You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • The National Space Centre has various space-themed galleries, a rocket tower and the UK’s largest planetarium.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: a shop and a café on the ground floor.
    Accessible afternoons and other tailored events cater for all potential visitors.
    A sensory map is provided to help identify areas with strong sensory stimuli.
    The venue is also used for conferences or events, and can be exclusively hired out.
  • View information on opening times
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • The nearest step-free train station is Leicester.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the most accessible entrance.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the majority of the seating in the planetarium, and to access the video booth in 'Home Planet' and the 'Columbus' module in 'Into Space'.
  • The following areas have stepped access: access into the 'Columbus' module in 'Into Space'.
  • Access throughout may include automatic doors and narrow aisles.
  • Floors 1-4 can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
  • A Changing Places facility is also available.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • There is seating available.
  • There are fixed and portable hearing assistance systems.
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
  • Documents are available in the following formats: large print (on request).
  • The guidebook and transcript of the planetarium show are available in large print on request.
    Most audio exhibits are subtitled. One exhibit within 'The Universe' also has a BSL interpreter on screen (How it All Started).
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
• Related Access Guides View
  • View information on National Space Centre (opens new tab) .
  • View information on National Space Centre - Workshop Spaces (opens new tab) .

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
  • Toilets with adaptations are located by the shop and Boosters event space on the ground floor.
  • Two toilets with adaptations have a right hand transfer space, whilst one toilet does not have a transfer space of suitable width on either side.
  • The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located by the shop and 'Live Space' exhibit on the ground floor..
  • The shared step-free toilet facilities are located by the Boosters event space on the ground floor..
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • The Changing Places toilet facilities are located by the 'Live Space' exhibit on the ground floor.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located by the shop on the ground floor.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located in front of the building, off Exploration Drive.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 335cm (width) x 463cm (depth).
  • There are no hatched/marked zones.
  • The nearest designated bay is 85m from the main entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp or slope and bollards.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Clearly presented parking signs are not available.
  • Payment machines are located throughout the car park.
  • There is a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is a level manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user in front of the payment machine (185cm x 210cm).
  • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
  • There is an overflow car park with standard parking bays across Exploration Drive, accessed via uncontrolled pedestrian crossings.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Entrance (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

• This entrance is located at the bottom of the ramp leading from the car park.
• The approach to the entrance has bollards.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is over 150cm wide with handrails on both sides.
• There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
• The door opens towards you.
• There is a push pad at a height of 75cm.
• The width of the opening is 101cm.
• The door has a low visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 95cm.
• The main entrance also consists of a set of revolving doors.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Exhibition Space (Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium)

• This area is indoors.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the walkways on both sides of the seating and the exit from the planetarium.
• Access throughout may include manual doors and narrow walkways.
• There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: strobe or flashing lights, lighting effects and interactive video effects.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• Display information includes: televisions/screens.
• There is a fixed hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
• The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests.
• The chairs are fixed.
• There are shows/talks with designated seating for wheelchair users.
• The designated spaces for wheelchair users are located at the rear of the planetarium, close to the entrance.

You are on Exhibition Space (Into Space). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Into Space)

• This area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: access to the Columbus module.
• The following areas have stepped access: access to the Columbus module.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: strobe or flashing lights, sudden loud noises and interactive video effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
• The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.

You are on Exhibition Space (Tetrastar Spaceport). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Tetrastar Spaceport)

• This area is interactive.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• Access throughout may include manual doors and narrow walkways.
• There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: strobe or flashing lights, sudden loud noises, lighting effects and interactive video effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• Display information includes: tactile, touchscreens, televisions/screens and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests.
• The chairs are fixed.
• There are shows/talks with designated seating for wheelchair users.
• Guided tours are available.
• There is step-free level access throughout the tour.
• Access throughout the tour may include manual doors and narrow walkways.
• This exhibition is a crewed experience.
  The experience has a 'sensory mode' to make it more accessible to more people.

You are on Exhibition Space (The Universe). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (The Universe)

• This area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: sudden loud noises and lighting effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, BSL and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.
• The BSL interpreter and subtitles are on screen, for the 'How it All Started' show.

You are on Exhibition Space (Our Solar System). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Our Solar System)

• This area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: sudden loud noises and lighting effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.

You are on Exhibition Space (Home Planet). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Home Planet)

• This area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: water effects, sudden loud noises and lighting effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: pictorial, information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.

You are on Exhibition Space (Space Oddities). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Space Oddities)

• This area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
• Display information includes: information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: stools.

You are on Exhibition Space (Live Space). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Live Space)

• This area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
• The following may be experienced here: sudden loud noises.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: televisions/screens.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.

You are on Changing Places (Transfer Both Sides). Skip to the next section.

Changing Places (Transfer Both Sides)

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• Location and Access View
  • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located by 'Live Space' on the ground floor.
  • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
  • There is a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 120m.
  • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access and automatic doors.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • A key is required for access to this facility.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 94cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • The dimensions of the facility are 422cm (width) x 295cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
• Toilet Details View
  • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet.
  • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 200cm.
  • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 170cm.
  • There is a spatula flush on the right transfer side.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The vertical grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The dropdown rails have a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 49cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is located on the dropdown rail.
• Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
  • The changing bench is wall mounted and height adjustable.
  • The length of the changing bench is 190cm.
  • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
• Other Facilities View
  • There is a fixed height wash basin.
  • The wash basin is 76cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have varying visual contrasts.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 99cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
  • A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
  • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 110cm.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The facility has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 143cm from the floor.
  • A privacy screen is available.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The dropdown baby change table is approximately 89cm high, with clear space underneath of approximately 79cm.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Shop - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Shop - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located by the shop on the ground floor.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 60m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and automatic doors.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 94cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a low visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 220cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 88cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 112cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rail is on the right as you face the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 98cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 96cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is an unobstructed shelf.
  • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 155cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Lift (G-1). Skip to the next section.

Lift (G-1)

• The lift surveyed is located within the 'Into Space' exhibit on the ground floor.
• The distance from the main entrance is 70m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• The ground and first floors are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a high visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The external lift control buttons have a low visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 88cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 140cm (width) x 150cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit and a visual floor indicator.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Lift (Rocket Tower). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Rocket Tower)

• The lift surveyed is located within the Rocket Tower, or Boosters area on the ground floor.
• The distance from the main entrance is 25m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and automatic doors.
• The ground, first, second, third and fourth floors are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a low visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 100cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 118cm (width) x 230cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

You are on Stairs (G-1). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (G-1)

• The stairs surveyed are located by 'Into Space' on the ground floor.
• The ground and first floors can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20 steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Stairs (Rocket Tower). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Rocket Tower)

• The stairs surveyed are located to the side of the Rocket Tower.
• There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
• The ground, first, second, third and fourth floors can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Exhibition Space (Rocket Tower - Floors 1-4). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Rocket Tower - Floors 1-4)

• This area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is patterned.
• The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
• The following may be experienced here: strong smells, sudden loud noises and lighting effects.
• There is background noise in some areas.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, information boards, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, benches and stools.
• Some chairs are fixed.
• There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.