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on’t be alarmed when you see the 42-metre glass ‘chrysalis’ towering above the trees. It’s not an alien craft that’s descended on Leicestershire, but the National Space Centre – and for budding astronauts it’s the next best thing to being in space.

Six hands-on galleries and the UK’s largest planetarium will test their skills to see if they’ve got what it takes to go into space. Our favourite is the Tranquillity Base, where you can jump on the ‘moon’ and test your driving skills in the Micro-G Manoeuvre module.

Or how about heading ‘Into Space’, where you can check out a replica of the Columbus Module – including a sleeping compartment and shower.

You’ll even get to answer that most urgent question (‘how do you use the toilet?’), with a trip to a space loo.

Probably best not to try using it – there are plenty more earthly facilities nearby, which don’t require a camera to measure your accuracy.

Stay, Play, Explore 

Five fantastic Leicestershire attractions have teamed up to bring you Stay, Play, Explore. Visit any three of five attractions and enjoy over night accommodation at a choice of top hotels all for just £99 per family, that’s a saving of up to 45% off normal admission prices.