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.
Included in admission every weekend and school holiday are explosive live science shows together with hands-on activities and challenges focused around popular themes. These themes are fun and quirky, serving as a great introduction to the inspiring world of science for children and their families.
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. The Science Centre is also home to Explorer:Space, an awe-inspiring, 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. Be sure to visit the Invention Studio, a place where you can create, construct and be challenged with the help of friendly Inspirers.
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 – 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 GiftAid – £13.20
General Admission without GiftAid – £12
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. Discount applies to General Admission only.
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 science to all.
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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Winchester Science Centre's evening Space Lectures are aimed at a level a little above most popular science lectures, so go prepared to exercise your brain and learn the science behind the headlines.
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