Posted: 20 April 2026
Visit the National Oceanography Centre Open Day on 14 June 2026

  • Registration is now open for the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) open day on World Ocean Day (Sunday 14 June).

  • Help us celebrate NOC’s 30th anniversary in Southampton by uncovering some of the ocean’s secrets

Explore ocean science and innovation at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC)’s open day on 14 June 2026. 

NOC will be opening the doors to its Southampton-based centre, offering a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at the UK’s leading organisation for ocean research. 

NOC’s open day is an opportunity to celebrate the people, projects and communities engaged in oceanography, inviting visitors to gain a new appreciation for our planet’s most mysterious and vital ecosystem. 

Through interactive exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, family friendly activities and tours of our workshops, our team will share fascinating insights into how science is unlocking the ocean’s secrets. 

Professor John Siddorn, Chief Executive at NOC, said: “We’re very much looking forward to our annual Open Day, a chance to welcome our local community and showcase the vital ocean research that is taking place right here in Southampton.
 

“It’s always a pleasure to create opportunities for people to connect with the ocean, be inspired by it, and discover the ways it shapes and influences our lives.

“Our visitors will be able to explore our work, which is addressing some of the world’s most urgent challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to natural hazards, and see first-hand how we are turning innovation and research into trusted knowledge for real action and solutions.” 

Uncover what lies beneath - no snorkel required 
Enjoy hands-on science, big discoveries and ocean-inspired fun for all ages. 

Dive into the microscopic world of plankton, the tiny ocean heroes that keep the whole ecosystem running. Get swept up in experiments or set off an adventure to uncover the secrets of the seafloor. 

Find out how our coasts are changing, discover the clever ways we listen to and sense the ocean, and learn why plastic really is the ocean’s most unwelcome visitor. 

Whether you’re an ocean enthusiast, or simply curious about the world around you, our open day promises a fun, engaging, and enlightening experience for everyone. 

We will be running two main sessions during the day, as well as a ‘Quiet Session’ – a quieter hour at the start of the day to support neurodiverse visitors who may benefit from a calmer experience. 

Make sure you join us to celebrate the wonders of the ocean, learn how our research is sparking change, and discover how you can play a part in safeguarding our blue planet for future generations. 

Discover more about the NOC Open Day and to book your tickets: https://noc.ac.uk/education/open-day