In line with government guidance and the further measures being taken to halt the advance of Covid-19, Winchester Science Centre is currently closed until further notice. Please visit their website for more information and updates on their re-opening plans.
Winchester Science Centre is more than a day out. It’s a chance to spark your children’s curiosity in science which could lead them on an exciting journey for life! Situated in the stunning South Downs National Park, 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.
***A brand new visitor experience for October 2020***
From Saturday 17 October, find out how far your curiosity will take you as you embark on an exhilarating adventure around Winchester Science Centre’s brand new visitor experience!
Feel your senses come alive as you explore the sights and sounds of an exciting new interactive exhibition, all themed around sound, hearing and vibration. Put yourself in the action by venturing into an enormous 10m long guitar to feel the string vibrations or climb through a giant ear to explore its inner workings.
Get set for explosive Science LIVE demos taking place right on the exhibition floor or 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. 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.
Explorer:Space
Experience the out-of-this-world interactive exhibits of Explorer:Space, an epic journey through the Solar System. Located on the lower floor, Explorer:Space encompasses 20 fantastic modular exhibits, covering everything from meteorites to stardust, robots to coding, and atmospheric pressure to human space flight!
FREE Live Science Show
Make sure to reserve your space in a thrilling free live science show! Discover more about STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) with exciting Inspirer-led demonstrations and fun audience participation. Show themes change regularly so grab yourself a ticket each time you visit!
Hub Café & Science Shop
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.
Explore the South Downs National Park
Located in the picturesque South Downs National Park, Winchester Science Centre enjoys stunning views and surroundings. There is an outdoor play area for children to burn off some energy and picnic tables for guests with packed lunches and direct access to public footpaths to explore the adjoining nature reserve.
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 (Saturday 17 October to Sunday 29 November)
Monday to Friday: Closed
Saturdays and Sundays: 9.20am – 5pm (last entry at 3pm)
October Half Term 2020 (Friday 23 October – Monday 2 November)
Monday to Sunday: 9.20am – 5pm (last entry 3pm)
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