But a council’s £30,000 observatory has not exactly turned out to be a star attraction.
Figures released by West Norfolk Council show the solar-powered facility on the cliffs at Hunstanton has been used just 10 times since it opened – despite being free to hire.
And while delights visible on a clear night include Andromeda, Orion and the North Star, visible by day are the weeds that have sprung up around the site.
In 2023, it hosted two events after opening in April of that year, followed by four in 2024 and four more during this year to date.
An interpretation board showing what can be seen over Hunstanton on a clear night (Image: Chris Bishop) A council spokesman said: “We have limited budget for continuous paid promotion of the venue usage, but all tourism businesses on our Visit West Norfolk contacts list will soon receive another round of e-shots promoting the use of the venue.
“Our aim is to enable, for example, local accommodation businesses to use the venue as a high quality authentic bookable experience in the same vein as more traditional spa treatments or golfing trips as bookable experiences during visitor stays.”
When it first announced plans for the observatory, based next to its clifftop car park, the council said it would bring more tourists to the resort.
The 5m by 3m building off the main Cromer Road was paid for by the European Regional Development Fund and features a rolling roof, so visitors can view the night skies from inside.
The £30,000 observatory was paid for from the European Regional Development Fund (Image: Chris Bishop) The council said it could also be used for other activities, such as watching wildlife.
Improvements are planned for later this year, including new interpretation boards showing the night sky and nocturnal wildlife, along with removable seating for up to 10 people.
Weeds have sprung up around the Hunstanton Observatory (Image: Chris Bishop)