Open Day: Ice Explorers – Icebergs, penguins and brrrilliant science!
2026-03-21 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0ET, United Kingdom
Join us for Ice Explorers – a fun, family-friendly open day at the headquarters of the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge. Our open day is part of the Cambridge Festival line up.
Step into our icy world and find out how scientists, engineers and innovators are uncovering the secrets of our frozen poles. From the bottom of the oceans to the edge of space, our research helps guard the future of our planet.
This is a ticket-only event – but tickets are free and available here.
Explore. Discover. Experience.
Ice Explorers invites families on an interactive journey into the polar regions – where the ice tells stories of Earth’s past and present, and holds the clues to its future. Through hands-on experiments, live demonstrations and fascinating exhibits, you’ll see how researchers study ice, wildlife and climate change in some of the planet’s most extreme places.

Meet polar scientists and engineers who are studying Earth’s most extreme environments.
Step inside a polar field tent and see what it’s really like to live and work in freezing conditions.
Try on real polar clothing to learn what it takes to survive in the icy wilderness.
Hop aboard a snowmobile and snap a photo with our friendly penguins!
Hear stories from Antarctica – from battling blizzards to studying the ice, oceans and wildlife that hold clues to our changing planet

(Credit: Peter Fretwell)
The polar regions matter
Why are Antarctica and the Arctic vital for understanding climate change? What questions are scientists trying to answer, and how does what’s happening there affect the rest of the world?
Our research shows that the polar regions play a huge part in the Earth’s climate – by reflecting sunlight, storing frozen water and driving ocean currents. Understanding how these cold places are changing means we can better protect our planet’s future.
This ice-cool experience is open to everyone – from curious kids to lifelong explorers
Come along, uncover the science and take your first steps into the exciting world of polar research.
Tickets
Tickets are free and are available here.
A grounded iceberg seen from Lagoon Island in Ryder Bay, Antarctica
How to find us
Visit us in Cambridge.

Pop into the Polar Museum
2026-03-28 10:00 - 15:00 | Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, CB2 1EP, GB
As part of this year’s Cambridge Festival, why not drop into the Polar Museum in the heart of the city and enjoy a full day of ice-themed activities?
Meet artist Rowan Huntley and take the opportunity to talk with her about her work featured in the Through Ice and Fire exhibition. You’ll also be able to get hands-on with samples from her research and artistic experiments, offering a unique insight into her creative process.
British Antarctic Survey will have a field tent on display, giving you the chance to step inside and experience what it’s like to live and work in extreme polar conditions. Try on authentic polar clothing worn by researchers during field trips in remote parts of Antarctica and learn more about what it takes to survive in such a harsh, icy environment.
You can also explore the museum’s fascinating collection, with opportunities to handle objects connected to geology and scientific research in the polar regions across history. Chat with knowledgeable staff and volunteers as you examine geology samples and scientific equipment up close.

British Antarctic Survey at Duxford Summer Air Show
2026-07-04 10:00 - 2026-07-05 17:00 | Imperial War Museum Duxford, Duxford, Bar Hill Cambridge, Cambs, CB22 4QR, United Kingdom
Join the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) at this year’s Duxford Air Show and get an up-close encounter with one of our Twin Otter aircraft, essential for our pioneering scientific endeavours in Antarctica and beyond!

Duxford Air Show is one of the premier air shows taking place in the UK this year. A lively and family-friendly affair, you’ll be treated to fast jets, warbirds, aerobatic aircraft, funfair, live music and more!

Come and meet our distinctive Twin Otter aircraft, ‘Ice Cold Katy’ on static display over the weekend. Chat to our crew involved in airborne scientific projects and seize the opportunity to learn about the challenges of flying, working and living in some of the harshest environments on the planet.

Twin Otter Aircraft

BAS operates four Twin Otters, which form the backbone of our operations. In a typical season, they log approximately 1300 hours of flight time in Antarctica, supporting multiple scientific field projects. Two of our Twin Otters are specially modified to carry a wide range of sensors and instruments allowing them to do atmospheric and geophysical science, as well as airborne remote sensing. They also transport scientists to their field sites, resupply them, or relocate them during the season, and then safely return the team to Antarctic research stations upon completion of their projects.

Do come along to find out more!

The Duxford Summer Air Show takes place on 4 and 5 July 2026 at IWM Duxford, Duxford, Cambridgeshire, CB22 4QR
To book your tickets, visit the IWM Duxford Summer Air Show website.
