Help in the North West

[Philk_80]

Hi, does anyone know of any decent shops in Lancashire where I can go and see a few scopes and get some local advice? I plan to buy online but would love to see some things before I buy.

[Peter Drew]

If you can get along to the Astronomy Centre on a Saturday we can show you several telescopes including a couple of 8" Dobsonians and give you plenty of advice. If clear you can try out some telescopes and get some idea of what they are capable of.

[ronin]

Opticstar at Sale is the only one I know of

Opticstar

M61, M60, looks as if it is about 18-20 mile away.

Not sure how big they are but their post code puts them on the main road into Sale off Jn7 M60

[stubbadub]

I got my scope from opticstar last month. They have about 15 scopes setup in the showroom. Quite a helpful lot too!

[HIP3802]

+1 for Opticstar. I have bought a couple of scopes from them and found them very helpful.

[colesmat]

Other than opticstar (which is highly rated by a lot of people on here from our neck of the woods) It maybe cheshire but don't know exactly where you are. Stockport binocular and telescope centre is more or less centre of stockport. Not too far if you're manchester way. Decent selection of scopes and loads of accessories.

[Philk_80]

Thanks Guys. I'll try to get to Opticstar asap.

Where abouts in Todmorden is the centre Peter? May not be able to get there this weekend but would love to pop down soon!

[PeteC]

Bolton Astro isn't too far from you, just off J5 M61. The guys there have a wide selection of scopes and I am sure would be happy to help.

www.boltonastro.org.uk

[Philk_80]

Cheers PeteC. They are pretty local so worth a visit. Thanks.

[ronin]

Worth getting to Opticstar and Todmorton if possible,

It is nice to see what is available but very, very useful to actually look through a scope in use.

Just to see if it actually makes sense to you in it's usage.

[Peter Drew]

The Astronomy Centre is halfway between Bacup and Todmorden on the A681.

[nightfisher]

The Astronomy Centre is halfway between Bacup and Todmorden on the A681.

I will be visiting as soon as this weather clears

[colesmat]

Same here

[damnut]

_{There is also stockport telescopes & binos here :--- http://www.telescopes-binoculars.co.uk/}

[starman1969]

Binoculars UK. Victoria Road West, Bispham. Nr Blackpool.

[hazegood]

Have just found and joined this forum, Have to say if you can go meet Pete Drew at the Astronomy centre, was up there last Saturday, thoroughly nice bloke, and very helpful, as were all the members of the centre I met that night, cannot recommend a visit highly enough