How to Get the Most Value from Your Annual Pass
- 29th Dec 2025
- Author: Elliott Langley - Marketing Administrator
If you have ever visited the National Space Centre, you have probably noticed the option to upgrade your tickets to an Annual Pass for free. But what is an Annual Pass, and why do we offer them for no extra cost?
I used to get asked this question a lot when I worked on Space Crew, and I liked to have a bit of fun by replying “we’re just really nice”, before I would give the actual explanation.
Space is a big topic to explore, and our exhibition is packed full of content. There are six galleries here, a Planetarium, a Rocket Tower boasting four floors, an immersive experience… and that is just on a standard day! No two days here are ever the same; we have got exciting special events, additional activities in the school holidays, inclusive days throughout the year, and much more.
And while I do think that we are really nice, the truth is the Annual Pass is there to give you time to enjoy the National Space Centre in a way that works for you, and to make it your own space. So for this Our Space, I’m going to help you to get the most value from your Annual Pass, and get your 2026 calendar filled up with days out and things to do.
How Do You Get An Annual Pass?
The answer? Simply buy a ticket! A day ticket to the National Space Centre is automatically upgraded to a free Annual Pass. You’ll enter your details during the booking process, and then you’ll be the proud owner of an Annual Pass under your name that you can start using straight away.
And if you Gift Aid your ticket, that extra support really helps our Charity. It allows us to look after the Centre, care for the collection, and keep creating experiences for visitors of all ages. It is a really easy way to support what we do here and out in the local community.
Your Space
Once you have got your Annual Pass, you have effectively got a ticket to a years' worth of visits and events for the price of one day out. That can mean a lot of different things, depending on how you use it.
For some people, it is about popping in for a couple of hours in an afternoon, rather than making a full day of it. For others, it is a reliable place to come during school holidays and support learning outside of the classroom. For others, it is somewhere familiar that children can grow more confident with over time. For others, it is a place to escape to.
There is no right or wrong way to use your Annual Pass. Many visitors tell us they notice new details on each visit; something they walked past before, or an exhibit they did not get a chance to last time. The value really comes from returning when you feel like it and getting exactly what you want from your visit.
A Wide Range of Days Out
There are lots of events and activities included with your Annual Pass throughout the year. These change depending on the school termtime and the time of year, so there’s often something different happening whenever you visit.
Your pass includes access to events like:
- To Boldly Game
- School holiday activities
- Small Space Days
- Quiet Space
- Accessible Afternoons
- UK in Space Festival
- Special one-day events, such as anniversary celebrations.
Make sure to have a look at what is coming up and so that you can think about which events you would like to visit during the year.
Because you do not have to choose just one. With an Annual Pass, you already have tickets to every event listed above.
Premium Events and Evening events are not included in the Annual Pass offer and require a separate ticket.
Make Your Plans Early
Even with an Annual Pass, you will need to book your visit in advance. We have limited capacity each day, and booking ahead helps make sure everyone has space to enjoy their time here.
It is especially important during busy periods like school holidays or event days. Booking early just means one less thing to think about before your visit, so make sure to secure your spot before departing.
While You Are With Us
If you fancy a break during your visit, Boosters Café is a great place to stop for a coffee or something to eat. And if you would like to take a little reminder home, the Shop has a range of space-themed gifts and souvenirs.
Spending a bit of time in either helps support the Centre and the work we do as a charity, and we appreciate every single purchase made, no matter how great or small.
The Perfect Gift
An Annual Pass also makes a perfect gift. Instead of a single day out, it gives someone the chance to come back again and again over the year.
For families, it can become part of their routine. For space fans, it is a chance to take things slowly and really enjoy the Centre. And because there is no pressure to do it all, it is a thoughtful option for people of all ages.
Make the Most of Your Pass
Hopefully this explains why we have the Annual Pass in place! It really is there to help you feel at home at the National Space Centre, so that you can come back when you want to, stay as long as you like, and fully experience the galleries and exhibits in your own time.
Whether you visit often or just now and then, each visit adds something new. So take your time, explore at your own pace, and enjoy having a space to come back to. It doesn’t matter if you are a frequent visitor, a local family looking for great value days out, or someone who simply loves space; your Annual Pass is designed to work for you.
We’re looking forward to seeing you back here very soon!
