Name: National Space Centre
Rating: 5.0

National Space Centre

National Space Centre, Exploration Drive, Leicester, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

The National Space Centre is the UK's largest visitor attraction dedicated to space exploration and astronomy. Located in Leicester, this award-winning museum and science centre features six interactive galleries, the iconic 42-metre high Rocket Tower, and the UK’s largest planetarium. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Leicester if you are looking for an immersive science centre experience that blends futuristic technology with incredible history.

Admission to the centre is designed to provide lasting value, as all full-priced tickets are upgraded to a Free Annual Pass. In 2026, online prices are £22.00 for adults and £20.00 for children, while tickets purchased at the door are £1.00 extra. By booking in advance, families can secure their preferred arrival time and guarantee entry to this popular destination.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that offers a mix of high-tech fun and genuine wonder, this is the ultimate destination. From touching a piece of the Moon to experiencing a simulated space mission, the centre provides an educational day out that keeps children of all ages engaged. The Free Annual Pass makes it a particularly cost-effective choice for those who want to return throughout the year.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Exhibits: Over 150 hands-on challenges, including the "Trainee Astronaut" stations and mission control simulations.
Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium: A 360-degree full-dome cinematic experience featuring various live shows and narrated journeys through the stars.
Educational Day Out: Galleries cover everything from the Big Bang to the latest Mars Rover missions, aligned with school science curricula.
Sensory Play: Engaging light displays, vibrating launch simulators, and tactile space suit materials for younger explorers.

Top 5 Highlights

The Rocket Tower: This 42-metre tower houses the Blue Streak and Thor Able rockets. Kids love the glass lift ride to the top, where they can see the rockets up close and enjoy views across Leicester.
TetraStar Spaceport: An immersive 20-minute mission where you join a crew to save Earth. It uses low-frequency sound and motion seats to make children feel like they are actually jumping through a wormhole.
The Planetarium Shows: Watching "Astronaut" or "We Are Stars" on the massive dome is a highlight for many. It is a relaxing yet thrilling way to learn about the galaxy without leaving your seat.
Lunar Base 2009: A realistic Mars-themed play area and research base. Kids can perform "experiments" and see how humans might live on another planet in the future.
The Real Moon Rock: Visitors can see a genuine sample of Moon rock brought back by the Apollo missions. It’s a great "peer" moment to tell the kids they are standing inches away from something that used to be in the sky.

Facilities

Toilets: Plenty of facilities available, including baby changing and accessible toilets on multiple floors.
Buggy Parking: There is a dedicated buggy park near the entrance as pushchairs are not allowed inside the Planetarium.
Food & Drink: The Cargo Bay Cafe serves hot meals, sandwiches, and snacks. There is also a dedicated indoor picnic area for those bringing their own food.
Lockers: Small lockers are available for a small fee near the main reception.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Book the Planetarium First: When you arrive, your first task should be checking your allocated planetarium time. These shows fill up fast!
Gift Aid for the Pass: Ensure you agree to Gift Aid your ticket to get the Free Annual Pass. It costs you nothing extra but turns your one-day ticket into a 12-month membership.
Avoid the Mid-day Rush: The Rocket Tower lift often has a queue between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Try visiting the tower as soon as you arrive or late in the afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the National Space Centre worth it for toddlers? Yes, while much of the science is aimed at older kids, toddlers love the "soft play" feel of the Lunar Base and the bright lights of the galleries. Under 5s get in for free, making it a low-risk visit for parents with little ones.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend between 3 and 5 hours here. If you plan to see multiple planetarium shows and do the TetraStar mission, you will definitely need the full 5 hours.
Where is the best place to park? The on-site car park is the most convenient option. It is located directly in front of the entrance, which is vital if you are carrying bags or have young children in tow.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Leicester? The National Space Centre is a great value "near me" option because of the Free Annual Pass. While the initial cost is higher than a standard museum, the ability to return for free makes it the cheapest long-term indoor activity in the city.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The Annual Pass: Parents appreciate that they can come back for "free" on rainy days throughout the year.
Immersive Atmosphere: The lighting and sound effects throughout the centre make it feel like a real space station.
Staff Knowledge: The "Space Crew" staff are often praised for being incredibly enthusiastic and great with kids' questions.

What Visitors Don't Like

Planetarium Queues: Even with timed entry, waiting for the doors to open can be a bit tedious with restless toddlers.
Cafe Prices: Like many major attractions, food can be a bit pricey, so many parents recommend using the picnic area.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

Blue Streak Rocket: A massive UK-built rocket standing tall in the tower.
Soyuz 7K-OK Capsule: An authentic Soviet-era spacecraft used in actual missions.
Apollo Lunar Lander Model: A full-scale replica showing where astronauts lived on the Moon.
The Martian Rover: A detailed model of the robotic explorers currently on the red planet.
Gemini Capsule: A tiny spacecraft that helps kids realise how cramped early space travel was.
Real Astronaut Suit: See the actual layers and technology required to keep humans alive in a vacuum.
Vanguard Satellite: One of the earliest satellites launched into Earth's orbit.
Astronaut Food Displays: A quirky look at what space travellers eat, from dried ice cream to tubes of paste.
Spacelab Pallet: Used on Space Shuttle missions to carry experiments into orbit.
The "Space Now" Gallery: A constantly updated section featuring the latest news from SpaceX and NASA.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Abbey Pumping Station: Located right next door, this museum features massive steam engines and a narrow-gauge railway.
Abbey Park: A short walk across the river, perfect for a picnic or a run around the large playground.
Leicester City Centre: A 10-minute bus ride away, home to the Highcross Shopping Centre and the Richard III Visitor Centre.

New for 2026

"Mission to Jupiter" 2026 Experience: A brand-new immersive gallery opening for the 2026 season focusing on the icy moons of Jupiter.
Updated Planetarium Visuals: The 360-degree dome system has been upgraded for 2026 to provide even higher resolution images of the solar system.
Sustainable Space Exhibit: A new section dedicated to how space technology helps us monitor climate change on Earth.
Events: for more upcoming events please visit here

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult (16+): £20.95 online / £21.95 on the door
Child (5–16): £18.95 online / £19.95 on the door
Concession: £18.95 online / £19.95 on the door
General Groups: £18.95 online
Parking: £4 (09:00–17:00) pay and display

Pricing URL: https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/plan-explore/ticket-prices/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Pirate Party: An after-hours Pirate Party celebrating 30 years of Muppet Treasure Island, featuring film screenings, live music performance, treasure hunts, access to the galleries, and pirate-themed fun.

Early Session: Family Pirate Fun: Sail in early for a fun‑filled evening created especially for families:

Explore the National Space Centre galleries after hours
Pirate treasure hunts (with prizes)
LIVE performance from The Puppet Folk Experience — a high‑energy Muppet style show full of charm and mischief
Aye‑aye pirate patch craft sessions
Planetarium screening of Muppets Treasure Island (family screening)
A playful, imaginative evening packed with activities, laughter, and cinematic adventure.

Late Session: 18+ Pirate Party: As the night rolls on, the later session becomes a grown‑ups‑only pirate celebration:

After‑hours access to the National Space Centre galleries
An unforgettable LIVE performance from The Puppet Folk Experience
Late‑night sea shanty karaoke — louder, bolder, and fuelled by pirate confidence
Bar open, with pirate‑approved drinks (including rum)
Planetarium screening of Muppets Treasure Island
Think cinema, live music, playful chaos, and exploring the Centre without the daytime crowds.

For more information please visit: https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/whats-on/pirate-party/

Monday - Friday: 10:00 - 16:00
Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

Address: National Space Centre, Exploration Drive, Leicester, UK

Post Code: LE4 5NS

Council: Leicester

County: Leicestershire

By Car: Use postcode LE4 5NS. The centre is clearly signposted from all major routes into Leicester.
By Bus: The First Bus 54 runs every 10 minutes from Leicester City Centre to the Space Centre.
Car Parking: On-site parking is available for £4.00 per day. There is an overflow car park used during peak periods.