Are you looking for an engaging and educational adventure in Hampshire? You're not alone. We all want to offer our children experiences that are both fun and fuel their curiosity. Winchester Science Centre might be your ideal place to visit.
Recently, my daughter and I had the opportunity to visit Winchester Science Centre. She absolutely loves science thoroughly enjoyed the day, and didn’t want to go home. Winchester Science Centre is a captivating knowledge hub in the serene South Downs. It's a destination that combines learning with enjoyment - an ideal blend for curious young minds.
In this blog post, I'll share my experience at Winchester Science Centre, highlighting its exhibits, price, top tips and giving you a firsthand account of all there is to know.
About Winchester Science Centre
Winchester Science Centre is a fantastic place for families and science enthusiasts alike. The centre is dedicated to promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) education in a fun and interactive way.
The centre boasts two levels brimming with interactive science displays and a planetarium. It also offers an exciting array of shows and live presentations.
Where is Winchester Science Centre?
Winchester science centre is based in the South Downs National Park. It is close to the M3, so it’s easy to get to by car and about a 10-minute drive from Winchester City Centre. Here is the address for anyone using a Sat Nav: Winchester Science Centre, Telegraph Way, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1HZ.
If you prefer public transportation, take the No. 64 bus between Winchester and Alresford. This route will drop you off just 300 metres from the Science Centre at the base of Morn Hill.
Do you have to pay for parking?
The parking fee is £3 for up to 4 hours and £5 for up to 8 hours. However, if you are a member of the centre, parking is free of charge. Additionally, there are designated parking spaces for disabled visitors near the entrance, and a lift is available for those who require it.
Interactive Activities and Exhibits
All around the centre, there are lots of interactive exhibits. My daughter wanted to try everything out.
As you arrive in the centre, one of the first things you notice is the enormous playable guitar, which is over 10 metres long. The guitar is also enjoyable to play; you can stand inside and feel it vibrate when people pluck the strings.
Another must-see exhibit is the Explorer: Space Zone, which takes you on an out-of-this-world journey through space. The exhibit has interactive displays that teach you about the planets, stars, and galaxies.
Another highlight is the ‘Little Big Room’, which plays with perspective and makes you look bigger or smaller depending on where you stand in the room.
Live Science Shows
The live science shows were one of my daughter's favourite things. There are two different types:
Firstly there are the Science Live Shows, which you can watch on the ground floor or look down over the balcony on the top floor. These are about 5 minutes long each and have a different one about every 30 minutes. I believe they repeat them halfway through the day, so if you miss one, you can see it later in the day.
Even as an adult, I also found them interesting. The shows are packed with big explosions and wow moments', often with the caveat, 'Please, don't try this at home'. They usually put a tannoy announcement out, giving you a few minutes' notice of when the show will be starting.
Secondly, there is the Winchester Science Theatre. These run throughout the day and can be pre-booked online or at reception on arrival, which are included in your ticket price. These shows are longer and usually last about 15 minutes.
We have been to the centre twice, and I was to see that on our second visit, it was a different show. This time, it was the Chemistry Crime Squad, where the presenter had to solve the mystery of who stole his lunch.
I have to give the staff a special mention for their performances on the shows, everyone we watched was excellent and presented perfectly.
Planetarium Shows
One of the things I wish we had done was watch a show in the planetarium. It is a digital planetarium with 176 seats. To watch a show it costs £4 each.
Many other reviews have said it was their favourite part of the day. The shows take visitors through the solar system and beyond, exploring planets, stars, and galaxies. The planetarium uses state-of-the-art technology to create a realistic and immersive experience.
Hopefully, we’ll return one day or visit to watch a Night Sky Live or an adult-only evening show.
What Age Is Winchester Science Centre Suitable For?
The age winchester science centre is suitable for ages 3 to 12. However, there is something for everyone. As well as the interactive activities and shows, there is a small soft play area.
The soft play has a small slide and some parts to climb up. It is just for children under six years old. We went on an inset day, which was quiet, and only about 3 children were playing in the soft play. However, I imagine it must get quite busy on a day when the weather isn’t particularly great.
Is it suitable for adults?
While Winchester Science Centre is primarily aimed towards families and children, plenty of exhibits and planetarium shows will also appeal to adults. From exploring the wonders of the universe in the planetarium to learning about the latest scientific advancements.
How long does it take to go around Winchester Science Centre?
Exploring all the exhibits and attending the shows at Winchester Science Centre typically takes around 3-4 hours. Although, this can vary depending on how much time you spend on each activity and how busy the centre is. I recommend planning for at least a half-day visit to fully enjoy all the centre offers. However, we spent most of the day there; if you have a little scientist who loves everything on offer, I would take your time, and you can go around a few times.
Café and Lunch
While there, we decided to treat ourselves to a morning snack and lunch. There is a cafe called ‘the hub’.
It offers a variety of food, including snacks, paninis, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, soup and kid's lunches. They also have a great selection of drinks, including hot and cold.
For our snack, we had a carton of apple juice, a hot chocolate and a blueberry muffin. This totalled to £4.
For lunch, we had a panini with salad, a can of cold drink and a kid's lunch, which included 1 sandwich, 1 drink and 3 snacks, such as fruit, chocolate and yogurt. This totalled to £12.70.
Packed Lunches and Picnics
If you plan on saving some money or prefer to bring your own food, you can bring a packed lunch. The centre offers an outdoor picnic area with stunning South Downs National Park views.
How Much Are Winchester Science Centre Tickets?
As of May 2023, the general admission price for Winchester Science Centre is £17.25 with gift aid and £15.68 without. Under 2’s and under are free. If you give gift aid, they will provide you with a voucher for £1.36 voucher to spend in the café or shop.
Are there any discounts?
There are no third-party discounts, however, if you book seven days in advance, you can save 25%, and if you book two to six days in advance, you can save about 13%.
You can book here.
Does it Get Busy?
Winchester science centre can get busy during colder, rainier days, as it is an indoor venue. However, when booking, you must pick an allotted time, so it stops everyone from arriving at once.
My Tips to Avoid the Crowds
- Book the first slot at 9.30 am, as this will give you some time to look around if you’re coming on a busier day.
- Go on an inset day, as it is generally quieter than weekends or the middle of the school holidays.
- As it is an indoor venue, book on a sunnier day, as others are generally enjoying the weather.
Nearby Hotels
If you plan to visit Winchester Science Centre, you may consider staying at one of the nearby hotels. There are several options within a short distance of the centre, so you can find one that suits your budget and preferences.
Firstly, there is the Holiday Inn Winchester, which is a 3-minute walk from the Science Centre. There is free parking, Odyssey Restaurant, Bar and Pizzeria, a sun terrace and an adult-only spa.
There is also a local Complyns bed and breakfast within a 3-minute drive. From the photos, it looks very picturesque and costs around £70 for a double or twin bedroom.
If you’re looking for something a bit more standard, there is a Premier Inn, which is closer to Winchester City Centre, but it takes less than 10 minutes to get to the Science Centre.
If you're looking for something more rural, there is Shorley Wood B&B, further into the South Downs. It is in the centre of a 50-acre oak wood surrounded by peacocks, guinea fowl, chickens and sheep.
Nearby Attractions
After an exciting day exploring the Winchester Science Centre, several other nearby attractions may be worth checking out.
One of the top nearby attractions is the Winchester Cathedral, just a short drive away. This beautiful medieval cathedral is one of the largest in Europe and boasts stunning architecture and a rich history.
The South Downs National Park is also within easy reach for those who enjoy the outdoors. This stunning area of natural beauty offers miles of walking and cycling trails and opportunities for horse riding, birdwatching, and more.
Another popular nearby attraction is the Marwell Zoo, home to over 140 species of animals from around the world. Visitors can see everything from tigers and giraffes to penguins and meerkats.
Other nearby attractions include the Jane Austen's House Museum, the Watercress Line steam railway, and the historic city of Southampton, just a short drive away.
Hampshire Explorer Verdict
After spending a day at Winchester Science Centre, it's a fantastic place to visit for families with children of all ages. The centre has interactive exhibits, live science shows, and a planetarium that will leave you in awe.
Overall, Winchester Science Centre is a brilliant, fun, and inspiring place to visit. It's a great way to introduce children to the world of science, technology, engineering, and maths. I highly recommend visiting the centre if you're in the Hampshire area.