National Space Centre, Leicester

With it’s 42 metre high rocket tower, the UK’s largest domed planetarium and six galleries of space suits, rockets, satellites, meteorites, the National Space Centre in Leicester is one of the best places we’ve ever been. There’s so many interactive displays and so many things to look at. I think it’s a place that children can enjoy more as they get older, my toddler did find the size of it quite overwhelming. He most loved the full size mock-up of the Columbus module of the International Space Station – so many buttons and switches to press! He even wanted to dress up in his astronaut outfit we had taken with us. It was fascinating to look at space food, an astronaut toilet and even a piece of the moon.

There’s a simulator, a ‘weather pod’ where you can pretend to be a weather reporter and real rocket capsules. Yes it was a bit of a drive for us but it was such an exciting day out for both adults and children. We went in January 2016 – it cost £14 for adults, £11 for children and under 5s are free. They currently have an offer where you can upgrade your ticket to an annual pass for free, bargain! Definitely check their website for opening days and times – there are certain Mondays when they’re closed and the times do vary. Also bear in mind prices, special events and exhibitions will change throughout the year… and there are certain conditions attached to the annual pass.

TIME FROM MK – 1hr 10mins – 1hr 20 mins depending on where you are

ADDRESS – National Space Centre, Exploration Drive, Leicester, LE4 5NS

TEL – 0845 605 2001