Pokémon fans, this is such a good free London find. The Pokémon Space Trail has opened at the Science Museum in South Kensington, mixing Pokémon characters with real stories about space, science and European space exploration.
The main trail runs from 2 October 2026 to 3 January 2027 and is free to take part in with your Science Museum visit. Pick up a trail guide from the Energy Hall, then follow the route through the museum to find Pokémon-themed stops, installations and photo opportunities featuring characters including Pikachu, Lunatone and Arceus.
Quick Guide
- Where: Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
- Dates: 2 October 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Trail price: Free
- Trail guide: Pick up from the Energy Hall
- Museum admission: Free, but advance museum admission booking is recommended/required for entry slots
- Nearest station: South Kensington
What Is the Pokémon Space Trail?
The trail has been created through a collaboration involving The Pokémon Company International and the European Space Agency. Rather than simply placing characters around the museum, the route links Pokémon themes to real science and current space exploration.
That is the bit I really like about this one. In the Space gallery, for example, visitors can explore the Artemis programme and plans to return humans to the Moon alongside Pokémon connections to the Moon, including Lunatone and Eevee’s evolution.
Astronaut Pikachu Really Went to Space
One of the best stories behind the event is Astronaut Pikachu. A Pikachu plush travelled to the International Space Station with ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot in 2026, spending 67 days aboard the ISS and completing roughly 1,040 orbits of Earth before returning.
That gives the museum trail a proper real-world connection to the science it is showcasing, rather than Pokémon being added as decoration.
Pokémon GO at the Science Museum
There is also a Pokémon GO element linked to the wider European Space Agency collaboration. From 4 October 2026 to 30 April 2027, participating European locations include special in-game activity connected with Astronaut Pikachu.
Current announced features include Astronaut Pikachu one-star raids, Timed Research and special encounters. Some Pokémon caught through the event may also feature a special location background.
Pokémon x ESA Shop
The Science Museum is also hosting a Pokémon x ESA shop with themed merchandise, including limited Astronaut Pikachu plush stock. The shop is separate from the main trail and may require its own free timed ticket, so check the Science Museum booking information before travelling specifically for the shop.
Pokémon Lates and Astronights
The collaboration goes beyond the daytime trail too. A Pokémon-themed Science Museum Lates event is planned for 26 November 2026, with after-hours access, talks, activities, DJ sets and a screening of Detective Pikachu in IMAX among the announced programme.
For younger fans, Pokémon Astronights sleepovers are planned for 14 November, 28 November and 5 December 2026. These are paid overnight events for children aged 7–11 and are separate from the free daytime trail.
Is the Pokémon Space Trail Free?
Yes. The Pokémon Space Trail itself is free. The Science Museum also offers free general admission, although you should book your museum admission slot before travelling. Separate paid events, shop booking arrangements and optional extras have their own ticketing.
Is It Worth Adding to an October Half-Term Day Out?
Absolutely one to save if your family already likes Pokémon, space or science. It also works well because you are not paying for the trail itself, so it can be built into a South Kensington museum day without turning into another expensive half-term outing.
The Science Museum sits right in the South Kensington museum quarter, close to the Natural History Museum and V&A, so it is easy to turn this into a full day if everyone still has energy.
Plan Your Visit
- Book your free Science Museum admission before setting off.
- Pick up the Pokémon Space Trail guide from the Energy Hall.
- Allow extra time if you want to explore the museum galleries rather than just following the trail.
- Check separate booking details if the Pokémon x ESA shop is a must-do.
- If you play Pokémon GO, check the current in-game event details before your visit.
Running: 2 October 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Useful links: Check the Pokémon Space Trail at the Science Museum → · Explore the ESA × Pokémon collaboration →
More days out to explore
Want to turn it into a bigger day out? Head to Explore Clarissa’s Corner for more London days out, attractions and ideas to build around your visit.
