DAYS OUT WITH THE FAMILY

BBC Earth Experience

Who would have thought that in the centre of a thriving metropolis, currently experiencing a major ongoing row about clean air and the restriction of polluting vehicles that are damaging our planet, that you would find the latest spectacular attraction showing the wonder and beauty of the natural world and what we will lose if we don’t stop sleepwalking into destroying our planet. I am no eco warrior, far from it, but everyone should take the time to visit this interactive 3D experience with their family and experience the breath-taking and wonderful planet that we have.

The BBC, and Sir David Attenborough, have been at the forefront of bringing amazing films about the natural world for as long as I can remember (and I have a long memory), and this new journey is one of the best yet. Think of this experience as one of their best documentaries on steroids!

The Earls Court area is currently under major development and one of the new buildings, the Daikin Centre, only a five minute walk from West Brompton station, is housing this 360-degree audio visual journey using hundreds of multi-angled screens surrounding seating areas where visitors are taken through the incredible animals habiting the seven Continents of the world.

Your journey through these diverse and very different continents takes you into the centre of a colony of cheeky penguins in Antarctica, to a group of big cats hunting in Africa, and the amusing lizards and majestic kangaroos in Australia.

All of these images are accompanied by the dulcet tones of Sir David Attenborough, explaining clearly and concisely what is happening, and gently explaining the impact of our actions on these wonderful creatures, without being preachy.

The cinematography takes place in different areas, some with benches to sit on and another with bean bags to lie on, and at times it was difficult to work out which screen to watch, as there was so much going on, but it is all beautiful, and at times I felt that I was actually in the Continent that was being shown!

When we were there the room was full of all age groups, including young children in pushchairs and prams, and in fact I wish we had taken our 5 month old Godson, Bill, as the colours and the movement I am sure would have entertained him for the entire time we were there. The main show lasts just over half an hour before it starts again, and we spent longer in total as we did also visit the other zones available.

After your whistlestop journey around the world, courtesy of the latest digital screen technology, there are a number of breakout zones where you can dive into the depths of Water World, marvel at the sweeping landscapes of the Vista Stage and braving the creepy crawlies in the Micro Life Zone, luckily all on screens!

On your way out, the final room has an image of our world and a final parting message from Sir David, challenging everyone to think again about what you can do to save our planet, however minor you think it is.

This experience promotes sustainability, and by showing what amazing things we would lose if we continue to abuse our world, looks to prompt people to think about their actions and what they can do to protect it. It is a clever and gentle way to promote these vital discussions amongst families without making people feel guilty, or preaching to people about how they are damaging the planet.

I think the final word should go to Sir David as this quote puts it better than I could ever do:

“We have to recognise that every breath of air we take, every mouthful of food we take, comes from the natural world. And that if we damage the natural world, we damage ourselves…. We have the power. We have the knowledge to actually live in harmony with nature”.

BBC Earth Experience

Venue: The Daikin Centre, Earl’s Court, London

Opening Times:

Opens now - 31 July 2023

10am - 7pm on Sunday - Thursday 10am - 9pm on Friday – Saturday

Tickets on sale now at: www.bbcearthexperience.com and Ticketmaster.

Children under 3 go free, and child tickets for 3-15 year olds start from £15, midweek. Concessions also available for students, seniors, families and Blue Light cardholders.

Group booking available via See Tickets: 10% discount of groups 10 + School Group Bookings: £9.50 per child for self-guided tours/40 max per group Teachers go free.