Find out how far your curiosity will take you as you embark on an exhilarating adventure through exhibits, activities, shows and live science demos at Winchester Science Centre. Feel your senses come alive as you explore the sights and sounds of an exciting new interactive sound, hearing and vibration exhibition, be wowed by huge explosive Science LIVE demos and head outside to get up close to nature with hands-on challenges in the Bio:Space experimentation zone. And don’t forget the amazing free live science shows, spectacular 360 degree Planetarium experience and out-of-this-world Explorer:Space zone!
Come on an exciting adventure of discovery through the art, physics and biology of sound, hearing and vibration, where inspirational and fun interactive exhibits are waiting to bring it all to life.
Venture into an enormous 10m long guitar to feel the vibrations, experience the wonder of acoustics inside the sonic rocket and climb inside a giant ear to explore its inner workings. Laugh and learn together by making sounds in the huge echo tubes, discover more about decibels, rhythm and frequency and try your hand at British Sign Language. You can even join the rescue crew to save Humphrey the Humpback Whale and meet the experts in our bringing Research to Life zone, plus so much more!
Get set for explosive Science LIVE demos taking place right on the exhibition floor! There’s fire, ice, explosions and much more, all on a massive scale and taking place regularly throughout the day so you won’t miss a thing. For something a little more tranquil, the whole family can get creative and have a go at challenges themed around nature in the inside/outside experimentation zone BIO:SPACE – bring a coat so you can go outside whatever the weather! And if it all gets a bit too much, take a break in the Recombobulation Room – a quiet place designed for people who need time away from the hustle and bustle.
While you’re visiting, don’t miss out on all the other exciting things on offer, including space-themed interactive exhibits in Explorer:Space and spectacular shows in the UK’s largest standalone Planetarium. And with a free live science show where the team of Inspirers will be delving into a whole host of science topics through fun demos and exciting audience participation, there’s something the whole family can get involved with.
And if all that has left you needing a break, take a seat and relax with a hot drink or mouth-wateringly tasty treat from the refreshed café before continuing your STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) journey at home with a souvenir from the remodelled shop.
Road
From North – M3 Jct 9 follow A272 onto A31. Follow tourism signs.
From South – M3 Jct 10 follow A31 for 2 miles. Follow signs.
From East – A31 or A272. Percy Hobbs roundabout. Follow tourism signs.
Public transport
Stagecoach Bus 64 Stops outside the Winchester Science Centre (may also be known as the Percy Hobbs stop).
The planetarium offers an unforgettable experience. The 360° cinema screen completely surrounds the audience, placing everyone right in the action. Relax back in your seat and get sucked into a black hole, fly through the solar system or take a flight in a cardboard rocket.
There are two different show formats – fulldome films, which are high-quality, digital pre-recorded animations, and live shows during which a presenter takes you on a tour through space.
The Science Centre also offers three different show environments to ensure that everyone can enjoy the planetarium. Most are chatterbox shows which offer a relaxed, family-friendly environment where the audience are welcome to call out, ask questions and talk to others about what they see. Quiet shows are for those who would prefer a quiet environment to enjoy the planetarium experience. There are also relaxed shows, designed to be welcoming and inviting to those with sensory sensitives and their loved ones. Adjustments include lights left on low, sound turned down and freedom to move around.
General Admission with Gift Aid – £13.20
General Admission without Gift Aid – £12
Planetarium show tickets are £3.50 when added to General Admission or £6.60 for planetarium-only.
The Science Centre is an independent educational charity that relies on Gift Aid and visitor donations to continue delivering inspiring to science to all.
Hampshire Term Time
Monday to Friday: Closed
Saturdays and Sundays: 9.20am – 5pm (last entry at 3pm)
Hampshire School Holidays
Monday to Sunday: 9am – 5pm (last entry 3pm)
“We’re Good To Go” is the official UK mark to signal that a tourism and hospitality business has worked hard to follow Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and has a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.
This business is self-certificated as “We’re Good To Go.”
Hattingley Valley is a family owned business located in Hampshire specialising in premium English sparkling wines.
A rare surviving example of an urban working corn mill
Explore this charming country home set in 25 acres of gardens
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Discover the richness of Winchester on unique, entertaining, and fun walking tours.
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World famous 180 acre gardens.
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One of the best regimental museums in the Country.
Trace the history of three famous regiments over a period of 300 years
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The escape room experience in the heart of Winchester
Come and discover the story of water over the last 100 years.
Displays made up from social, industrial and agricultural artifacts and archives.
A great family fun day out.
Discover the 'Great House’ enjoyed by Jane Austen, the quintessentially English manor house and gardens with a fascinating history.
Join a guided tour with one of Winchester's official tourist guides to take in the city's highlights.
Live entertainment and events in a historic venue - also home to a cafe and Winchester Tourist Information Centre.
Hosting a variety of exhibitions throughout the year
A modern exhibition space in the centre of Winchester
Telling the story of Winchester.
The last of the main medieval gates into the city
A trail exploring the Winchester District as favoured by main Tudor monarchs.
A trail around the city centre that is accessible for all.
A pocket guide to the beautiful market town of Wickham.
A pocket guide to the charming market town of Bishop's Waltham.
A pocket guide to the picturesque town of stockbridge in the Test Valley.
A pocket guide to the beautiful market town of Alresford
Find out more about the fascinating history of the Jewish community in Winchester.
A brief history of royal Winchester.
As we remember those that lost their lives during conflict, take time to learn more about Winchester's military history and our Armed Forces.
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Walk, run or cycle along the Viaduct Way - Winchester's restored historic railway.
Enjoy the golden colours of Autumn in Winchester on our trail that follows the route Keats took on his daily walk 200 years ago.
Find your way to exclusive offers and ideas for great days out with our new Visitor Map out now.
It might be getting darker earlier but we love Winchester's sunset views - see for yourself and follow our self-guided trail.
Grade I listed buildings dating from 1132 and is home to 25 Brothers.
Six museums within yards of each other
Let off steam and travel by a lovingly restored Steam Train
Believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country
Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire, is the house where Jane Austen lived and wrote.
See the impressive Royal Armouries collection of artillery and historic cannons
Step back in time on the banks of the Beaulieu River at the peaceful haven of Buckler's Hard.
A multi-award winning family day out with something for everyone
Trace the footsteps of King Alfred from his statue in the Broadway to his last known resting place beneath Hyde Abbey Garden.
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Discover the artistry, heritage and taste of Bombay Sapphire
Beautiful and intimate Edwardian-style, 400 seat theatre situated in the heart of the city. The Theatre presents a diverse programme of drama, dance, family theatre, music and talks plus a hugely popular traditional family pantomime. It is part of the Arts and Education charity, Play to the Crowd, that also runs Winchester's annual Outdoor Arts Festival, The Hat Fair, each July.
The final remains of Winchester Castle and home to King Arthur's round table.
Get close to the wonders of the natural world
