Trains to the National Space Centre
Located right in the heart of Leicester, the National Space Centre is a popular and educational space that provides out-of-this-world experiences for the whole family. With so much to explore and learn, why not catch a train to the National Space Centre with CrossCountry?
How to get to the National Space Centre by train
Visiting the National Space Centre is easy by train, just catch a CrossCountry service to Leicester station, from popular areas across the country, including Birmingham New Street, Cambridge, and Sheffield.
Once you’ve arrived in Leicester, there are buses available that will get you to the centre in under thirty minutes. Alternatively, the walk is forty-five minutes.
Things to do at the National Space Centre
The National Space Centre is the place to be for all things astronomy, with a huge variety of events throughout the year aimed to excite curious little minds. Plus, their year-round exhibitions and installations are worth a visit at any time, uncovering the wonder of space travel for little kids and big kids alike.
One of the most popular attractions at the National Space Centre is the Rocket Tower. Marked by the famous bronze astronaut statue, The Pioneer, the 42-metre tower is wrapped in ETFE, a lightweight, transparent material that gives it that distinctive bubble look. You might recognise it from the Eden Project in Cornwall, where it’s used in a similar way. There are four exhibition decks open to the public that showcase unforgettable moments in the history of astronomy, such as the space race and the history of rocketry.
Undoubtedly, the most impressive part of the National Space Centre is the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, the largest planetarium in the UK. Inside, visitors can marvel at the wonders of the universe all around them in a collection of unique shows and stories, including the history of the moon landing and our adventures to Mars.
The Tetrastar Spaceport gives visitors the unique opportunity to join a rescue mission on Mars. Participants must work together to ensure their safe arrival back to Earth. Throughout the experience, there are a number of interactive tasks your crew must complete to achieve the mission. Suitable for children aged 5 and over, this immersive experience is a great activity for all the family to get involved in.
There is still plenty to discover and learn about in other parts of the National Space Centre, including more information closer to home, and how our immediate environment is changing. Learn how satellites in space are helping monitor the health of our planet and how we can help improve our home. Another fun activity for all ages is the Live Space section of the centre, where experts take to the stage to highlight the curiosities of space. These talks are held throughout the summer holidays, perfect for any budding astronomer.
About the National Space Centre
Established in 2001, the National Space Centre has inspired millions of visitors to open their minds to the marvels of the universe. Today, the centre is still the only dedicated museum for space exploration in the UK, welcoming 300,000 visitors a year, of which 80,000 are schoolchildren.
The centre has also been the home for the University of Leicester’s Space Research Centre in the past and has helped in the Beagle 2’s mission to Mars by being the mission control centre in 2003. It has also had various astronauts come to visit and recount tales of their exploration into outer space to help inspire the next generation of astronauts.
If you’re planning to visit the National Space Centre in Leicester, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
