Family with two small children in the LIVE Space talks area
National Space Centre

May Half Term - Mission Space

Launch into adventure this May half term with Mission Space! Enjoy family talks, hands-on workshops, and a thrilling trip on the Tharsis spacecraft at the National Space Centre.
  • 23rd - 31st May 2026
  • Save when you book online
  • Book early to guarantee entry
  • Award-winning fun
  • Hands-on discovery – free drop-in workshops, talks, and science activities

Book Now

Two children in goggles looking at each other in Home Planet gallery
National Space Centre

Get ready for lift-off this May half term as Mission Space lands at the award-winning National Space Centre.

Step aboard the Tharsis spacecraft for an unforgettable journey from the Tetrastar Spaceport, take part in interactive workshops, and enjoy live presentations that bring the excitement of space travel to life.

With the whole Centre to explore — from rockets to astronauts — it’s the ultimate family day out for all space explorers and their crew.

Book Now to Save Money and Guarantee Entry

Mother and child in a wheelchair interacting in Home Planet at Accessible Afternoons
National Space Centre

Your Mission Space adventure is just the beginning!

All online tickets include an automatic free Annual Pass upgrade*, giving you unlimited return visits for a whole year. Experience our award-winning fulldome show inside the UK’s largest planetarium, refuel in Boosters Café under giant rockets with freshly prepared local food, and browse the National Space Centre shop for exclusive mementos that support our charity mission. With over 400 parking spaces, full Changing Places and accessible facilities, and plenty to see and do, the National Space Centre has #SpaceForEveryone — and everything you need for an unforgettable family day out.

*terms and conditions apply

Planetarium Shows

Included in your first visit is one of our award-winning shows in the UK’s largest planetarium. Sit back and enjoy this fulldome experience where you can take a tour through the Solar System, discover what it takes to be an astronomer, or be guided through the night sky without light pollution or the British weather to hamper you.

Annual Pass holders can book an additional show upon arrival, subject to availability, for £5 per person.

  1. Footprint on Mars from One Step Beyond
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    One Step Beyond

    From our first baby steps we become dedicated explorers of our environment. The last century has seen us take our boldest step yet, into the deadly vacuum of space, to set our feet on the Moon. As we push ourselves to explore further and take our next big step, where might our curiosity lead us? The red planet, Mars, has long captured our imagination, but if we want to take our first steps on another planet, it won’t be an easy ride. How can governments, private companies, and people from all walks of life come together to tackle these extraordinary challenges, and could we uncover evidence of ancient Martian life? 

  2. We Are Astronomers
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    We Are Astronomers

    Do you know what an astronomer does?

    Today’s astronomer is not the lone observer of past centuries. We Are Astronomers reveals the global collaboration, technology and dedication required to answer the unresolved questions of the Universe. We Are Astronomers, narrated by David Tennant, is an exciting 360° fulldome digital planetarium show with input from UK astronomers.

  3. Tour Of The Night Sky

    Tour of the Night Sky

    Join a member of our Discovery team for an immersive Planetarium experience, sit back and relax as we journey together through the wonders of the Universe. Your presenter will guide you around the current, seasonal, night-time sky before venturing into space for a unique perspective of Earth and other more distant celestial objects.