Anyone been to the National Space Centre in Leicestershire?

[Gunnerbean]

Just wondering if anyone has been, what their thoughts/experiences of it were and whether it's worth quite a lengthy hike from the west country just for a day.

I took my boys there about 6 years ago when they were about 10 and 12 and they enjoyed it. Of course I don't know if it has changed or been updated in any way since then.

It's nice but open plan so kids are tempted to rush around it. I would go again though. There are things for the children to try if you are prepared to wait, this keeps them busy. You can take your own food to keep the cost down.

Oh yes, ds filled in a response form and they sent him a NASA patch for his jacket through the post. I thought this was really nice. It's no good for little ones though.

i live near it and have heard mixed reviews - some have said that it is not very clever and interactive as you might expect it to be, and another mum with a toddler said that it is good for kids to run about in (!) - which might not be the experience you are after.. but i haven't been yet, although i really should as its just down the road. Will write a review once i have been!

I went in Feb with 13yr old dd & 10 yr old ds, both really enjoyed it. Ds really enjoyed the interactive stuff & the simulator. Both myself & dd enjoyed the info displays.We were there for 5 hours but could have stayed longer. I used my Tesco deal vouchers so spent the money I'd saved on lunch, nice sandwiches & salads...even nicer cakes! Probably a long way to go from the West Country, I went on route from Oxford to Sheffield.

Hi Gunnerbean

Nat Space Centre is one of DS(4)'s favourite days out. From huge rockets which are impressive for any age, plenty of interactive displays (though some of the more popular ones can get very, very busy at times) and a fun cinema show, there's something for all ages. Probably of less use to you, but the ticket can be extended to last a full year at no extra cost if you fill in a gift aid form.

I'd definitely leave an hour or so to visit the Abbey pumping station. Literally next to the Space Centre, it is Leicester's free Museum of Science and Technology with displays of old steam engines, trams, moving picture stuff and the highlight for many kids, the working model cutaway of a flushing toilet.