Located in the picturesque city of Winchester, the Science Centre stands as a beacon of knowledge, inspiring curiosity and igniting the passion for science among visitors of all ages. With its interactive exhibits, engaging demonstrations, and awe-inspiring planetarium shows, the Science Centre offers an unforgettable experience for science enthusiasts, families, and curious minds alike. We were invited as guests of Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium to come and see what there is to explore in this wonderful venue. So sit back, relax and enjoy our Winchester Science Centre Review post.
Winchester Science Centre Review
The building is split into three main areas, the upstairs is full of exhibits and activities which you can explore by yourself. Downstairs is themed around space, there’s also a small soft play area, plus there is a hosting area for the live science shows. There’s also a separate area for the Planetarium which you can get to through the gift shop. I’ve gone into detail about each area in this Winchester Science Centre review.
Interactive Exhibits
As you enter the Science Centre, you are immediately drawn into a world of interactive exhibits that cater to visitors of all ages. Within seconds Austin was off. There were so many things for him to see and do. He was going from one exhibit to the next. It was so exciting for him. Once we got him to calm down a little, we talked him through what we were doing with each activity and showed him how it worked and what it meant. Some of the exhibits are better for slightly older children – Austin is four – but there was so much for him to get involved in. I think children of all ages would love it here.
Each display engages the mind and ignites a sense of wonder. The hands-on exhibits cover a diverse range of scientific disciplines, from physics and biology to space exploration and environmental sciences. You can explore the wonders of electromagnetism, understand the principles of motion, and even participate in exciting chemistry experiments. Rob and I were absolutely fascinated by the speed of sound tubes that were set up. It was mind-blowing to hear your words come out of a tube around half a minute later. Austin loved the ball launcher, where he fired a tennis ball high into the air. He also enjoyed pumping bubbles through the tubes which were filled with different liquids. Autumn, although she’s only one, was fascinated watching the bubbles rise through the tubes.
We all got involved in the gravity run with the blower and the small plastic balls. At first, the children just wanted to put the balls through the structure that others had made, then Austin wanted to reorganise the pipes to make his own version, which resulted in a lot of balls rolling all over the floor as he was learning how to make his run better each time. But perseverance won and he made a very well-constructed gravity run for his balls. He and Autumn spent a long time watching the balls being blown up and rolling down his set-up.
The Planetarium
One of the highlights of the Science Centre is its state-of-the-art planetarium. Once you step into this captivating dome you are transported to the cosmos, surrounded by a breathtaking display of stars, planets, and galaxies. Our two were quite blown away by it. They’d never been into a planetarium before and it was quite the experience.
The Winchester Planetarium offers a diverse lineup of shows, from educational programs about the solar system and constellations to immersive journeys through the far reaches of the universe. With its stunning visuals and expert narrators, the planetarium experience is nothing short of awe-inspiring – no matter what age you are.
Live Shows
During our visit, several live shows were running. You could peer over the balcony in the centre and watch the exciting experiences as they unfolded throughout your visit. We had tickets to a live show in the early afternoon, which took place downstairs. It was aimed at solving a mystery using science and was very visual. There were floor mats for the kids to sit on at the front and chairs for the adults. It was well set up and the show was fast-paced and engaging for kids. We all thoroughly enjoyed it.
Inclusivity at Its Finest
Winchester Science Centre is doing a fantastic job of getting everyone involved in science. Some of their live shows have been adapted to be more suitable for those who don’t like loud noises. They’ve also got some shows where there will be a British Sign Language interpreter present and you can reserve a seat near the front. They’ve got a great range of activities including Science Lates which is aimed at adults. It combines explosive live science, a Planetarium show, a DJ and a bar. Sounds perfect!
It’s easy to spend a whole day at the Science Centre as there’s so much to do there. They’ve got a fantastic café on the first floor which has a great range of food. They were able to cater for Austin’s allergies really easily, with a wide range of options for him to choose from. I was so impressed with the setup for catering for those with allergies – it didn’t feel like an afterthought, as it does in so many places. He even enjoyed a dairy and wheat-free cake, which is almost impossible to get when you are out and about. There’s a spacious baby change and everything was accessible for us with a pram, as it would be for a wheelchair user.
During the school summer holidays, they’ve got their mini outdoor children’s festival, called Fiesta, running. In addition to all the great activities on offer at the centre, they’ve also got a storytelling tent, a music makers tent and a mini stage for the kids. It sounds so much fun! It’s all included with your general admission ticket. So if you are in or around the Winchester area at any point. I would urge you to go to the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium. It’s so amazing.
Although we visited whilst we were on our mini-break, so aren’t that local to it, I’d love to go again and I’m sure we’ll be making the trip to Winchester again soon. It was such a fun, hands-on place to be. The Winchester Science Centre offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you and your family inspired and filled with a newfound appreciation for science.
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