Discovery Planet
Inspiring Inclusive Enriching
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Discovery Planet delivers a programme of accessible learning experiences from pop-up spaces across Ramsgate and the wider Thanet area
Everyone in Thanet has access to an inspiring space, where they can participate in enriching activities, and build a vibrant, cohesive community
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To deliver a programme of inspirational, enriching learning activities, with an emphasis on STEM.
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To broaden participation by listening to our community and identifying barriers to taking part.
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To provide opportunities for people to come together and find joy through shared positive experiences
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To enhance our offer by collaborating with a range of individuals, organisations, and businesses
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To maintain a creative, innovative approach, pushing boundaries to inspire participants.
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To create opportunities for work experience and volunteering.
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To contribute to a vibrant High Street.
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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 30,000 people have enjoyed our interactive workshops, events and exhibitions. Our team has expanded to include facilitators and 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, in 2025 we reverted back to a pop-up model of delivery which enables us to transform underused shops and 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
Director and Creative Producer
Nikki Hildesley
Nikki has over 20 years’ experience working as a Project Manager and Creative Producer in Film + TV, Art, Theatre and Education. Since moving to the Kent coast, she has worked on the ‘Art Inspiring Change’ project at Turner Contemporary, Margate (2016-2018), as an animation producer at A+C Studios (ongoing) and as part of the PM team for the production of 2 x Folkestone Triennials. 2021 + 2025
Nikki is the Managing Director of Discovery Planet, and is the main point of contact. (This includes schools, researchers, local businesses and other VSCE organisations)
Nikki is also working with Makers House in Ramsgate developing a programme for the inaugural Ramsgate Craft Festival which will take place in May 2027.
Director and STEM Lead
Dr Vicky 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
Juliette Simon
Juliette is a Biomedical Scientist with over 30 years of experience in healthcare.
She has worked within the various departments that make up Pathology including microbiology, haematology, biochemistry, transfusion science and Histopathology, latterly taking on more managerial roles.
Juliette is committed to helping the next generation build confidence, curiosity and a love for science.
Together with her passion for improving communities around her she aims to bring science to life and help create engaging, accessible and fun experiences for all.
Director and Schools Officer
Nicola Page
Nicola has been a primary school teacher for 30 years with extensive experience from early years to year 6.
She currently is Science and Eco-Schools subject leader at a local primary school, and is passionate about sparking curiosity and delivering high-quality, hands-on STEM learning.
Her deep understanding of the curriculum helps to bridge the gap between classrooms and community, creating unforgettable scientific experiences for young people.
Director
Emma Deakin
Bio coming soon.
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.
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
Our Volunteers & Kings Award
Thank you to our funders and partners
