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- Biggest wow factor:<\/strong> National Space Centre, Leicester (UK’s largest fulldome planetarium)<\/li>\n
- Hands-on science, South:<\/strong> Winchester Science Centre, Hampshire<\/li>\n
- Hands-on science, Midlands:<\/strong> Thinktank Birmingham<\/li>\n
- North East:<\/strong> Life Science Centre, Newcastle<\/li>\n
- Scotland:<\/strong> Glasgow Science Centre or Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh<\/li>\n
- Northern Ireland:<\/strong> Armagh Observatory and Planetarium<\/li>\n
- Budget pick:<\/strong> Sherwood Observatory, Nottinghamshire (from \u00a36 a child)<\/li>\n
- Only 3D planetarium in the UK:<\/strong> We The Curious, Bristol<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Important note for London families:<\/strong> The Peter Harrison Planetarium at the Royal Observatory Greenwich is closed until spring 2028 as part of its “First Light” transformation project. However, a brand-new temporary planetarium experience, Astronomers Take Over<\/em><\/a>, opened at the National Maritime Museum on 27 March 2026. Tickets are \u00a316 per person (including one planetarium show). Well worth a visit!<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nThe best planetariums in the UK for families<\/h2>\n
Here are our top picks, updated for 2026, covering England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with nearest-city cues so you can find the right one fast.<\/p>\n
East Midlands: National Space Centre, Leicester<\/h3>\n
If you want a big-name space day out, this is the one we’d point you to first. The National Space Centre<\/a> is home to the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium<\/strong>, the UK’s largest fulldome planetarium, and it absolutely earns its place at the top of this list.<\/p>\n
Alongside the planetarium, you’ve got six interactive galleries and the iconic 42-metre Rocket Tower. That makes it easy to turn this into a full day out rather than a short show-and-go visit. Book online and your ticket automatically upgrades to a free annual pass. Brilliant value for repeat visitors.<\/p>\n
Why families love it:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Home to the UK’s largest fulldome planetarium<\/li>\n
- Six interactive galleries plus the Rocket Tower<\/li>\n
- Book online to automatically upgrade to a free annual pass<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Location:<\/strong> Exploration Drive, Leicester LE4 5NS (2 miles north of Leicester city centre) Opening times:<\/strong> Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm (extended during school holidays) Pricing:<\/strong> Adults from \u00a322 online, Children (5-16) from \u00a320 online, Under 5s free Find out more:<\/strong> National Space Centre<\/a><\/p>\n
\nEast Midlands: Sherwood Observatory, Nottinghamshire<\/h3>\n
Sherwood Observatory feels like a genuinely special pick for families who want something more specialist. It’s not just a place to watch a show; it feels much more like a proper astronomy experience, set within a restored Victorian reservoir in Sutton-in-Ashfield, about 13 miles north of Nottingham.<\/p>\n
The new planetarium and Science Discovery Centre opened in autumn 2024. There’s a brilliant range of shows running throughout 2026, including Astronaut George<\/em>, We Are Aliens!<\/em>, CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story<\/em>, and more. Shows run at set times, so this is one to book ahead rather than drop in on.<\/p>\n
Why families love it:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Dedicated astronomy experience, not a general science day out<\/li>\n
- Huge range of family-friendly planetarium shows in 2026<\/li>\n
- One of the UK’s largest public telescopes on site<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Location:<\/strong> Coxmoor Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield NG17 5LF (near Nottingham and Mansfield) Opening times:<\/strong> Tue-Sat 12pm-5pm, closed Sundays and Mondays Pricing:<\/strong> Adults \u00a37.50, Children (4-15) \u00a36.00, Under 3s free Find out more:<\/strong> Sherwood Observatory tickets<\/a><\/p>\n
\nWest Midlands: Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum<\/h3>\n
If you’re planning a city day out in Birmingham and want to add a space twist, Thinktank<\/a> is a really strong option. It’s home to the West Midlands’ only 4K planetarium, with cutting-edge technology delivering sharper images and crystal-clear surround sound. There’s also a brilliant Space Vault<\/em> exhibition running until May 2026. It showcases one of the UK’s largest private collections of space artefacts.<\/p>\n
Why families love it:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- West Midlands’ only 4K planetarium<\/li>\n
- 200+ hands-on exhibits across four floors<\/li>\n
- Space Vault exhibition open until 17 May 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Location:<\/strong> Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG Opening times:<\/strong> Wed-Sun 10am-5pm; open daily during Birmingham school holidays Pricing:<\/strong> Adults from \u00a318.95, Children (3-15) from \u00a39.95 (from 1 April 2026); planetarium shows \u00a33.95 extra per person Find out more:<\/strong> Thinktank Birmingham<\/a><\/p>\n
\nSouth: Winchester Science Centre, Hampshire<\/h3>\n
Winchester Science Centre is a brilliant choice if your kids like pressing buttons, trying things out, and learning by doing. It’s home to the UK’s largest capacity digital planetarium<\/strong>, and the wider science centre gives you loads to explore before or after the show. There are both live presenter-led sessions and pre-recorded experiences, covering everything from tours of the night sky to space exploration.<\/p>\n
Why families love it:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- UK’s largest capacity digital planetarium<\/li>\n
- 100+ hands-on exhibits, free parking, and an on-site caf\u00e9<\/li>\n
- Open weekends and school holidays year-round<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Location:<\/strong> Telegraph Way, Winchester SO21 1HZ (near Winchester city centre) Opening times:<\/strong> Weekends and school holidays 9.30am-5pm; closed weekdays during term time Good to know:<\/strong> Book at least 14 days ahead for 20% off. Planetarium is an add-on to general admission. Find out more:<\/strong> Winchester Science Centre<\/a><\/p>\n
\nSouth West: We The Curious, Bristol<\/h3>\n
We The Curious<\/a> in Bristol city centre has long been a family favourite, and the planetarium is one of its standout features. It’s home to the UK’s only 3D planetarium<\/strong>, housed inside the venue’s iconic giant silver ball. Kids can burn through energy exploring the 200+ hands-on exhibits. Then slow things down for an immersive show under the dome.<\/p>\n
A key note for younger visitors:<\/strong> children under 6 can only attend 2D shows due to eye health guidelines. The 3D experience is brilliant for older kids and adults.<\/p>\n
Why families love it:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- UK’s only 3D planetarium<\/li>\n
- Brilliant mix of active exhibits and planetarium time<\/li>\n
- Ideal for a Bristol city centre family day out<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Location:<\/strong> 1 Millennium Square, Anchor Road, Bristol BS1 5DB Opening times:<\/strong> Term time Tue-Sun 10am-5pm; school holidays and bank holidays Mon-Sun 10am-5pm Pricing:<\/strong> Adults from \u00a320.40, Children (2-15) from \u00a313.90; planetarium shows \u00a34 extra (3D) or \u00a32.50 (2D) Find out more:<\/strong> We The Curious<\/a><\/p>\n
\nNorth East: Life Science Centre, Newcastle<\/h3>\n
Life Science Centre is a fantastic option for families in the North East who want more than a single show. It pairs the North’s biggest planetarium<\/strong> with a wider science attraction, using DigiStar 7 technology<\/a> for ultra-rich, high-resolution visuals. Best of all, planetarium entry is included in the standard day ticket. No hidden extras.<\/p>\n
Why families love it:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- The North’s biggest planetarium, included in your day ticket<\/li>\n
- Mix of traditional shows, animated films, and visual experiences set to music<\/li>\n
- Accessible seating including wheelchair and pushchair spaces<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Location:<\/strong> Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EP (5 mins walk from Newcastle Central station) Opening times:<\/strong> Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm (extended outside term time) Pricing:<\/strong> Adults \u00a314.95 (with donation), Children (3+) \u00a311.00 (with donation), Under 2s free Find out more:<\/strong> Life Science Centre<\/a><\/p>\n
\nScotland: Glasgow Science Centre<\/h3>\n
Glasgow Science Centre<\/a> is a brilliant family favourite, and the 15-metre hemispherical dome experience is a big part of the appeal. The full dome digital projection system makes for a genuinely immersive show, and there’s loads more to explore once you’re done. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, check out the Planetarium Lates, which are live presenter-led shows giving families a glimpse into the world of real astronomers.<\/p>\n
Why families love it:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Big immersive dome with state-of-the-art projection<\/li>\n
- Planetarium Lates on Saturdays for something different<\/li>\n
- Summer hours (from 1 April): open daily 10am-5pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Location:<\/strong> 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1EA Opening times:<\/strong> Currently Wed-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm; summer hours (from 1 April) Mon-Sun 10am-5pm Pricing:<\/strong> Adults from \u00a312.50, Children (3-15) from \u00a310.50; planetarium shows \u00a33 extra Find out more:<\/strong> Glasgow Science Centre<\/a><\/p>\n
\nScotland: Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh<\/h3>\n
Dynamic Earth<\/a> is one of those attractions that feels a little different from the standard museum day out. The 360\u00b0 digital dome experience takes you from the Big Bang through to life on Earth. It’s a great pick if your kids are interested in science more broadly, not just space. It’s also the only attraction of its kind in Scotland. Planetarium shows run every hour on the hour, and you can also buy a planetarium-only ticket if you just want the dome experience without the full galleries.<\/p>\n
Why families love it:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- More than just a planetarium, it’s a journey through Earth’s whole history<\/li>\n
- Planetarium-only tickets available from \u00a37.50 online<\/li>\n
- One annual pass ticket gets you unlimited visits for 12 months<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Location:<\/strong> Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS Opening times:<\/strong> Open daily Feb-Oct 10am-5.30pm; Nov-Jan Wed-Sun 10am-5.30pm Pricing:<\/strong> Adults from \u00a321.50 (annual pass), Children (4-15) from \u00a313.50; planetarium only \u00a37.50 online Find out more:<\/strong> Dynamic Earth<\/a><\/p>\n
\nNorthern Ireland: Armagh Observatory and Planetarium<\/h3>\n
If you’re in Northern Ireland, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium<\/a> is the one to have on your radar. It’s Ireland’s leading centre for astronomical education and the longest-running planetarium in the British Isles. Interactive displays, real-time space news, and family-friendly dome shows are all blended together in a way that feels genuinely accessible. There’s even a crafts zone where kids can design, build, and launch their own rocket. Pre-booking is essential.<\/p>\n
Why families love it:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Ireland’s leading centre for astronomical education<\/li>\n
- Interactive displays, rocket-building activities, and dome shows<\/li>\n
- Free on-site parking, and euros are accepted<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Location:<\/strong> College Hill, Armagh BT61 9DB Opening times:<\/strong> Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mondays Pricing:<\/strong> Adults \u00a310, Children (under 16) \u00a37, Under 3s free Find out more:<\/strong> Armagh Observatory and Planetarium<\/a><\/p>\n
Which planetarium is right for your family?<\/h2>\n
Not sure where to start? Here’s the quick comparison to help you pick the best one for your family.<\/p>\n
- Hands-on science, South:<\/strong> Winchester Science Centre, Hampshire<\/li>\n
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