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London certainly isn’t short of immersive experiences, but these three caught my attention for very different reasons. One takes you aboard the International Space Station, another sends you through the cosmos towards a black hole, while the third uses virtual reality to take you into the story of the Titanic.
Fever recently highlighted all three as London experiences to discover, and there’s a nice mix here for families, science fans, history lovers and anyone who enjoys seeing how technology can change the way a story is told.
3 immersive experiences to try in London
1. Space Explorers: The ISS Experience
Where: Eclipso London, Camden
Duration: approximately 40 minutes
Age: 8+
Ever wondered what it might feel like to look back at Earth from the International Space Station? Space Explorers: The ISS Experience is a large-scale free-roaming VR experience that brings visitors into a 3D recreation of the ISS.
The experience uses scenes and footage connected with real space missions and the Emmy Award-winning Space Explorers: The ISS Experience series. Visitors can explore life aboard the station, encounter astronauts and experience views of Earth without, thankfully, requiring an actual rocket launch.
It’s one I’d particularly look at for families with older children who enjoy science and space, because it has an educational element without feeling like a traditional lesson.
Affiliate ticket link: Fever has asked creators to use their tracked affiliate link for this experience. Add tracked Space Explorers link before publishing.
2. Titanic: Echoes from the Past
Where: Eclipso London, Camden
Duration: approximately 45 minutes including onboarding
Age: 8+
Titanic: Echoes from the Past is probably the one that immediately grabbed me. Rather than simply looking at objects behind glass, this guided VR experience uses interactive storytelling to place visitors inside the history of the Titanic.
The journey takes you down towards the wreck on the Atlantic seabed before travelling back to 1912. Reconstructions include recognisable areas of the ship such as the Grand Staircase, while the experience also focuses on the people, hopes and tragedies behind the maiden voyage.
For me, this is where immersive technology becomes particularly interesting. Titanic is a story most of us already know, but being able to move through recreated spaces offers a very different way of connecting with that history.
Affiliate ticket link: Add tracked Titanic Fever link before publishing.
3. Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience
Where: Science Museum, South Kensington
Duration: allow approximately 1 hour, including a 40-minute VR experience
Age: 10+
Tickets: from £15 at the time of writing
If the ISS isn’t far enough from Earth for you, Smithsonian Starstruck goes considerably further.
Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the free-roaming VR experience uses real astronomical research and data to take visitors from Earth’s observatories into galaxies, exoplanets, supernovas and towards the edge of a supermassive black hole.
The journey incorporates science connected with observatories including Hubble, James Webb and Chandra. That makes this a particularly useful option if you’re looking for a London day out that combines entertainment with STEM learning.
Important: Starstruck is inside the Science Museum. You need a paid Starstruck ticket and a separate free Science Museum admission ticket to enter the building, so remember to reserve both before your visit.
Affiliate ticket link: Add tracked Smithsonian Starstruck Fever link before publishing.
Which immersive experience should you choose?
They’re actually different enough that I wouldn’t call one the obvious winner. Space Explorers looks best suited to anyone fascinated by astronauts and real space missions. Starstruck goes bigger on astronomy and has an especially strong educational angle. Titanic: Echoes from the Past is the choice I’d make if history and human stories are more your thing.
Both Space Explorers and Titanic are at Eclipso in Camden, while Starstruck is at the Science Museum in South Kensington, so location may also make the decision for you.
Accessibility and VR
It’s worth checking accessibility carefully before booking a VR experience. Fever currently states that Space Explorers is not wheelchair accessible, and accessibility information can vary between experiences and venues. If you have mobility, sensory or other access requirements, check the latest information for your chosen experience before buying tickets.
Before you book
- Check the latest dates, times and prices before travelling.
- Check the age requirement: Space Explorers and Titanic are 8+, while Starstruck is recommended for ages 10+.
- Allow time for VR headset fitting and onboarding.
- For Starstruck, reserve your separate free Science Museum admission ticket as well.
- If you have accessibility requirements, check the individual experience information before booking.
FAQ
Are these experiences suitable for children?
Space Explorers and Titanic list an age requirement of 8+, while Smithsonian Starstruck is recommended for ages 10+. Children should be accompanied according to the individual experience rules.
Where are the Eclipso experiences in London?
Space Explorers and Titanic: Echoes from the Past are at Eclipso Cultural Adventures, 213–219 Camden High Street, London NW1 7BT, close to Camden Town Underground station.
Do I need a Science Museum ticket for Starstruck?
Yes. In addition to your paid Starstruck ticket, you need to reserve a separate free admission ticket for the Science Museum.
Is this a review?
No. This is a guide to experiences currently available in London rather than a personal review. If I visit any of them, I’ll add a full first-hand review separately.
