National Space Centre Rocket Tower and astronaut statue
National Space Centre

Accessible Afternoons

This is an accessible programme for all ages, designed for SEND visitors and those with additional needs who may benefit from a quieter experience during non-peak times.

Accessible Afternoon events feature relaxed lighting and sound throughout the galleries, along with hands-on sensory activities that can be enjoyed on a drop-in basis.

Your standard ticket includes a FREE Annual Pass upgrade, giving you unlimited visits to the Centre for a whole year*—including all Accessible Afternoon events. It also entitles you to a free planetarium show on your first visit.

*Excludes entry to Evening and Premium Events. Standard Terms and Conditions apply. 

Themes and Dates

  1. Accessible Afternoon - Humans in Space

    Accessible Afternoon - Humans in Space
    National Space Centre
    • 5th Oct 2025
    • 15:00-18:00

  2. Accessible Afternoon - Messages to Outer Space

    Accessible Afternoon - Messages to Outer Space
    National Space Centre
    • 9th Nov 2025
    • 15:00-18:00

  3. Accessible Afternoon - December

    Accessible Afternoon - December
    National Space Centre
    • 7th Dec 2025
    • 15:00-18:00

Access Information

 

Please note that these guides describe an average sensory experience which may vary on the day of your visit.

Accessibility Guide

Sensory Map

If you're purchasing a disabled concession ticket, you can add a free ticket for a Carer to assist you during your visit. Please bring proof of PIP or DLA to claim the free ticket.

The National Space Centre believes in #spaceforeveryone, and it is important that we support those who need additional support to access the premises. We are pleased therefore to welcome assistance dogs to the National Space Centre.


However, we would point out that our commitment to all also covers all visitors to the Centre.

  1. Our venue can become very busy with eager children with their families, or as part of an organised educational visit. There may also be loud or unfamiliar noises in the Centre. As such it may be difficult for a assistance animal to feel comfortable. If you are bringing an assistance animal, you may wish to consider talking to us in the first instance about quieter periods for a visit, or even to look for Accessible Afternoons or Quiet Space days.
  2. If you are registered with ADUK please do bring your passport with you. It is not a requirement of entry, but it will allow our team to know that the animal is trained and insured to deal with environments such as our own. This is our duty of care to all visitors, and the working animal.

If you have an Animal with you who becomes distressed, or is of danger to another member of public, we reserve the right to ask you to remove them.

We have 23 accessible parking spaces, alongside 400 general parking spaces. They are all charged at £4 for the whole day.

You can request a wheelchair, sensory packs and large print information for use during your visit*. Seating is available throughout the galleries.

If you need assistance or information during your visit, our Space Crew are available throughout the Centre and happy to help.

*Subject to availability

Male, female and accessible toilets can be found next to The Shop, alongside baby changing facilities. Our Changing Places facility can be found in our Live Space gallery, alongside additional toilets.

We offer subtitled and BSL assisted shows, as well as our guided, drop-in Tour of the Night Sky. The Planetarium has spaces for up to 6 wheelchairs and is fitted with an induction loop.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like to request assistance prior to your visit, please us contact via:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0116 261 0261

Please note: our offices are open Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00

An Education Presenter holding an air pressure control, with a child and their parent interacting with the controller.

Making #SpaceForEveryone Together

We’re committed to making the National Space Centre and its educational experiences welcoming and inclusive for as many people as possible.

We also recognise that individuals have different access needs and learning styles. This is why we’ve teamed up with partners such as AccessAble and Menphys to help shape our approach.

Through detailed audits and ongoing expert input, these collaborations have helped us introduce meaningful improvements—both large and small—that enhance the experience for all visitors. This is an evolving journey, and we’re continuing to review, listen, and improve as we go.

AccessAble Guide to the Space Centre