Name: National Space Centre
Rating: 5.0

National Space Centre

The National Space Centre, Exploration Drive, SPACE CITY, Leicester LE4 5NS

1-90 Years

Paid

Description

The National Space Centre in Leicester is the UK’s leading space science attraction, offering an exciting mix of education, discovery, and fun for visitors of all ages. Home to the country’s largest planetarium and award-winning exhibitions, it’s the perfect destination for families, students, and space enthusiasts to explore the wonders of the universe.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions, including the Tetrastar Spaceport, a thrilling low Earth orbit simulation; the iconic 42-metre Rocket Tower, home to real rockets, a lunar lander, and moon rock; and the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, featuring immersive 360° dome shows. The interactive Galleries and Exhibitions showcase the history and future of space exploration, complete with hands-on science zones and expert-led talks.

Tickets cost £20.95 for adults, £18.95 for children (ages 5–16), and £18.95 for concessions, with parking available at £4 per day. Group discounts are offered, and all tickets include access to a planetarium show.

Overall, the National Space Centre is an inspiring and educational experience that combines science, technology, and adventure. With its impressive exhibits, interactive displays, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the mysteries of space and human exploration.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Tetrastar Spaceport: 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. Tetrastar Spaceport is suitable for 5+ children (minimum 1m height when accompanied by an adult).
Rocket Tower: As you approach the National Space Centre from any route into the City you will catch glimpses of the 42 metre high Rocket Tower. 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 semi-transparent tower, which is clad in high-tech ETFE “pillows”, was designed especially to house the Centre’s largest artefacts. Four exhibition decks tell the story of the Space Race, history of rocketry, and Britain's Space Race.
Galleries and Exhibitions: The National Space Centre is home to a world-class artefact collection that tells the past, present and future stories of space exploration and science. However, as a science and discovery centre we also encourage you to get hands-on with science, to enjoy all the interactive elements of our galleries, and enhance your visit with 'science busking', talks and workshops thanks to our Discovery team.
Sir Patrick Moore 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. Click here to view latest planetarium shows inforamtion.
Collections: Explore our collection and find out more about our incredible artefacts. Discover their stories and learn about what you can see at the National Space Centre. Click here to view all categories.

Facilities

Parking: Parking available.
Food & Drinks: Take a seat under giant rockets or in our Soyuz Lounge for a refuel during your visit. Our café serves hot and cold drinks, as well as snacks and food prepared by our in-house catering team.
The Shop: The National Space Centre's shop is filled with gifts, books and mementos from your visit. Many items in our range are from small independent makers, including local suppliers, and we are working hard to make our offering completely sustainable.

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: No

Mon-Fri: 10:00 - 16:00
Sat-Sun: 10:00 - 17:00

Address: The National Space Centre, Exploration Drive, SPACE CITY, Leicester LE4 5NS

Post Code: LE4 5NS

Council: Leicester

County: Leicestershire

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. We have over 400 parking spaces in our car park, including 23 enhanced accessibility spaces, charged at £4 per car and £5 per motorhome/minibus for the whole day (contactless or cash pay and display machines on site).
By Bus: 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).
By Train: East Midland Trains and Cross Country Trains serve Leicester Station. From here you can either take a bus or a taxi to the National Space Centre. First bus 54 runs every 10 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 20 minutes on Sunday from Charles Street, a short walk from the station.