We believe that Space is for everyone! Our Astronaut Experience is perfect for children, families and adults who love Space. We welcome children over the age of 5 however those under 14 years must be supervised by an adult.

Activities include:

• Virtual Reality – Go on a Spacewalk and experience a Rocket Launch
• Augmented Reality – Make Space come alive in front of your very own eyes
• Learn about and hold genuine meteorites from Space
• Try on a replica Tim Peake Sokol Space Suit
• Learn about how Astronauts eat and live in Space
• Take home a framed certificate with your astronaut photograph

No, not at all. We love to welcome people of all ages and backgrounds!

Since 2019, we’ve had thousands of people do the experience and love it. This has included space-mad children, parents attending with their kids, newly married and retired elderly couples, school teachers, and even adults who had no interest in space previously.

The experience is an intimate, fun session learning about all-things Space and memorable unique activities including virtual reality and trying on a space suit, rather than a thrill-seeking adventure. We’re not a huge museum nor university lecturers – but if you’re looking for a relaxed edutainment style experience it is perfect for you!

The experience will generally have a maximum of 4 people participating. We’re unable guarantee an adult-only experience session, so you may have some younger ones taking part alongside. You’ll be impressed by how much they often know!

Our patrons say our experience is unlike anything else they’ve done – it’s not solely education nor solely entertainment. It’s EDUTAINMENT!

The replica space suits you try on are commissioned by the UK Space Agency. We had to gain special permission to use them ensuring our experience is educational in nature. You don’t just try on the suits, we teach you interesting facts about them along the way! And, we have heard rumour that the UK’s first astronaut Helen Sharman has tried one of the replica space suits on and given it the thumbs up.

Our customers rave about their spacewalk and rocket launch virtual reality experiences. We often hear customers say “I totally felt weightless!”

The meteorites you will hold are some of the rarest from across the globe. Sourced from the world’s largest collectors of genuine, verified meteorites – Aerolite Meteorites, they’re from places including North Africa, Australia and America.

Our talk on Space Food was co-created with our very own Astronaut friend Michael López-Alegría, known as MLA. MLA is a Spanish-American astronaut who holds the US record for the most time space-walking.

Located in the heart of Oxford, your experience takes place in the historical Covered Market. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction, and hope to give everyone a memorable and unique experience!

The experience will take place with a maximum of 4 people with a member of our team with you throughout. We pay the Oxford Living Wage for all of our adult staff and above minimum wage to all under 18s.

Our staff are friendly and knowledgeable space enthusiasts guiding your experience. We all share a passion for Space, and inspiring people of all ages with the wonders of our Solar System and beyond.

There’s always different areas of Space we’re interested in – some of us are blown away by vastness of Space, or learning about the latest missions to our Moon and Mars, whilst some are passionate about the impact of space on our daily lives. Our team always love learning more about Space from our guests too, so come along with your best and favourite space facts!

Space is for everyone, and the Space industry requires all background from humanities to geology, and history to engineering. Your guide during the experience holds a minimum of bachelors degree.

You don’t need to bring anything to take part. We will provide all equipment required. Please note food and drink (except water) is not permitted in the shop.

Space Store Oxford is located in the open-aired historical Oxford Covered Market so we advise dressing comfortably and according to the weather! As the experience involves wearing a space suit, trousers are advised.

Having a water bottle is always advised, as well as a smartphone if you wish to take any pictures for yourself during the experience. 

Please note there are no toilets on our premises, but public toilets are available a 1-min walk away towards the back of the Covered Market.

The experience will generally have a maximum of 4 people participating. The experience takes places in our shop in the Oxford Covered Market and we want to ensure everyone taking part has enough space (no pun intended!). It can become a bit crowded with more than 4 people.

We’re unable guarantee an adult-only experience session, so you may have young ones taking part alongside.

You’ll be trying on the space suits in our experience zone, which is part of the shop, so customers may be able to see you dressing up to get ready for launch!

As part of the experience, you’ll be dressing up as an astronaut going to Space! You’ll be wearing a replica Tim Peak Sokol Space Suit, including the 1-piece suit itself, gloves, boots and even a helmet.

You’ll be trying on the space suits in our experience zone, which is part of the shop, so customers may be able to see you dressing up to get ready for launch! BUT, you never know who might walk in…. one lucky family got to take a picture with UK Astronaut Meganne Christian.

Payments must be made online at this time. Thank you for understanding. If this is an issue, please email us at  [email protected] or call us on 01865 246698.

If you’ve purchased a Virgin Experience Days voucher, use the calendar above to select your dates and select Virgin Voucher at the checkout.

Please see our safeguarding policy here

Space Store Oxford is located at 118, Covered Market, Oxford, OX1 3DZ – opposite Nothing Jewellery. Located at the red star in the map below.

Space Store Oxford is located at 118, Covered Market, Oxford, OX1 3DZ – opposite Nothing Jewellery.

By car: If you are travelling by car, please be aware that the Covered Market is located in the centre of Oxford so for easy parking, we recommend using one of Oxford’s five Park & Ride sites.

• Further in-city parking can be found at the Westgate centre. The in-town bus stops and Westgate centre are an approx. 5-10 min walk away from The Covered Market.
• Please allow plenty of time to make it to the store from your travel end point. Oxford City Centre can be very busy, particularly on weekends.

By public transport: Click here for advice on travelling by public transport.

• If you are coming to Oxford by train, be sure to come to the “Oxford” station and NOT the “Oxford Parkway” station. From the Oxford station it is about a 10 minute walk to the Covered Market.

If you are travelling by car, please be aware that the Covered Market is located in the centre of Oxford so for easy parking, we recommend using one of Oxford’s five Park & Ride sites.

Further in-city parking can be found at the Westgate centre. The in-town bus stops and Westgate centre are an approx. 5-10 min walk away from The Covered Market.

Please allow plenty of time to make it to the store from your travel end point. Oxford City Centre can be very busy, particularly on weekends.

At Space Store, we strive for 100% customer satisfaction.  If for any reason you are not satisfied with your experience at Space Store, please email us at [email protected].  We aim to respond within 2 working days.