National Space Centre

National Space Centre: space outreach in Leicester

The National Space Centre is an educational centre and space-themed attraction located in Leicester (United Kingdom). It presents itself as a non-profit institution — specifically, an educational charity — whose stated mission is to bring space to the public in an accessible, educational and entertaining way. According to its own website, all income generated goes towards the care of its collection and exhibitions and to the programming of science activities on-site, online and in the community.

Facilities and permanent experiences

The centre structures its offer around several spaces and experiences. These include the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, which the website describes as the largest in the United Kingdom, and the Tetrastar Spaceport. It also includes the Rocket Tower, galleries and exhibitions, a shop and the Boosters Café. The 'Outer Solar System' experience is presented as an immersive and interactive new addition to explore icy moons, storms and distant worlds.

Events and activities programme

The centre's programme combines family, evening and educational events. The 'Spooky Space Season' (17 October – 1 November 2026) includes Halloween workshops, cosmic crafts, hands-on science and demonstrations, as well as a family day with science shows and magic demonstrations. Other announced events include Cosmic Country Night (10 October 2026), with live country music, line dancing, American food, themed drinks and a bucking bronco; the Halloween Film Club in the planetarium, with screenings of The Conjuring (24 October 2026) and Monsters Inc (1 November 2026); and the Crime & Dine event (30 October 2026), which combines a three-course dinner with forensic challenges and a CSI investigation.

The programme also includes activities for specific audiences: Space Cadets Online (21 and 28 October 2026), an online club for children aged 7 to 11; the Accessible Afternoon (8 November 2026), designed for visitors with additional needs and disabilities who would benefit from a quieter environment; the AstroSnores Sleepover (20 November 2026, 11 June 2027 and 26 November 2027), a camping experience under the stars; and Small Space Day (26 November 2026, 8 January 2027 and 28 May 2027), a day for children aged 2 to 5 with stories, crafts, songs and a planetarium session designed with Early Years specialists. In addition, the centre programmes a fulldome experience based on Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon (21 November 2026), with ten tracks accompanied by 360° visuals.

Tickets, passes and accessibility

The announced admission policy is 'Pay Once, Visit All Year': the ticket includes the possibility of upgrading it free of charge to an annual pass, so that the visitor can return at no cost for twelve months. The website indicates that the best-value tickets are obtained by booking online in advance. The centre has an accessibility guide, sensory sessions and accessible afternoons, and offers information on how to get there, opening times and ticket prices.

Education, collection and activity as a charity

The National Space Centre defines itself as an educational charity and channels its outreach activity through school programmes, events and online resources. The website mentions other linked initiatives: NSC Creative, the National Space Academy and the Sponsor a Footstep donation programme, which allows financial support for the project and leaving a mark at the centre. The organisation also publishes equality, diversity and inclusion policies, as well as statements on modern slavery and ethics.

Visitor reviews

The site collects testimonials from visitors on Google Reviews and Tripadvisor, dated August and September 2026, which highlight the planetarium, the interactive exhibitions, the historical information and the staff's attention. Several reviews mention the free annual pass as an incentive to repeat the visit.

Location and contact

The National Space Centre, Exploration Drive, SPACE CITY, Leicester LE4 5NS · Telephone: (0)116 261 0261 · Opening times: Monday to Friday: 09:00-17:00. Open today: 10:00-17:00.