Top Space and Science Destinations in the UK and Beyond

27th of Jun 2024

With the announcement that Harwell is hosting an open day this coming Saturday (29th June), it got us thinking about where you can go in the UK if you’re a space and science enthusiast (AKA space geek) looking for an inspirational and space/science-based day out with (or without) the kids.

So, with the summer holidays approaching, we’ve compiled our Top 10. This hasn’t been easy, as the UK has a variety of exciting destinations that cater to different ages and interests.

UK’s Top 10 (in our humble opinion):

  1. National Space Centre, Leicester, UK – An awesome day out dedicated to space exploration with a planetarium, rockets, and interactive displays.
  2. The Science Museum, London – It had to be on the list as one of the world’s most famous science museums, featuring extensive exhibits on space exploration and scientific achievements. They even host sleepovers!
  3. Royal Observatory, Greenwich and Greenwich Planetarium – this iconic site in London is home to the Prime Meridian and has a rich history in astronomy. The planetarium is part of the Royal Observatory and offers a variety of shows about the universe, stars, and planets.
  4. Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium – With a focus on interactive science and technology exhibits and a large planetarium, it’s ideal for children.
  5. W5 Interactive Discovery Centre, Belfast: Known for its engaging and interactive exhibits, enabling the exploration of science in a fun environment.
  6. Jodrell Bank Observatory: Situated in Cheshire, it is home to the famous Lovell Telescope and offers a visitor centre with interactive exhibits.
  7. International Centre for Life: Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, it is a science village that includes a museum, planetarium, and research facilities.
  8. Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum: Features a range industry exhibits, including a planetarium and a science garden.
  9. Glasgow Science Centre – offering a variety of hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and scientific displays specifically designed for children
  10. Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, East Sussex – this centre features historic telescopes and hands-on science exhibits.

We honestly think every one of these is worth a visit, and many of us have collectively attended.

We are also keen to know your favourites around the world. Our Top 5 list includes the ones below (but there are SO many to choose from):

  1. Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA – A fantastic day out and if you are lucky you could even experience a launch!
  2. Cité de l’Espace, Toulouse, France – with Life-size spacecraft models, planetarium shows, and interactive exhibits this is definite in the top places to visit
  3. National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C., USA – highlights include the Apollo 11 Command Module, Hubble Space Telescope model, and an IMAX theatre
  4. Miraikan, Tokyo, Japan – featuring many Space exploration exhibits, interactive science displays, and robot demonstrations.
  5. Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Ottawa, Ontario – focusing on the industry in Canada within an international context – from its beginnings in 1909 to today.

We’d love to know your favourites, and sharing them might just help inspire the next generation!

 

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