WORLD-renowned astronaut Tim Peake has named Jodrell Bank as one of his favourite science and educational attractions in the UK.

To celebrate The National Lottery’s 25th birthday Tim has revealed his top 10 list of National Lottery-funded sites.

As part of the celebrations all the attractions featured in the list, alongside hundreds more nationwide, will be offering free entry, discounts and other special offers to anyone arriving with a National Lottery ticket (past or present) over the next few days, as part of the celebration #ThanksToYou for 25 Years.

Jodrell Bank will be offering free admission, telescope walking tours and live science shows.

Major Tim Peake said: “The National Lottery has played a significant part in furthering science and education over the past 25 years and this can be seen in abundance through these attractions.

“Jodrell Bank is also particularly special to me, since the inspiration for my career path was born by simply looking up to the stars and being intensely curious about what the universe was all about.

“Jodrell gives us that innate connection to our origins and how we came to be here.

“No matter what your age, every one of these experiences provide an amazing opportunity to educate and inspire – two things which are integral to being human.”

Jodrell Bank Observatory is one of 50 science-related projects from across the north west which has benefitted from £37.9 million from The National Lottery since the first draw in 1994.

The world-leading centre for radio astronomy was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site this year.

With the help of a £12.1 million grant The National Lottery supported the centre’s First Light Project, a spectacular interpretation of space, due to open in 2021, in which visitors can engage with and learn about the site’s fantastic stories, amazing feats of post-war engineering and the creation of the Grade-1 listed Lovell telescope.

David Renwick, Director North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “The First Light project will nurture a new generation of scientists and astronomers, sharing our scientific heritage through the lens of learning, wonder and fun.

“It is thanks to National Lottery players that Jodrell Bank will become a place where people of all ages can be inspired and, quite literally, reach for the stars.”