Discovery Planet

Inspiring Inclusive Enriching

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Our
Impact

Discovery Planet delivers a programme of accessible learning experiences from a welcoming venue on Ramsgate High Street

Everyone in Thanet has access to an inspiring space, where they can participate in enriching activities, and build a vibrant, cohesive community

To deliver a programme of inspirational, enriching learning activities, with an emphasis on STEM.
To broaden participation by listening to our community and identifying barriers to taking part.
To provide opportunities for people to come together and find joy through shared positive experiences
To enhance our offer by collaborating with a range of individuals, organisations, and businesses
To maintain a creative, innovative approach, pushing boundaries to inspire participants.
To create opportunities for work experience and volunteering.
To contribute to a vibrant High Street.
To provide infrastructure support to other individuals and organisations, so that they can deliver activities of benefit to the community.

Discovery Planet was founded by Xanthe Pitt, Nikki Hildesley and Dr Vicky Mason when we first brought a planetarium to Ramsgate in 2014. Since then, over 25,000 people have enjoyed our interactive workshops, events and exhibitions. Our team has expanded to include volunteers of all ages and walks of life, and we collaborate with a wide range of organisations, individuals and businesses. Having operated from a former optician’s shop on Ramsgate High Street, for two years, we recently reverted to a pop-up model of delivery which enables us to transform underused public spaces into bright, welcoming, and inspiring places for the whole community to enjoy.

Discovery Planet is a social enterprise, which means that any revenue we generate is invested back into producing activities of benefit to the community.

Over the years we have mentioned in the British Science Association’s 2018 Impact Report; used as a case study in a paper published in Research for All, featured as an example of best practice in a book published by Imperial College, smashed flowers, put our heads in real clouds, danced an Ethiopian Limbo, eaten beetles, and much more!

You can listen to a Discovery Planet podcast HERE

Winner of a Kings Award for Voluntary Service 2025

Winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry Inclusion and Diversity Prize 2024

Shortlisted for a Creative Lives Award 2024

Winner of the South East Physics Network Award for Innovation 2023

Winner Ramsgate Society Award 2023

Winner of the Ogden Trust Award for Longitudinal Projects to Widen Participation 2022

Winner Heart of the Community Award from Kent Media and London Array 2018

Commended National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement - Images of Public Engagement Awards 2017

Team

Director and Creative Producer

Nikki Hildesley

Nikki has over 20 years’ experience working as a Project Manager and Creative Producer in Film and TV, Art, Theatre and Education. On the Kent coast, she worked on the ‘Art Inspiring Change’ project at Turner Contemporary, Margate in 2018, and managed the production of commissioned artworks for Folkestone Triennial in 2021.

Nikki oversees project management for Discovery Planet, and is the main point of contact for schools, researchers, businesses and other organisations wishing to use the shop.

Director and STEM Lead

Dr Victoria Mason

Vicky is an education and science communication consultant, with over 10 years experience as a Senior Lecturer in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kent. She has vast experience of developing and delivering science outreach and engagement activities as well as public engagement training for post-graduate students. Vicky undertakes STEM workshop development and delivery for Discovery Planet; provides training for others; and co-creates activities with researchers, industry collaborators and community groups.

Director and Creative Producer

Xanthe Pitt

Xanthe is a former solicitor, with over 13 years’ experience working on urban and community regeneration projects. Xanthe’s understanding of the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration and her strategic perspective enables Discovery Planet to identify and lever in additional value and resources wherever possible. She brings creativity and imagination to the table; ensuring that every event is inspiring, and unforgettable.

Our Volunteers

Discovery Planet could not operate without the assistance of volunteers, who bring their skills, knowledge, love and enthusiasm to the table. Over the years our events have been enhanced by people from a range of backgrounds and situations, including university students; school pupils; retirees; people on employer supported volunteering schemes; or participants who have built up their confidence and want to play a more active role in running sessions.

If you want to get involved, please email info@discoveryplanet.co.uk

KINGS AWARD

We’re thrilled to announce that Discovery Planet has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2025. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

We couldn’t do what we do without the input of volunteers. Each event is a huge group effort, and over the years literally thousands of hours of volunteer time have gone into making our project impactful and joyous, so this award is for everyone who has been involved over the last decade, in whatever capacity. We think you’ll agree that it’s been hard work, but a lot of fun too!

We are also aware that there are many extraordinary volunteer-involving groups working across Thanet, so we hope our award brings forth other nominations in the future, and shines a light on the wider sector. Here’s a link to the KAVS website so you can find out more: https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/