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).
This journey starts on Earth observing the night time sky before flying through the solar system, and perhaps further still!
Join two young explorers as they blast off in a homemade rocket-ship to explore our solar system.
Chill out in front of your favourite Christmas film in the exciting setting of the planetarium.
Chill out in front of your favourite Christmas film in the exciting setting of the planetarium.
Chill out in front of your favourite Christmas film in the exciting setting of the planetarium.
Chill out in front of your favourite Christmas film in the exciting setting of the planetarium.
The elves have lost Santa’s reindeer and they need your help to find them!
These Wednesday lectures are aimed at a level a little above most popular science lectures, so come prepared to exercise your brain and learn the science behind the headlines.
Exploring exciting extreme weather, and the science behind it.
Stars, constellations and planets in tonight's sky.
Join a live presenter for a whirlwind tour of our solar system.
A special experience that has been designed especially with the Science Centre’s youngest visitors in mind.
A special experience that has been designed especially with the Science Centre’s youngest visitors in mind.
A Christmas experience like no other with a live science show, an elf-led activity, Christmas planetarium show and chance to meet Santa.
World famous 180 acre gardens.
Guided cycle tours of Winchester and beyond.
Day trips and minibus hire in Southern England
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.
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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
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Displays made up from social, industrial and agricultural artifacts and archives.
A great family fun day out.
Explore this charming country home set in 25 acres of gardens.
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Producers of beautiful English Sparkling Wine from their 60 acres of vineyards.
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 rare surviving example of an urban working corn mill
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 house of scandal and passion, where upstairs meets downstairs
A pocket guide to the picturesque town of stockbridge in the Test Valley.
A pocket guide to the beautiful market town of Alresford
A National Trust elegant country house with highly distinctive gardens
Find out more about the fascinating history of the Jewish community in Winchester.
Enjoy the golden colours of Autumn in Winchester on our trail that follows the route Keats took on his daily walk.
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.
A stunning medieval building filled with the most beautiful of the College's treasures
Described by William Cobbett as “one of the prettiest places in the County”.
Six museums within yards of each other
Library, exhibition, gallery and performance venue
Let off steam and travel by a lovingly restored Steam Train
Believed to be the oldest continuously running school in the country
The house at Chawton where Jane Austen spent the last eight years of her life.
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
Discover the artistry, heritage and taste of Bombay Sapphire
Beautiful and intimate Edwardian-style Theatre venue
The final remains of Winchester Castle and home to King Arthur's round table.
Get close to the wonders of the natural world
