Leicester’s National Space Centre is set to trade celestial physics for critical hits this winter. The award-winning venue has announced To Boldly Game, a dedicated tabletop gaming weekend scheduled for 31 January to 1 February 2026.
The event aims to transform the centre’s iconic rocket towers and immersive galleries into a hub for roleplaying, board games, and miniature hobbying. While the National Space Centre usually focuses on the history and science of space exploration, this weekend highlights the community and creativity of the tabletop world, offering a mix of open play and structured competitions.
Science meets the table
The line-up for To Boldly Game includes a variety of independent and established names within the industry. Attendees can expect to see Hachette Boardgames UK, as well as smaller outfits like Absolute Ascendancy, Atikin Games, Geeky Meeples, and Split Stone Games.
Beyond browsing the latest releases, the weekend is structured around participation. There will be dedicated roleplaying sessions, miniature painting workshops, and board game championships. For those less inclined toward competitive play, the “friendly challenges” and open play areas are intended for families and newcomers to the hobby. The integration of STEM-themed games suggests a focus on the intersection of educational science and recreational play, fitting for the venue’s broader mission.
Value and access
In a move likely intended to bolster local engagement during the quieter winter months, the National Space Centre is tying the event into its existing membership scheme. Current Annual Pass holders can attend the gaming weekend at no extra cost.
Furthermore, anyone purchasing a standard admission ticket for the weekend will receive a free upgrade to an Annual Pass. This effectively offers a year of return visits for the price of a single day, a “side quest” that adds significant value for those local enough to make the trip to Leicester more than once.
For those looking to prepare for the event by picking up some space-themed titles, many of the publishers attending have a significant presence on Amazon or can be found at specialist retailers such as Zatu Games.
Quick Links
- Tickets and the full programme are now available on the official National Space Centre website.
