How to Have the Best Visit During Our Busiest Times
- 6th Feb 2026
- Author: Elliott Langley - Marketing Administrator
If you are planning a visit during one of our busier periods, then you are certainly not alone. Some of our most popular times of year include February half-term and October half-term, special event days such as Brickish Weekend, and the winter months when the weather encourages people to seek out indoor adventures. We are incredibly grateful that so many people choose to spend their time with us; it is a real privilege, and it means our educational charity can continue its mission.
Busy days can feel a little different from quieter ones. While we have a set visitor capacity that we never exceed, high demand can still mean that the National Space Centre feels lively, energetic, and bustling. With a bit of planning, you can make sure your visit is enjoyable and full of the experiences that matter most to you.
For this Our Space, I am going to share a few simple ways to help you get the most out of your day, even when we are at our busiest.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
One of the easiest ways to set yourself up for a great visit is to book in advance, as that guarantees your entry on the day you want to come and allows you to pick your preferred time slot to watch a Planetarium show. Not only that, your ticket is automatically upgraded to a free Annual Pass during the booking process.
Our website's Plan & Explore section is a great place to think about how you would like to spend your time before you arrive; here you can see a list of our Galleries, find out more about our Planetarium shows, and even see our Collection online. Taking a few minutes to look through what is on offer can help you decide what you do not want to miss. Some visitors like to arrive with a loose plan in mind, while others prefer to see where the day takes them. Either approach works well, but having a sense of your priorities can be particularly helpful on busy days.
Timing Your Day
Busy periods often mean busy lunchtimes. Bringing your own packed lunch can give you more flexibility and help you avoid queues at peak times. Alternatively, many visitors find that eating slightly earlier or later than the traditional lunchtime rush (12:00 – 14:00) makes a noticeable difference.
We also highly recommend giving yourself plenty of time when arriving at the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium. Joining the queue for the show 10 minutes before it is due gives you the opportunity to choose a seat, and it also helps our staff in getting everyone seated and ready to enjoy an award-winning show.
Staying Hydrated (and Caffeinated)
Bringing a refillable water bottle is a small thing that goes a long way. We have water stations located around the Centre, so you can top up throughout your visit and stay refreshed.
And if you need a caffeine boost, our Café is fully stocked with locally-sourced coffees and teas to help refuel your rocket engines. During the busiest times, we provide a pop-up café, giving you another option for getting a snack or a hot drink.
Come Back for Free and See Anything You Miss
Whether it was because it was busy, time ran away with you, or you simply wanted to linger longer somewhere else, you can come back and enjoy it another time with your Annual Pass.
Many visitors tell us that knowing this takes the pressure off and allows them to focus on what interests them most, and enjoy the experience rather than rushing through it.
In fact, some of the best visits happen over multiple trips, with each one offering something slightly different.
We are Here to Help, Before and During Your Visit
If you have questions ahead of time, please do not hesitate to get in touch before your visit. Whether you are wondering about accessibility, busy periods, or how best to plan your day, our team is always happy to help.
If you need anything at all during your visit, directions, advice, or just a friendly face, please speak to a member of our Space Crew team. We are here to make your day as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Choosing the Right Day for You
While busy periods are full of energy and excitement, we understand that they are not for everyone. If you know you would prefer a quieter experience, there are options available. Quiet Space days and Accessible Afternoons are specifically designed with this in mind, and visiting later in the day during term time can also offer a quieter atmosphere.
If you are unsure what would work best for you or your group, we would always encourage you to talk to us. Everyone’s needs are different, and we are more than happy to help you pick a time that feels right.
Thank You for Supporting our Charity
We are incredibly fortunate to welcome so many visitors, particularly during our busiest times, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who supports the charity by coming to see us. Your visits make a real difference to our educational charity, and we never take that for granted.
Whether it is your first visit or one of many, we hope you have an amazing time with us. We cannot wait to welcome you.
