Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL)
Aerial view of Harwell Oxford, showing RAL in the foreground and the Diamond Light Source in the background
The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) is near Didcot in Oxfordshire. It has a global reputation for excellence and is one of the foremost laboratories of its kind.
RAL was named after Lord Ernest Rutherford and Sir Edward Victor Appleton.
STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Harwell Oxford
Didcot
OX11 0QX
Tel: +44 (0)1235 445 000
Fax: +44 (0)1235 445 808
Email: enquiries@stfc.ac.uk (general enquiries).
View the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory's location using Multimap (link opens in a new window) or, alternately view a list of Google maps (link opens in a new window) for all STFC institutions.
RAL supports research in areas including materials and structures, light sources, astronomy and particle physics.
Every year about 10,000 scientists and engineers use the Laboratory's facilities to advance their research. Many are academics and post-graduate students working on projects funded by STFC.
Around 1,200 of STFC's own scientific and support staff work at RAL.
Directions by road
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From the A34 (Southbound) - Exit the A34 at the Milton Interchange Junction, the A4130 (A417) exit signposted Milton, Chilton, Didcot and Wantage. At the roundabout take the fourth exit signposted A4130 Wantage, Steventon, Drayton, Harwell. Follow this road for one and a half miles and continue straight on at the Rowstock roundabout onto the A4185. After about two miles turn right at the roundabout onto Fermi Avenue (signposted Harwell Business Centre, RAL, NRPB). Go straight across two mini roundabouts and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory can be found on the left hand side after the Diamond Light Source building.
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From the A34 (Northbound) - Exit the A34 at Chilton Junction, branch left (signposted, Wantage), then merge onto the A4185. At the next roundabout take the 1st exit (signposted Harwell Business Centre, RAL, NRPB). Go straight across two mini roundabouts and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory can be found on the left hand side after the Diamond Light Source building.
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From Heathrow Airport - Take the M4 motorway towards Slough, Reading and the West. Continue as far as junction 13 and then head North for about 8 miles on the A34 towards Oxford and follow the A34 directions given above.
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From Gatwick Airport - Take the M23 to London and Guildford. At junction 7/8 join the M25 to Heathrow and Watford. At junction 15, take the M4 towards Slough, Reading and the West, and continue to junction 13. Head North for about 8 miles on the A34 towards Oxford and follow the A34 directions given above.
By train
Nearest rail station is Didcot, served by trains from London Paddington.
By taxi
The journey to the laboratory is approximately a 15-20 minute drive from Didcot train station and approximately a 35-40 minute journey from Oxford train station.
By bus
In addition, information about buses from Heathrow and Gatwick airports is available on the Oxford Bus Company website (link opens in a new window).
By bicycle
Page last updated: 31 March 2011
by Stephanie Hills
