Long ago in a galaxy far, far away a sci-fi franchise was born.

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It’s been 46 years since Star Wars: A New Hope hit our screens and changed the face of science fiction, if not pop culture, forever. With words like ‘Jedi’, ‘Lightsaber’ and ‘the force’ now firmly ingrained in the cultural zeitgeist, the impact of this first trilogy is hard to put into words. Plus, it either permanently ruined or improved (depending on your leaning) the phrase “I am your father.”

Now, the franchise is an astronomical extended universe with eight live-action films, cartoon series and spinoff shows like Andor and The Mandalorian bringing in new fans all the time.

Some of you might have been here from the launch of the first Tie Fighter, while others might have joined because of your love of Baby Yoda. But whether you’re a youngling, a Padawan or a Jedi Knight, the love of Star Wars is universal.

So, if you’re one with the force, we think you’ll love this list of the best Star Wars experiences to try this year. From exhibitions to tours to concerts, the range of activities in this piece is bigger than a Star Destroyer.

We’ve got afternoon teas and workshops just a few parsecs from your doorstep, as well as holidays and events on the other side of the world. And, if you’ve got a bad feeling about price, don’t worry, because these experiences go between £14 and £133, so there’s plenty to do if you’re on a budget.

It’s not a trap! Here are the best Star Wars experiences to try in the UK and beyond.

Star Wars fans, we’ve got some great gift ideas for you. Take a look at the best Mandalorian merchandise, or the best LEGO deals for this month.

Best Star Wars experiences at a glance:

Best Star Wars experiences to try in the UK

Launch Of Star Wars Attraction At Madame Tussauds
Tim Whitby/WireImage

It's never a bad idea to take a trip to Madame Tussauds London, especially if you're a Star Wars fan. The iconic attraction has an entire Star Wars hall featuring waxworks of some of the franchises most loved characters. From Han Solo to BB-8 it covers the entire franchise and more.

Buy Madame Tussauds tickets from £33 at Madame Tussauds

Disney100 exhibit

D100 Press Photo 27
Fever

The largest ever exhibit of official Disney memorabilia is currently sitting in the ExCel London. Disney100 is an entire experience dedicated to the last century of the Walt Disney company and features dozens of original props, costumes, works of art and so much more. Thanks to Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, there's a whole series of rooms dedicated to the Star Wars universe.

Buy Disney100 tickets from £16 at Fever

Jedi Training

Jedi training
Join the galaxy’s most skilled warriors and unleash your inner Jedi with this unique training experience where the force will guide you! Fizzbox

Luke had Yoda, Anakin had Obi-Wan, and you’ll have your own professional instructors at this Jedi Training experience. At a studio in London, you’ll learn a number of exciting fighting techniques and moves that are perfect for battling a Sith Lord.

Buy Jedi Training experience from £55 at Fizzbox

Sci-Fi Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel

Sci-fi afternoon tea
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If Star Wars is just the tip of the iceberg on your sci-fi obsession, you might enjoy this afternoon tea at the Ampersand Hotel in London. Sat right next to the Science Museum, you can enjoy a range of delicious space-themed treats like jellies served in petri dishes, to chocolate spacemen and dinosaur biscuits.

Buy the Sci-Fi Afternoon Tea for £85 at BuyaGift

Best Star Wars experiences outside of the UK to try in 2024

Star Tours Disneyland

Star Tours disneyland
ines belkhodja/Unsplash

Embark on a 3D intergalactic adventure with Disneyland Paris’ Star Tours. A staple of the theme park’s Discoveryland, this simulator brings you face to face with C-3PO, Storm Troopers and Vader himself. Each ride will have a slightly different journey across the planets and galaxies and leave you feeling exhilarated.

Buy Disneyland Paris tickets from £133 at Disneyland Paris

Plus, check out how to get cheap Disneyland Paris tickets to grab yourself a discount.

Half-Day Star Wars Film Set Locations Tour

The Mandalorian season 2
Disney

Did you know that the Tatooine scenes in Star Wars were filmed in Tunisia? Well you do now, so why not add a bit of nerdy fun to your next holiday with the Star Wars locations tour. You’ll get to see where Luke Skywalker was hidden for all those years and where he discovered Old Ben.

Buy Half-Day Star Wars Tour for £52 at Get Your Guide

The Very Best of John Williams concert

John Williams
Getty, EH

If there was one person who made Star Wars iconic other than George Lucas, it’s John Williams. The stellar composer is responsible for some of the best scores in film history, including Jurassic Park and Jaws. Now, you can celebrate his life and works in concert. While there have been UK versions of this concert in the past, at the moment it’s being held in cities across France, but rest assured, we’ll update you as soon as another one pops up closer to home.

If you love live music, be sure to read our guide to the best candlelight concerts.

But The Very Best of John Williams tickets from €46.50 at Ticketmaster

That’s no moon, that’s the sight of one of our other fabulous experience days. For the film fans, check out the best TV and film studio tours or how to see Hocus Pocus in concert.

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Plus, we’ve got how to get Disney on Ice tickets and the best Peaky Blinders tours.

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