About National Space Centre
If any member of your family has ever dreamt of becoming an astronaut then they’re going to love the award-winning National Space Centre! This Leicester-based attraction is a great place to visit during periods when the kids are eager to explore. Whether you have kids with a deep curiosity for alien life, a spacecraft fanatic or a kid who loves all things planets, this space centre will completely blow your socks off!
Not only does the National Space Centre have the largest planetarium in the UK but there are lots of fascinating interactive galleries to view too. You can quite literally have your head in - and beyond - the clouds... Exploring astronomy & space is a truly magical experience for children. Take one giant leap for your family, and visit this otherworldly attraction!
Fun Activities
Get ready for lift off as you pull on your helmet to board the iconic 42m high iconic rocket tower, before touring the six interactive galleries that take you on a journey through the spacesuits of the past as you piece together man’s amazing voyage into the unknown. There are hands-on galleries too in the Our Solar System exhibit. Your little ones walk through the gallery and stop off at Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Take time out of your journey to drive a Martian rover on the red planet, take a bath with Saturn and even see Venus in 3D.
Kids can learn about past & future space exploration in excellent workshops that enhance their current classroom learning. Learn about human impact, the challenges of life and environmental challenges in the STEM Lessons. This makes science extra special if you are a teacher looking for an attraction that will ignite your kids passion about science and fields of space science.
You can find an extremely rare moon rock sample within in the space centre. Did you know moon rock is rarer than diamond and gold? Around 26,000 kilograms of diamonds are mined every year, whilst some estimates place the amount of gold mined per year at around 3,000,000 kilograms. All of the Moon rock known about here on Earth adds up to a grand total of just over 430 kilograms – less than 0.02 percent of the total gold mined per year! Learn more about each Apollo lunar lander in other Apollo missions alongside the Apollo 17 Moon Rock exhibit.
Young children will love Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, which illuminates the wonders of the skies before your eyes and find out all about what’s orbiting Earth. This dome planetarium is also the UK's largest, making it an impressive attraction to add to your bucket list! Watch award winning planetarium shows like 'We Are Stars'. 'We Are Aliens', 'Capcom Go', 'Tour of the night Sky' and lots more! Psst, one of the shows are narrated by Andy Serkis - that's the voice of Gollum to all you Lord of The Rings fans! It really is the ultimate cinematic experience.
Tetrastar Spaceport is the brand-new experience at the National Space Centre. A low Earth orbit cruise is included in your day ticket (subject to availability). Take a seat on the Tharsis spacecraft and join the ever helpful ADA, as you head off on a journey to the stars.
Food & Drink
Exploring the vast and expansive universe will at the very least, make you peckish. Round off your visit with a meal under our amazing rockets in the onsite shop & cafe.
Munch on a selection of freshly made and locally sourced sandwiches and snacks, as well as hot and cold drinks at Boosters Cafe. Need something to warm up your cockles? Once you've descended back to Earth you have to try the chef's 'soup of the day' - it's freshly made and soup-erb! Enjoy a wide range of high quality “diner” fare, including warm nachos with fresh chilli, cheese and salsa, as well as gourmet hot dogs!
Have your little astronauts been good? Treat them to an ice cream milkshake, while you sip on one of the centre's exclusive freshly brewed coffees (made with our own Leicester roasted coffee beans). Now you've refuelled, it's time for all space cadets to return to the National Space Academy and have even more FUN!
Accessibility
The Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium has spaces for up to 6 wheelchairsWheelchairs are available on loan to visitors free of charge (subject to availability)Large print information is available upon requestAssistance dogs are welcomeTouch tours are available with prior bookingAn induction loop is fitted in the Sir Patrick Moore PlanetariumMost audio exhibits are subtitledSeating is available throughout the galleriesEnhanced accessible spaces on the car park
Travelling & Parking For Visitors
Travelling by car?
The National Space Centre is located just off the A6, two miles north of Leicester City Centre, midway between Leicester’s inner and outer ring roads.
Brown road signs with a distinctive rocket logo will direct you from the arterial routes around Leicester.
You'll be happy to know there are over 400 parking spaces to choose from, including 23 enhanced accessibility spaces. You'll have to pay a small fee of £4 per car (contactless or cash pay and display machines on site). The following fees are in place 09:00-17:00.
Looking for festive fun this holiday season? Check out nearby events on our Christmas Events 2024 page!
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Hands-on Science and Interactive Fun
From audiovisual displays, interactive challenges and sensory experiences, to informational interpretations and trails to complete in the galleries, there is plenty to keep all of our visitors engaged.
There are over 170 interactive activities located around our galleries, as well as a world-class exhibition, including spaceflown artefacts, a piece of the moon and 2 huge rockets on display.
Enter the Video Booth, chase fish on an interactive floor, and make your own pledge to help our Home Planet in this informative and exciting gallery.
Take a tour around Into Space and you will come face-to-face with astronauts, spacesuits and our journey into space.
Walk through Our Solar System and take time out of your journey to drive a Martian rover on the red planet, take a bath with Saturn and even see Venus in 3D.
Explore the wonders of our Universe. Cast your vote on whether or not we are alone, take a trip through a wormhole and watch the Big Bang.
The iconic Rocket Tower at the National Space Centre is home to Blue Streak and Thor Able rockets, as well as the Gagarin Experience, Apollo Lunar Lander and real Moon Rock.
The UK's largest Planetarium
Sit back and enjoy an award-winning show in the UK's largest planetarium.
Included in every first visit is a fulldome show in the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium.
Designed by an award-winning in-house team from NSC Creative, our shows explore everything from the wonders of the universe and the creation of stars, to the challenges astronauts face in zero-gravity conditions and the role that astronomers play in today's science.
Guest narraters include Andy Serkis, David Tennant, Rupert Grint and Ewan McGregor.
For a more traditional Planetarium experience, our Tour of the Night Sky is a presenter-led journey through the wonders of the Universe. Your presenter will guide you around our night time sky and together you will look at the stars, visit planets and explore the mysteries of Space, in your own unique adventure.
Live science demonstrations and talks
Join our experts, guests, science communicators and our Discovery team to find out more about what is happening in space right now.
We host regular science shows during the school holiday periods. Drop in to take a seat and watch our very latest videos, news stories and live updates.
This is your perfect opportunity to ask your space questions to our team of experts.
Facilities
- Toilets
- Free Wifi
- Gift Shop
- Onsite Parking
- Accessible Toilets
- Baby Changing
- Food Available
- Wheelchair Friendly
- Card Payments Accepted
- Wheelchair Hire
Opening Times
- Monday, 09:00 - 16:00
- Tuesday, 09:00 - 16:00
- Wednesday, 09:00 - 16:00
- Thursday, 09:00 - 16:00
- Friday, 09:00 - 16:00
- Saturday, 09:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 09:00 - 17:00
Monday, October 21 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday, October 22 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday, October 23 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday, October 24 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday, October 25 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Monday, October 28 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday, October 29 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday, October 30 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday, October 31 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday, November 1 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday, September 17 2024: Closed
Tuesday, November 12 2024: Closed
Friday, November 15 2024: Closed
Wednesday, November 20 2024: Closed
Friday, December 13 2024: Closed
Tuesday, December 24 2024: Closed
Wednesday, December 25 2024: Closed
Thursday, December 26 2024: Closed
Pricing & Tickets
- Adult (16-18+) : £20.95
- Child (5-16) : £18.95
- Babies and Toddlers (0-5) : Free
General AdmissionAdult: £19.95 (Online)/£20.95 (On the Door)
Child (aged 5-16): £17.95 (Online)/£18.95 (On the Door)
Student Concession: £17.95 (Online)/£18.95 (On the Door)
Disabled Concession: £17.95 (Online)/£18.95 (On the Door)
Senior Concession (65+): £17.95 (Online)/£18.95 (On the Door)
Under Fives: Free Entry
Car Park
£4.00
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 3 - 4 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
Our café serves hot and cold drinks, snacks, soup, nachos, jacket potatoes, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, wraps and cakes.
We have healthy, vegetarian and vegan options throughout the menu, and our team are always happy to help with any dietary requirements (we have gluten free rolls that can be made to order, so just chat with our café staff).
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Tickets & Bookings
Accessibility Information
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
National Space Centre
Exploration Drive
Leicester
Leicestershire
LE4 5NS
England
What3words: phones.curiosity.solar
Tel: 0116 261 0261
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
First Bus 54
Runs every 10 mins throughout the day Monday to Saturday and every 20 mins on Sunday running from 09:30.
Skylink Derby
Runs every 20 minutes along Abbey Lane | runs 24/7
Both buses drop off and pick up close to the Centre (ask the Driver to notify you where to alight).
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 14:35 10/10/2024
National Space Centre Reviews
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