From 4 to 10 October 2023, stargazers, would-be astronauts, and science fans will all come together to celebrate World Space Week.
The UK has some amazing space-based attractions, from the Science Museum London and Jodrell Bank to Leicester’s National Space Centre.
Full of incredible objects, interactive experiences, and incredible stories, these are great places to take children or grandchildren this autumn, with plenty on offer for adults too.
Here are five to visit now.
1. The National Space Centre, Leicester
Leicester’s National Space Centre features a huge number of exhibits, hands-on experiences, and chances to find out more about every aspect of space.
From the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium – the UK’s largest – to the Tetrastar Spaceport, you’ll be able to journey to the stars and out into the farthest reaches of the solar system.
Within the iconic 42-metre-high Rocket Tower you’ll find the Blue Streak and Thor Able rockets. Over four decks, you’ll be able to experience the true scale of the machines that launched men into space while learning everything there is to know about the history of the Space Race.
With food and drink onsite and loads to see and do for children of all ages, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained all day.
2. The Science Museum in London
London’s Science Museum features inspirational and award-winning exhibits that tell the fascinating story of human beings’ incredible scientific achievements.
And foremost among our achievements is the conquering of space.
The museum’s Exploring Space gallery is an incredible record of our journey so far. It features a full-sized replica of the Eagle, the lander from which Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin famously stepped onto the surface of the moon.
You’ll also find a full-size replica of the Huygens module that landed on Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, in 2005 and a model of the Beagle 2 Mars lander.
As well as models and replicas, you’ll find two real rockets, a British Black Arrow and a United States Scout. Plus, there is a sample of the asteroid Ryugu, which is 4.6 billion years old – roughly the same age as our solar system!
Explore the exhibits further to learn about the history of the Space Age and what it’s like to live in space – including breathing, eating, drinking and even going to the toilet – sure to appeal to grandchildren!
To round off your trip, see the actual Soyuz TMA-19M descent module that safely carried astronaut Tim Peake back from the International Space Station in 2016.
3. Winchester Science Museum and Planetarium
For impressive fully immersive exhibits and epic live shows, you could do a lot worse than visit the Winchester Science Museum and Planetarium.
Presenter-led experiences will inspire you with an amazing array of ever-changing journeys through the solar system, where curiosity and interactivity are encouraged. Or opt for a fulldome film, which is great for the kids. Simply sit back and relax as the 360-degree show captures your imagination and takes your breath away.
Away from the planetarium, you’ll find Explorer:Space. Kids will love feeling part of their very own space mission, with plenty of items on display (from meteorites to robots) and hands-on experiences to explore.
Play with the gravity well to find out how spaceships travel through the solar system or discover how the infrared light of heat can help you sign your name on the floor in the Heat Proof exhibit.
4. Glasgow Science Centre
Another science museum packed with space exhibits is the Glasgow Science Centre. It also features its own planetarium.
The state-of-the-art fulldome digital projection system features live presenter-led shows as well as films.
Alongside exhibits teaching about technology and sustainability, nurturing your scientific mind, and the quantum technology of the future, you’ll find the Space Zone.
This immersive walk through the solar system can be found on the way to the Planetarium. A chance to learn more about the planets and stars that make up our solar system, you’ll learn how to spot the most commonly seen constellations.
Also, be sure to grab a photo at the Cupola and pretend that you’re on board the International Space Station.
5. Jodrell Bank, Cheshire
Jodrell Bank is famous for its landmark radio telescopes that detect radio waves from space. Among its four radio telescopes is the Lovell, which has stood tall within the Cheshire landscape since 1957. It was given a Heritage Grade I listing in 1988.
The world-leading observatory is owned by the University of Manchester and is part of its School of Physics and Astronomy. As a world heritage site and a live scientific research facility, it looks into areas like:
- Galaxies and galaxy clusters, black holes, and dark matter
- Cosmic background radiation and theories of the early universe
- The formation of stars and galaxies and interstellar dust
- Extreme physics and theories of gravity
- Magnetic fields and the search for new planets orbiting other stars.
Jodrell Bank offers incredible learning opportunities for schools and home learners, as well as families and community groups.
