Inside futuristic new attraction where families can explore huge, interactive cinema screens – and it’s completely free

IT’S becoming more and more expensive to entertain the kids on fun days out.

But there’s a brand new attraction that’s fun for all the family - and it’s completely free.

5

5

Outernet is a set of buildings with interactive, floor to ceiling screens, based outside London’s busy Tottenham Court Road station, with different exhibitions on all the time.

At the heart of it is the Now Building, where it feels like being in a huge cinema as you step in, with amazing, directional, atmospheric, surround sound.

Giving us a tour of Outernet, CEO Philip O'Ferrall says: “This is the world's most advanced screen, and it's designed for the public to come in and enjoy great entertainment.”

Virtual space station and free beer

The screens change throughout the day, showing art from the likes of Rankin Studios, Ridley Scott Creative, and the Royal College of Art, as well as live music performances from BPI, who run the BRITs.

MORE TRAVEL FEATURES

LIVIN LA VIDA LAGOS

I’m a Brit living in Portugal… here are 5 things they do better than UK

JET SET GO

I’m an air hostess… sneaky trick allows you to bring extra bag on plane for free

For space enthusiasts, it’s amazing - At one point, when NASA’s image of the day was shown, it felt like you were walking into a virtual space station.

There really is something for everyone -  and it’s on track to be one of the UK’s most-visited attraction by the end of the year, with 123,000 people visiting every week.

Currently, Outernet visitors can hold digital butterflies in their hand, as part of the Butterfly Trail, created by Pixel Artworks.

5

Using a smartphone, kids (and adults) can release AR butterflies and trigger real-time animations, while being guided along the building’s many screens, filled with beautiful butterflies.

Most read in Family

SNOW WAY

I flew to Lapland for the day and did Santa meets, husky rides and snowmobiles

START TO FINNISH

I visited European winter wonderland with reindeers & 200 days of snow

SNOW GOOD

UK's largest covered ice rink to reopen - with Santa skates and disco sessions

RIDE ON

Huge indoor theme park that was once the world's largest has 29 rides

Another interactive exhibition on, currently, is The Spaces In-Between, in which you can sync your body movements with breathtaking, digital light artwork.

As you move, so will the digital screens.

Ed Sheeran event

5

5

Outernet also often holds events, where big brands, like beer company Estrella Galicia and MAC Cosmetics, will give out their products for free.

“This space is being used all the time,” Philip says. “And I'm really excited for people that want to come into town and enjoy the space and get free samples.”

Outernet is also home to two contrasting live venues, grassroots performance venue The Lower Third and HERE at Outernet.

HERE at Outernet is a 2000 capacity underground venue featuring cutting-edge audio and video.

It’s played host to some of the biggest names in live music and DJ talent, including Annie Mac and Ed Sheeran, and Jodie Harsh will be taking over the decks in November.

To find out more about what’s on and plan your day at Outernet, download the app from the or .