National Space Centre: The epic space centre near Nottingham that's home to the UK's biggest planetarium

Here at Nottingham World, we’re passionate about all things space. We love to learn about the stars, planets, and our universe.

Judging by the number of page views we get from stories about meteor showers, stargazing spots, and astrological events, you do too.

Given our shared interest in the world ‘up there’ we thought it would be fitting to tell you a little bit about the National Space Centre - which happens to be just down the road in Leicester.

Read more: Days out near Nottingham

The perfect day trip from Nottingham, the National Space Centre is a place for wannabe astronauts to go and learn about our solar system.

It is home to the UK’s largest planetarium and a 42-metre-high rocket tower housing two real rockets, the Blue Streak and Thor Able.

The rocket tower includes interactive exhibits about the history of space travel and the science behind rocket technology.

Inside the space centre, you can view displays of real spacecraft, including the Apollo Lunar Module, Soyuz capsule, and satellites.

You can find out more about the missions these spacecraft were part of and their impact on space exploration.

The Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium is the largest in the UK. It features immersive shows about the night sky, the solar system, and beyond, with stunning visuals and expert narration.

The dream to go up into space is one we all share, and while few will ever experience it for real, we can practice at the Space Centre.

It has interactive exhibits where visitors can experience what it’s like to train as an astronaut. This includes a simulated spacewalk, fitness tests, and other astronaut activities.

The Universe Gallery allows you to explore the vastness of the universe, from the Big Bang to the present day. It includes exhibits on galaxies, black holes, and the potential for life on other planets (yep, we’re talking Aliens).

One of the highlights is the collection of space oddities including meteorites and space food.

The National Space Centre hosts astronomy evenings and space camps as well as events during the school holidays.

The Space Centre is also home to an interactive area designed like a space station on the Moon.

Here you can take part in activities including driving a lunar rover, launching a rocket, and conducting scientific experiments.

The National Space Centre, located in Leicester, is one of the UK's leading visitor attractions dedicated to space science and astronomy.

It takes less than an hour to get to from Nottingham via the A46.

Address: National Space Centre, Exploration Drive, Leicester, LE4 5NS, UK.