As a family we have so many days out and adventures and one thing the children always love is going to a planetarium. We’ve been to a few over the years, typically attached to science centres, and the planetarium shows are always a great way to finish our day.
What are planetariums?
Planetariums are theatres built primarily for presenting educational and entertaining shows about astronomy, stars, the solar system and the night sky, or for training in celestial navigation. They’re a really immersive experience and a fantastic space adventure usually using digital projection systems.
Visiting them is always a fantastic experience and everyone will always remember the first time they went to a planetarium and their first view of the images projected onto the dome. It’s amazing to be able to explore space from right there on the ground.
We love visiting planetariums as a family but they are also great for field trips or school trips and are incredibly education but also fun. Most are in really beautiful, distinct buildings too, complete with the statement dome on top!
The Best Planetariums UK 2022
Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium
Where: Telegraph Way, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1HZ
When: Varying times through the year. See opening times here.
Cost: £4 per person on top of the Science Museum admission.
You can read about our trip to Winchester Science Centre here.
Peter Harrison Planetarium at The Royal Observatory Greenwich
Where: The Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, London SE10 8XJ
When: Open daily, 10am – 5pm.
Cost: £10 per adult, £5 for children. Free for Royal Museums Greenwich members.
You can read about our trip to the Royal Observatory here.
South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre
Where: Sir Patrick Moore Building, Kingsham Farm, Kingsham Road, Chichester PO19 8RP
When: Various times daily.
Cost: Adults £8, Children 6 to 16 years £5. Not Suitable for children under 6 years of age.
Island Planetarium
Where: Fort Victoria Country Park, Westhill Lane, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight PO41 0RR
When: Various times through the year.
Cost: Adult £6, Child £4.
We Are Curious Bristol
Where: 1 Millennium Square, Anchor Road, Bristol BS1 5DB
When: Term time – Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Bristol school holidays and bank holidays – Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
Cost:
Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium at the National Space Centre
This is worth a visit even just to see the iconic rocket tower! It’s a great day out for the whole family.
Where: National Space Centre Exploration Drive, Leicester LE4 5NS
When: Shows daily.
Cost: Included in National Space Centre Admission.
You can read about our visit to the National Space Centre here.
Liverpool Planetarium
Where: World Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EN
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.
Cost: £3 for adults, £2 for children. Under 3s go free.
Thinktank Birmingham Planetarium
Where: Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG
When: Birmingham Term Time – Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Birmingham School Holidays – Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Cost: £2.50 per person
Great North Museum: Hancock Planetarium
Where: Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PT
When: Daily shows.
Cost: 15 minute shows are £2.95 per person or 4 people for £10. Longer shows are £3.75 per person or 4 for £13. Children under 3 go free.
Southend Planetarium
Where: Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6EW
When: Term Time – Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. School Holidays – Wednesday to Sunday at 2pm.
Cost: Adult £6.60, Child £4.60. Family tickets are available at £20.50. Children under 7 are not allowed in the Planetarium.
Armagh Planetarium
Where: College Hill, Armagh, Northern Ireland BT61 9DB
When: Daily shows.
Cost: Adult £9, child £6. Family tickets from £28 and under 3s go free. Prices include exhibition entry.
Glasgow Science Center Planetarium
Where: 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1EA
When: Hours vary through the year. Check opening times here.
Cost: £3 per person on top of Science Centre entry prices.
Life Planetarium
Where: Life Science Centre, Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EP
When: 10am to 5pm daily.
Cost: Included with science centre admission.
Norman Lockyer Planetarium
Where: Salcombe Hill, Sidmouth EX10 0NY
When: Select evenings throughout the year. Full details here.
Cost: Adults £10, Children £5, Family ( 2 adults and 2 children) £25
Techniquest
Where: Stuart Street, Cardiff CF10 5BW
When: Various times through the year. Check details here.
Cost: £2 per person.
Wynyard Planetarium
Where: Wynyard, Stockton-on-Tees TS21 3JG
When: Various times through the year. Full details here.
Cost: Adults £8, child £4 plus booking fee.
Dynamic Earth
Where: Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
When: Various times through the year. Full details here.
Cost: Included in the cost of admission.
Jodrell Bank Planetarium
Where: Bomish Lane, Lower Withington, Cheshire SK11 9LD
When: Opens 4th June 2022. Full dates here.
Cost: Included with cost of admission.
Read about our trip to Jodrell Bank here.
Events at Planetariums across the UK
Many of the planetariums listed offer private events, can cater to group visits and have various membership programs. Make sure you check their individual websites to learn more about any upcoming events and plan your next visit.
So there you have all the planetariums across the country. We’re making plans to visit Bristol and Edinburgh soon to tick those two off the list as well as getting back to Jodrell Bank when the new planetarium opens there – and one day we may even make it to New York to visit the Hayden Planetarium too! If I’ve missed your favourite from the list please do drop me a line and let me know.
