This exciting family destination is the South of England’s hands-on, interactive science and technology centre with the largest standalone planetarium in the UK. It is an all-weather visitor attraction with a welcoming family feel, situated approximately 3 miles from Winchester city centre.
The Science Centre is home to Explorer:Space, an immersive space zone where your family can take an epic journey through the solar system and learn about all things space, from meteorites to human space flight. At weekends and during holidays you can visit the Invention Studio, a place where you can create, construct and be challenged with the help of our friendly Inspirers.
There are lots of interactive exhibits to explore, aiming to spark curiosity in all the family and bring the worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) to life. Learn how to bend light, create your own vortex and test your speed and balance in our Science of Sport zone. You can even set off on a journey through the Colon Café and learn all about your gut and how what we put into our bodies affects what comes out!
The Science Centre runs a brilliant programme of weekend and school holiday events, that could include anything from live science shows to interactive sessions to activities and challenges, all included in General Admission (unless otherwise stated). All events are listed on the website.
You’ll find an excellent choice of hot and cold drinks, lunch options and snacks at the Hub Café. There is indoor and outdoor seating for those purchasing refreshments as well as a picnic area if you prefer to bring your own lunch.
The Science Shop offers a variety of unusual STEM gifts, from pocket-money mementos to quality books and experiments to try at home.
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 on offer – full dome films, which are high-quality, digital pre-recorded animations, and live shows during which you tour through space led by a presenter.
The Centre 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 autism-friendly shows, designed to be welcoming and inviting to those with sensory sensitives and their loved ones. Sensory-friendly adjustments include low lighting left on, sound turned down and freedom to move around.
General Admission with Gift Aid – £11
General Admission without Gift Aid – £10
Savings are available for those advance booking online. Save 25% when booking online at least three days in advance or 10% the day before your visit. Discounts apply to General Admission only.
General Admission tickets allow full access to the hands-on exhibition area during normal opening hours, including entry to the Invention Studio during school holidays and on weekends. These tickets do not include admission to special events or the planetarium unless otherwise stated.
Planetarium shows are £3.50 when added to General Admission or £6.60 for a planetarium-only ticket.
The Science Centre is an independent educational charity that relies on Gift Aid and visitor donations to continue delivering inspiring science to young people and sparking curiosity in STEM.
Term time:
For more information including Bank Holiday hours, late openings and closures see the Winchester Science Centre website.
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).
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