Are you ready for an action-packed family adventure? Set off on an exciting journey through the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) at Winchester Science Centre.
The Planetarium
Whoooosh! Come fly through the stars in the Planetarium. A massive screen is all around you to make you feel like you’re flying through space. Watch fun characters head off on exciting adventures in a subtitled film show. Or in a live show, you can listen to the space hero Inspirers telling amazing stories about the Solar System. Whatever you pick, you’ll find out fantastic space facts. Shows change throughout the year so make sure you check out what’s on when you visit.
Awesome hands-on fun
Are you ready to go on an adventure through sound? Who wants to be an astronaut? Let’s do it all with the interactive exhibitions. In Sound, Hearing and Vibration you can climb inside a giant ear and see how it works. Make sounds in the ginormous echo tubes. Experience the acoustics of a sonic rocket. You can even join the rescue crew to save Humphrey the Humpback Whale. Head deep inside the galaxy in Explorer:Space. Learn about robots and coding. Find out about how atmospheric pressure changes when you blast into space. You can even discover more about the gravity of different planets. What are you waiting for, let’s go!
Live science
Watch as science comes to life! Be part of the audience in a free Science Theatre show. Delve into the mysteries of STEM’s most exciting topics. Learn new fascinating facts. Be wowed by amazing demos. You could be watching dancing fire or a super cool dry ice cannon. Shows change throughout the year so make sure you check out what’s on when you visit. Want to see more explosive action? The Science Live demo area is right in the middle of the exhibition floor so you won’t miss a thing. Get set to watch the Inspirers do all the experiments you definitely can’t do at home. You’ll see massive fireballs. There’ll be smoke rings floating in the sky. You might even see an exploding bubble.
Nature adventures
Get up close to nature. In Bio:Space there’s so much fun and play. It’s full of challenges and science activities that are inspired by the South Downs National Park. There’s an outdoor adventure playground and fun nature trails. It’s an amazing place to find out about nature and how we can all keep it safe and special for everyone to enjoy.
So much more…
At Winchester Science Centre, science is for everyone. You’ll find lots to do that will make everyone’s day out fun and magical. So why wait? Book your tickets now!
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.”
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The Cycle Company offer electric bike rental from our shop, right next to Shawford Train Station (10 minutes from Winchester).
Winchester is home to an abundance of trees. Follow this self-guided trail to learn more...
Set within 65 acres of the beautiful south downs national park, Marwell Resort has grown into one of the most prestigious holiday parks on the south coast.
A rare surviving example of an urban working corn mill
Explore this charming country home set in 25 acres of gardens
South Downs Sourdough courses are practical, fun and informative. Discover how to make delicious, nutritious sourdough using traditional methods.
Discover the richness of Winchester on unique, entertaining, and fun walking tours.
The Cheese & Chilli Festival is set to spice up the summer, with highlights including a chilli eating competition, food challenges, cooking demonstrations, family-friendly entertainment and much, much more!
World famous 180 acre gardens.
The Gurkha Museum takes you on a journey of discovery through the history of Gurkhas in British service.
One of the best regimental museums in the Country.
Trace the history of three famous regiments over a period of 300 years
Explore the beautiful market town of Bishops Waltham located in the delightful countryside of Hampshire in the Meon Valley area with this interactive QR trail.
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.
One of the world's most famous authors, was born, lived and died on the 18th July 1817 in the historic city of Winchester. Our trail follows her life in Hampshire.
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.
An inspiring day out for all ages in one of Europe's finest medieval Cathedrals. Now featuring a spectacular new exhibition - Kings & Scribes: The Birth of a Nation.
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
