National Space Centre- Access Guide

Welcome to the National Space Centre’s Access Guide. We aim to provide a high level of customer care to all of our visitors, and we hope that this guide will assist you in getting the most out of your visit.

Contents

  1. Planning your visit
  2. Facilities available
  • All disabled visitors
  • Visitors with visual impairments
  • Visitors with hearing impairments
  • Wheelchair users or with mobility difficulties
  • Visitors with autism
  • Visitors with epilepsy
  • Spoken pre visit information
  • Written pre visit information
  • How to get to the National Space Centre
  1. On arrival

2.1 Opening times & prices

2.2 Car park

2.3 Main entrance

  1. During your visit

3.1 Toilets and facilities

3.2 Medical assistance

3.3 Seating

3.4 Catering

  1. Making the most of your visit

4.1 Planetarium show

4.2 Simulator ride

4.3 Rocket Tower

  1. Leaving
  2. Contact information
  3. Feedback
  1. Planning your visit

1.1Facilities available

  • All disabled visitors

Concessionary tickets are available to visitors with a disability; this includes a free annual pass when paying the full concessionary price (£11).

Essential carers and personal assistants receive free entry.

  • Visitors with visual impairments

Large print information is available on request. This includes a copy of the guide book and a transcript of the current show in the Planetarium. A magnifying glass with a built in light is also available to facilitate reading in the Planetarium/around the Centre.

Assistance dogs are welcome in the Centre, and we are happy to provide drinking water on request.

Lighting around the main Gallery areas is ambient and dim, in keeping with the theme of space. Many exhibits are highlighted with spotlights, and most of the audio-visual displays are subtitled.

We are pleased to be able to offer a free ‘objects in space’ busk to our visitors with visual impairments. These are sessions held in a quiet room where our guests can find out about, and touch, real meteorites that are billions of years old, as well as handle objects that form an essential part of an astronaut’s toolkit. Pre booking is essential for these sessions and can be arranged by contacting our Bookings Team on 0116 2582111 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm).

  • Visitors with hearing impairments

For our visitors with hearing impairments, we have a portable Induction Loop based at the main ticketing desks. Please ask a member of staff if you would like to make use of this facility.

To ensure you enjoy our award winning shows in the Planetarium, we have a fixed Induction Loop situated towards the rear of the auditorium. The seats within range of the loop are clearly labelled with a yellow ‘Induction Loop’ sign. To guarantee a seat within this area during busy periods, please enquire at the till when purchasing your tickets.

We can also provide a pad of paper and a pencil for visitors who would prefer to communicate by written means.

Most of the audio-visual displays are subtitled.

  • Wheelchair users and visitors with mobility difficulties

The National Space Centre is spread over four levels. All floors are accessible via one of our three lifts. Each lift is wide enough to accommodate one large, electric wheelchair, and three people standing. Staff are located around the Centre and are happy to provide assistance.

We have three manual wheelchairs that are available to borrow on the day on a first come first served basis, or by pre-booking. To pre-book a wheelchair, please contact the main reception on: 0116 2610261 (available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm).

The Cargo Bay gift shop is located on the ground floor and allows easy access for wheelchair users. The entrance doors are kept permanently open during the day.

The café is also situated on the ground floor and is currently undergoing renovation. Catering services during this time may be limited; however, we have taken measures to ensure that the facility remains accessible to all visitors.Staff are always on hand to offer assistance.

  • Visitors with autism

During busy periods, we are happy to be able to provide fast-track entry for visitors with autism. Please either let us know in advance of your visit or on arrival.

We are able to provide a quiet area for visitors who may experience sensory disturbance. The availability and location of this area may vary- please ask a member of staff during your visit for more information.

Certain exhibits portraying rocket launches and cosmic explosions are accompanied by loud noises that people who experience sensory disturbances may wish to avoid during the visit. These include the Rocket Launch in the seating area of the café, the Blast Off Experience in the Into Space gallery and the Big Bang exhibit in the Exploring The Universe gallery. If you have any concerns about loud noises or flashing images during your visit, please do not hesitate to talk to a member of staff.

  • Visitors with epilepsy

All of our exhibits have been designed to conform to stringent Health & Safety standards; however, due to the nature of photosensitive epilepsy, visitors experiencing this condition may wish to avoid the following areas: The Planetarium (surround sound and fast moving images), the Simulator (surround sound, fast moving 3D images and motion of the ride itself), the Big Bang exhibit in the Exploring The Universe gallery (short strobe lighting effect). If you have any concerns about loud noises or flashing images during your visit, please do not hesitate to talk to a member of staff.

1.2Spoken pre information

Information line: 0845 605 2001

The main information line hasspoken information on prices, opening times, special events, directions to/from the National Space Centre, and public transport information. The main operator can be contacted at any time by selecting option 3, and is happy to discuss any special requirements or to answer any further questions(available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm).

Office phone line: 0116 2610261

The main office phone number offers the same spoken information as the main information line (option 1) as well as shortcuts to specific departments should you wish to book a corporate event or make a group booking. The main operator can be contacted by selecting option 7(available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm).

1.3Written pre information

Comprehensive written information on all aspects of the National Space Centre can be found at including the opportunity to book tickets online.

Enlarged copies of the Accessibility Statement, as well as enlarged copies of the Guidebook and Planetarium scripts are available on request for free on arrival, or can be posted in advance of your visit (P&P payable).

We welcome contact by email or fax. If you have a question, please email or fax 0116 2582100 (service available during office hours Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm).

1.4How to get to the National Space Centre

The National Space Centre is located just off the A6, two miles north of Leicester City Centre (approx. 20 minutes walking time).

For visitors travelling by car, look for the brown road signs with a distinctive rocket logo which will direct you from the motorway and arterial routes.

By Train-From Leicester Train Station visitors can travel to the National Space Centre either by bus or taxi. The station is situated a short walk from the city centre bus stops (approx. 1 mile). Exiting the station, turn right and follow signs to the City Centre. Alternatively Black Taxi Cabs are available outside the station and are wheelchair accessible.

By Bus-First Bus 54 and Centre Bus (54A) runs from Charles Street every 10 minutes Monday –Saturday, starting from 6.30am and on Sunday every 20 mins, starting at 9.30am (wheelchair accessible). The nearest bus stop is on Abbey Lane and there is a short walk to the Space Centre, along Exploration Drive, past ASDA.

  1. On Arrival

2.1Opening times & prices

Please go to:for an up-to-date list of our opening times and prices

2.2Car Park

Entrance to the main car park is via Exploration Drive. Please be aware that there are speed bumps both in the car park and on Exploration Drive.

There are 23 widened spaces that are designated accessible parking spaces. Please ensure that your blue badge is displayed at all times when using these parking spaces. For visitors requiring accessible parking, but not in possession of a blue badge, please contact the main reception in advance of your visit (0116 2610261- available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm); alternatively speak to a member of staff on arrival.

The surface of the car park is tarmac throughout. It is well lit and has clear signage.

In additional to the main car park, there is an overflow car park situated across the road, as well as an adjacent coach park.

The distance from the furthest accessible parking space to the main visitor entrance is 125m. The path leading from the car park down to the main entrance is 4.8m wide. Part of the path has a ramped section which conforms to DDA regulations. There are two sets of handrails on either side of the ramp, and the surface is levelled concrete.

A closer drop off point to the building can be arranged for visitors who require this service. Please contact the main reception in advance of your visit on 0116 2610261 (available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm). Please note, this requires escorting your vehicle down the ramp. As the ramp is the main point of access for pedestrians, you may be required to wait until it is safe for us to do so.

2.3Main entrance

The main entrance has two wide, automatic doors.

Once inside, the ticketing desks are straight ahead, the café is to the left and the gift shop is to the right. There is a set of accessible toilets just beyond the gift shop.

The Front of House area is a wide, open plan, well lit area.

There is a cash point on site that is free to use.

  1. During your visit

3.1Toilets and facilities

There are three sets of public toilets located throughout the Centre, all of which are located on the ground floor. All have at least one accessible toilet. There are also three baby changing rooms within the Centre.

Our accessible toilets feature:

  • Low level hand basin with lever taps.
  • Low level hand drier
  • Good overhead lighting
  • Non-slip flooring
  • Transfer rail next to the toilet
  • Low level light switch with hook
  • Low level emergency alarm cord with hook
  • Waste bin for tampons
  • Bin for biological waste (no sharp item disposal available)
  • Colour contrast between the blue floor and white walls define the wall/floor meeting point

3.2Medical assistance

If you require medical assistance during your visit, please speak to a member of staff who will contact a member of the First Aid team.

3.3Seating

We have ample seating within the main Front of House area, as well as around the Hub area of the galleries. If you require additional seating during your visit, please speak to a member of staff who will be happy to provide you with additional seating.

3.4Catering facilities

We are proud to support local businesses, and where possible, all food is locally sourced. We offer vegetarian and gluten-free hot and cold menu options, and we do not knowingly include GM ingredients in our food. We have a wide range of menus to suit all tastes; however, if you have any special dietary requirements, please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff.

Our picnic area is located in the Courtyard, just in front of the main entrance. The benches are wooden and non-moveable. Where possible, we also offer an indoor picnic area subject to availability on the day.

In line with the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation Act 2014, we are happy to provide additional information on all of the potential allergens in our food.

Our café is counter service; staff are happy to assist by bringing food to your table should you require it.

  1. Making the most of your visit

4.1Planetarium

As part of your visit, you will get to see a show in our amazing Planetarium. The time and the name of your show are printed on your ticket. Please arrive at the entrance to the Planetarium at least five minutes before your show is due to start to avoid missing it.

There are six wheelchair spaces in the Planetarium; we aim to seat visitors in wheelchairs and visitors with mobility issues before other members of the general public for comfort and safety. If you wish to be prioritised, please make this known to a member of staff on arrival.

4.2Simulator ride (the SIM)

Take a journey to one of Jupiter’s moons, Europa, and experience the thrill of futuristic space flight.

All riders must be at least 1.2m (120cm) tall to ride the SIM.

Visitors who are able to embark and disembark the Simulatorwithout assistance are welcome to ride. There are an initial four steps from the pre-show room to the Simulator room, followed by a further seven to ten stepsto the ride itself. Visitors who are unable to access the Simulator unaided can watch the same show from the Mission Control Room.

Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult in order to ride. Members of staff cannot be responsible for an under 14 whilst an accompanying adult rides the Simulator.

The Simulator is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions; please refer to the list displayed in the Tranquillity Base prior to boarding.

4.3Rocket Tower

The National Space Centre’s iconic Rocket Tower has become a landmark on the Leicester skyline. Take a journey of discovery to learn how the Soviet Union and the United States of America both wanted to achieve the honour of being the first to reach space. Also, don’t miss our two real rockets – Blue Streak and Thor Able, as well as our piece of genuine Moon rock.

Access to the Rocket Tower is by the stairs or the lifts. There are 164 steps from the first deck to the top deck. Initial access to the Tower is via the mezzanine level and can be reached using the lift located in the Into Space gallery. Once on the mezzanine level, the remaining two decks can be accessed via one of the two glass lifts in the Tower itself.

For Fire and Evacuation reasons, we kindly ask that no more than two wheelchair users occupy any one deck of the Tower at a time.

Evac chairs are located throughout the Tower, and all of our staff have been trained in their usage.

  1. Leaving

By Bus- First Bus (54) and Centre Bus (54A) departing from Abby Lane both run servicestowards the City Centre every 10 minutes during the week and on Saturdays, and every 20 minutes on a Sunday.

By Taxi- a member of staff would be happy to assist in booking a taxi for you. Please ask at the Ticketing desk when you wish to leave. The Taxi collection point is at the top of the entrance ramp, near to the motorbike parking area.

Annual passes-why not upgrade your day ticket to an annual pass to enjoy a year’s worth of visits to the National Space Centre. Speak to a member of staff during your visit or click here for more information

  1. Contact information

Address: / National Space Centre
Exploration Drive
Leicester
LE4 5NS
Information line: / 0845 605 2001
Main office line: / 0116 2610261(Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm)
Fax / 0116 258 2111
Email: /
Website: /
  1. Feedback

We welcome feedback on all aspects of your visit- both what you enjoyed and what could be improved. Please do take the time using the above contacts to let us know about your experiences at the National Space Centre.

Thank you.