A unique space, inspired by excellence

Exploration Drive, Leicester, LE4 5NS

The National Space Centre in Leicester is a unique, interactive science museum and educational center dedicated to all things space and astronomy. It's well-known for its iconic rocket tower, which houses two full-size rockets and stands as a striking feature of the Leicester skyline.

The Centre has made sustainability a core part of its operations, focusing on environmental responsibility and energy efficiency across its site. Here are a few sustainable aspects:

Eco-Friendly Building Design: The building incorporates sustainable materials and design elements to reduce its environmental footprint. Its architecture maximizes natural lighting, which cuts down on electricity usage, while the centre's rocket tower and other structures are designed with energy efficiency in mind.

Renewable Energy: The centre actively invests in renewable energy sources, including solar panels, to power parts of its operations. This reduces its reliance on non-renewable energy and helps cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Waste Reduction and Recycling: The National Space Centre has strong waste management protocols, including robust recycling facilities. It aims to reduce single-use plastics and encourages responsible waste disposal practices among staff and visitors alike.

Education and Outreach: Through exhibitions and programs, the centre also promotes sustainability and environmental awareness. It emphasizes how space exploration contributes to our understanding of climate change and resource management on Earth, encouraging visitors to think about how these insights can impact everyday sustainability. 

The National Space Centre is located just off the A6, two miles north of Leicester City Centre, midway between Leicester’s inner and outer ring roads.

Brown road signs with a distinctive rocket logo will direct you from the arterial routes around Leicester.

We have over 400 parking spaces in our car park, including 23 enhanced accessibility spaces, charged at £4 per car and £5 per motorhome/minibus for the whole day (contactless or cash pay and display machines on site).

First Bus 54

Runs every 10 mins throughout the day Monday to Saturday and every 20 mins on Sunday running from 09:30.

Skylink Derby

Runs every 20 minutes along Abbey Lane | runs 24/7 Both buses drop off and pick up close to the Centre (ask the Driver to notify you where to alight).

East Midland Trains and Cross Country Trains serve Leicester Station. From here you can either take a bus or a taxi to the National Space Centre.

First bus 54 runs every 10 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 20 minutes on Sunday from Charles Street, a short walk from the station

The National Space Centre has over 400 onsite parking spaces, including accessible spaces.

Parking fees are in place 09:00-17:00.

The charge covers the upkeep of the facility, meaning that the charity money can be used to ensure the curation of the artefact collection and our focus on education for schools, families, children and adults. It also means that those not using the car park do not pay for the facility.