The BBC Earth Experience is an immersive adventure through nature that brings the wonders of the planet to life. With captivating shows, interactive exhibits, and cutting-edge technology, visitors of all ages can explore the diversity of the natural world up close. But with so much to see and do, how long should you plan on spending at the BBC Earth Experience to make the most of your visit?
Opening Hours
The BBC Earth Experience is open 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm. It’s located in Westfield Stratford City in London, next to the 2012 Olympic Park. The last entry is at 4pm, so you’ll want to arrive earlier to give yourself enough time to see everything.
Recommended Length of Visit
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the BBC Earth Experience. Here’s a breakdown of how much time you should budget for different areas and activities:
Immersive Shows
There are three immersive cinema shows at the Earth Experience, each approximately 20-25 minutes long. The three shows are:
- A Perfect Planet
- Blue Planet II
- Seven Worlds, One Planet
It’s recommended to allow 1-1.5 hours if you want to see all three cinematic shows. You can find showtimes on the website or app so you can plan your visit around them.
Interactive Exhibits
Spend at least 1 hour exploring the various interactive exhibits throughout the Earth Experience. Highlights include:
- A towering model of an African elephant
- A recreation of a rainforest with tropical sounds and smells
- An Arctic basecamp where you can learn survival skills
- A hands-on lab to examine minerals and fossils
- A 10-meter interactive globe
Many of the exhibits have augmented or virtual reality components as well. You’ll want to budget time to try out the unique technology.
BBC Earth Studio
In the BBC Earth Studio, you can go behind the scenes of BBC nature documentaries. There are sets, models, props, and interactive screens where you can explore the filmmaking process. Plan to spend 30-45 minutes in this area.
Nature-Themed Play Area
Younger visitors will enjoy the indoor nature-themed play area. Toddlers can climb, swing, and explore while older kids might like building activities or interactive games. Plan at least 30 minutes for playtime.
Tips to Maximize Your Time
Here are some tips to make the most of your 2-3 hours at the BBC Earth Experience:
- Get tickets in advance online to avoid waiting in ticket lines.
- Arrive early, at least 30 minutes before your entry window.
- Download the app for an interactive map and to help plan your route.
- Prioritize the shows and exhibits you most want to see.
- Check showtimes in advance and coordinate your visit around them.
- Pay attention to exhibit entry times to avoid waiting in long lines.
- Move through hands-on exhibits at a steady pace instead of lingering too long in one spot.
- Split up if you’re in a large group so you can take turns doing shows or play areas.
- Consider visiting on a weekday when it’s less crowded.
Food and Retail Options
There are a few dining options inside the BBC Earth Experience:
- The Forager Restaurant – A nature-inspired sit-down restaurant.
- Gaia Cafe – Quick bites and refreshments.
- Ice Cream Kiosk – Sweet treats.
You’ll also find gift shops filled with nature-themed merchandise, clothing, toys, homeware, and souvenirs. It’s easy to spend 30 minutes or more browsing the stores, so keep that in mind when budgeting your time.
Is a Half Day Enough?
Half Day Visit (2-3 hours) | Full Day Visit (5-6 hours) | |
---|---|---|
Immersive cinema shows | See 1 or 2 shows | See all 3 shows |
Interactive exhibits | See about half the exhibits | See all the exhibits more in-depth |
BBC Earth Studio | Spend 15-30 minutes | Spend 45-60 minutes |
Play area | 30 minutes for kids to play | Kids can play for longer |
Dining | Quick bite at cafe | Sit-down meal at restaurant |
Shopping | 15 minutes to browse | 30+ minutes to shop |
A half day visit is enough time to experience the highlights of the BBC Earth Experience if you plan carefully. However, visiting for a full day allows a more relaxed pace so you don’t feel rushed. You’ll be able to see all the shows, spend more time interacting with exhibits, and enjoy dining and shopping options.
A full day is recommended if you want to:
- See everything the Earth Experience has to offer.
- Re-visit favorite exhibits.
- Spend extra time in the play area if you have kids.
- Eat a meal at the restaurant.
- Shop without feeling hurried.
No matter how long you choose to visit, advance tickets and arrival are still suggested to maximize your time. If you only have a half-day, prioritize the shows and exhibits most appealing to your interests.
Conclusion
To fully experience everything the BBC Earth Experience has to offer, 5-6 hours is ideal. This allows enough time to see all the shows, thoroughly explore the exhibits, unwind in the play areas, and enjoy dining and shopping options.
However, it’s possible to see the highlights in a half-day visit of 2-3 hours if you plan ahead, maximize your time at the exhibits, and focus on your must-see attractions. A half day is a good option if you’re limited on time or pairing your visit with other London activities.
Advanced tickets and early arrival will help make the most of whatever length visit you choose. Take advantage of the app and signage to efficiently route your day. With mindful planning, you can craft an epic adventure through the wonders of nature at the BBC Earth Experience, whether you have half a day or a whole day to explore.