Child with ear defenders in Into Space gallery at Accessible Afternoon
National Space Centre

Accessible Afternoon

An afternoon to support children, young adults and families with additional needs and disabilities, designed for SEND visitors who would benefit from a quieter experience.

  • 7th Dec 2025, 11th Jan 2026, 15th Mar 2026, 10th May 2026, 12th Jul 2026, 6th Sep 2026, 8th Nov 2026
  • Accessible Activities 15:00-18:00
  • Included in standard entry
  • Can be booked using Annual Pass
  • Hands-On Sensory Activities
  • Arrive from 10:00 for Centre entry

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  1. Science Communicator with mother and children at an Accessible Afternoon
    National Space Centre

    Accessible Afternoons

    Buy a standard day ticket, or use your Annual Pass to book a return visit. You can arrive at any point during the day, but at 15:00 our Accessible Afternoon begins.

    Tickets include full access to the award-winning National Space Centre, including the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium. You can select a subtitled show, a drop in Tour of the Night Sky (you can come as go as you feel comfortable), or any show during the day if you prefer.

    This is an accessible programme for all ages, that combines relaxed lighting and sounds around the Centre, with hands-on sensory activities. All activities are drop-in, to allow visitors to experience them in their own time.

    Book Now

Accessibility 

Lighting and sound levels will be managed throughout the attraction, as well as hands-on activities designed to be accessible to visitors with additional needs.

The sessions have been timed to allow children, adults and families to visit out of hours, with very low visitor numbers and no large groups on site.

  1. Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium
    National Space Centre

    Planetarium

    When you buy your ticket you can select any shows during the day, however, after 15:00 we add subtitled, BSL, or free flow show options for you to select.

    Annual Pass holders can book to attend the day online, and add a show by purchasing upon arrival. 

    Our Drop in Tour of the Night Sky allows you to explore the wonders of the Universe, in our accessible planetarium experience. Take this opportunity to stay as long as you like to wonder at the stars and ask questions you’ve always wondered about space. 

    Don't worry, if you don't think a fulldome show is for you just book the NO SHOW ticket and enjoy the rest of the Centre instead.

Added Activities

  1. Child in Into Space gallery at Accessible Afternoon
    National Space Centre

    Craft Sessions

    Get hands on with an activity based on the theme of the month. These are drop-in, so you can fit them in around your other activities. 

  2. Family participating in a workshop at Accessible Afternoon
    National Space Centre

    Hands-On Science

    Our Discovery team will be offering hands-on science sessions for you to drop-in throughout the Accessible Afternoon session. These follow the monthly theme, so will be different each time. 

  3. Bubbles and lights as part of sensory play in LIVE Space
    National Space Centre

    Sensory Space

    Spend some time in our sensory space. Moving stars, sensory toys, and a big area of sensory goodies for you to discover. 

FAQs

SEN/SEND children, adults and families.

Yes, just use the online booking page to book your return visit for this date.

From accessible parking upon arrival, to easy to access gradual ramp entrances, hearing loops, sensory backpacks on loan, wheelchair access, accessible toilets and a Changing Place, as well as regular seating areas, textured flooring, trained staff and lots of activities that have been created in consultation with many disability groups, we have worked hard to make #SpaceForEveryone

No, once purchased the tickets are non-refundable, however, if you are unable to attend please email [email protected] with your booking details and we can move you to the next Accessible Afternoon.