Open Day

What are my free ticketing options?

Admission to our open day is completely free, but you must book in advance to attend.

We will be running a morning session (10.30am-1.30pm, last admission at midday) and an afternoon session (2-5pm, last admission at 3.30pm), There will also be a dedicated quiet session from 9.30-10.30am to support neurodivergent visitors, who may benefit from a quieter, calmer experience. Tickets are now available, please see the links above to book your place.

How long should I plan to stay?

Our sessions run for three hours, and we’d recommend allowing for at least 90 minutes to make the most of your time with us,

Is Open Day suitable for all ages?

Absolutely! We look forward to meeting visitors of all ages.

How do I get to the National Oceanography Centre (NOC)?

There are several ways to reach NOC in Southampton. Please make sure you have your tickets and a valid form of photographic ID with you and follow the instructions on your confirmation email.

• On Foot NOC is easily accessible via pedestrian walkways from Dock Gate 4 and Dock Gate 5. It is approximately a 5-minute walk from both dock gates. Please take care when crossing roads in the dock area due to large moving vehicles.
• By Cycle NOC is well connected to the Southampton Cycle Network and a dual use cycleway is available from Dock Gate 4. Covered cycle parking is available at NOC.
• By Public Transport NOC is approximately a 30-minute walk from Southampton Central railway station. The UniLink Bus Service (U1C) starts at Southampton City Airport and travels to NOC Southampton. The U1A travels in the opposite direction. Route, timetables and fare information can be found on the UniLink Bus website: https://www.unilinkbus.co.uk/
• By Car If you are travelling by car, you’ll access the site via Dock Gate 4. NOC is signposted within the port. However, please be aware parking is limited at NOC and spaces cannot be guaranteed.

Is parking available? 

Limited onsite parking is available and spaces at NOC cannot be guaranteed.

For our open day, there will be parking available at the nearby cruise terminal (operated by ABP, charges will apply).

Is Blue Badge parking available? 

A number of spaces at NOC will be reserved for Blue Badge holders.

Can I ride my E scooter to the event?

E Scooters are not allowed within the Port of Southampton. This is for safety reasons as the port is very busy with lots of vehicles moving around.

Is the venue wheelchair / pushchair accessible?

Yes, almost all areas of NOC are accessible. There is one area which will have limited accessibility, but there will be a live link to a screen for those who are unable to climb stairs.

I have a member of my group with autism or special education needs, is this event suitable for them? 

Yes, we would advise selecting our Quieter Session (9.30-10.30am). This is designed to provide a quieter calmer environment for neurodiverse participants. 

Can I bring my Assistance Dog?

Yes, you can bring your fully trained Assistance Dog to our open event. Where possible, we do ask that your dog wears a harness or jacket to identify it as an assistance dog.

Where can I find out more about NOC’s accessibility? 

You can also find details about NOC’s facilities on the AccessAble website: https://www.accessable.co.uk/national-oceanography-centre/access-guides…

Are there any rules I need to be aware of when coming on site?

We ask that you please do not attempt to enter any areas of the building where a barrier or sign saying ‘do not enter’ is present. NOC is a working scientific facility, and there are parts of the building which contain hazardous materials or equipment. We ask that adults always supervise their children during Open Day. Please be respectful to visitors in wheelchairs or who have other mobility restrictions and make way for them to engage with a table as required. We also ask in the lecture theatre that you do not use a seat reserved for those with accessibility needs if you do not have an accessibility need.

We also ask that you be mindful of how much time you spend at very popular interactive exhibits, so that everyone gets a chance to take part.

Finally, if an area gets too crowded, NOC staff may ask you to move to a less busy area of the building and come back when it is less crowded. This helps create a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Will I be able to purchase refreshments and lunch at the Open Day?

Yes, NOC has a cafe area with views out over the port of Southampton.

We do ask that you dispose of any litter using bins and recycling points around the site.

Should I bring a water bottle?

Yes, please bring your reusable bottle! We have a number of refill stations around the building.

Please contact us at outreach@noc.ac.uk