National Space Centre, Leicester, England, United Kingdom
Serving as both a museum and a space research facility, National Space Centre is a destination that should not be missed when visiting Leicester. Due to its architectural design that resembles an upright rocket, this has been the city’s most recognizable facility. Some of the exhibits that it boasts of are its Digistar 3 dome planetarium and the remains of the PGM-17 Thor and Blue Streak rockets. It is also home to the Soyuz spacecraft that was originally designed for the Soviet space program.
While in the area, tourists can explore the University of Leicester that is known for its other world-class research facilities such as the DNA Genetic Fingerprinting laboratory and Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation. Another place for learning at Leicester is the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, England’s first public museum. It contains exhibits on natural science, history, and arts that are sure to take up most of the visitors’ day. Those who have more time can make a quick detour at the Great Glen to have a taste of this village’s Red Leicester cheese, Stilton cheese, and Melton Mowbray pork pie. After a long day of touring, visitors can de-stress at the Highcross Shopping Centre. Tourists looking for accommodation can make their reservations at the Hotel Campanile Leicester, a family-friendly lodging that has become the favorite of many travelers for its great value. Alternatively, they can also check-in at Symphony Stays, which offers convenient facilities such as a balcony with a city view, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a laundry machine.