the grade. What, please, does a Sinclair C5 motor have to do with a telecommunications and science experience?
2. A 'holographic' presentation. NO! It's a (poor) film show. I've seen holographic presentations and believe me, this isn't one.
3. Finally, it's the 'what do you think the future holds?' room. Quite frankly, having paid a multi billion pound scientific corporation to see their achievements, I'd like to know how THEY see the future. Talk about a let down.
One other thing. Throughout this visit, you are bombarded with the usual 'environment' claptrap. You are continually reminded of what a bad person you are for existing on this planet because of all the damage you are doing. What the hell does that have to do with telecommunications science?
If you are really interested in science, you'll be thoroughly disappointed with Goonhilly's visitor centre and tour. If you take kids, they'll probably cotton on to this sooner than you and be thoroughly bored.
I give the whole thing 1 out of ten for the experience.

Summary: Waste of space. Don't go unless you desperately need to get out of the rain.