Where science comes to life!
Description
Bring science to life with an action-packed educational visit. Get hands-on with the expert science Inspirers in one of six 45-minute curriculum-linked workshops. Blast off on a space adventure, get hands-on in a sticky sensory matter workshop or meet some of the residents of the South Downs National Park in marvellous minibeasts.
And that’s not all! Be wowed by a bespoke Planetarium show. Take a seat and zoom through the Solar System for an experience you’ll never forget. There’s also lots of time to explore the two floors of interactive exhibits. Climb into a massive guitar, experience the acoustics of a sonic rocket and blast off on an out-of-this-world journey through Explorer:Space. School trips are perfect for students in KS1 (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2), KS2 (Year 3, 4, 5 and 6) and lower KS3 (Year 7).
If you don’t want the fun to stop, have a sleepover! Snooze in the crash-landed spaceship of Explorer:Space or set up camp inside the giant guitar. A typical sleepover includes time to explore the exhibits, hot chocolate and a cookie before bed, a yummy breakfast and a morning Planetarium show. It’s a completely unique camping experience and you’ll never forget it.
Did you know, if you book an educational visit to the Science Centre, you can save 10% on a second school activity? Finish the school year with a summer celebration or zoom into the stars with a Mobile Planetarium visit.
End the summer with a bang with the Science Centre’s summer celebration (available on selected dates in July 2025). Join us for an explosive live science show filled with huge demos and wow moments. Enjoy a spectacular Planetarium experience and spend time exploring the two floors of interactive hands-on exhibits.
Or for something totally unique, why not turn your school into a space portal with the Mobile Planetarium. The state-of-the-art digital dome comes with an astronomy expert. They’ll present live Planetarium shows, play 360 degree full dome films and answers all your students questions.
Where will their curiosity take them? Find out with Winchester Science Centre!
For more information, head here: https://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/schools-and-groups
Reviews
Overview
4.8
217 reviews
Excellent
81%
Very Good
17%
Average
2%
Poor
0%
Awful
0%
(November 2024 - Primary School)
(November 2024)
(November 2024 - Secondary School)
(November 2024 - Primary School)
A very well run centre with a lot of hands on exhibits for the children to interact with. Very good workshops led by staff which are in line with and extend the KS2 Science curriculum. (November 2024 - Primary School)
(November 2024 - Secondary School)
(October 2024 - Primary School)
(October 2024 - Primary School)
(October 2024 - Primary School)
(October 2024 - Primary School)
(September 2024 - Primary School)
(September 2024 - Primary School)
The children loved the array of activities and actually understood the science that each exhibit demonstrated (not just running around pressing buttons.)
The planetarium was a huge success as most of the children had never been before. (July 2024 - Primary School)
Absolutely brilliant for exploring sound and space. We had a sleepover and they were great. A fab experience. (June 2024 - Primary School)
(June 2024 - Primary School)
(June 2024 - Primary School)
(June 2024 - Primary School)
(June 2024 - Primary School)
(June 2024 - Primary School)
(June 2024 - Secondary School)
(June 2024 - Secondary School)
(June 2024 - Primary School)
(May 2024)
(May 2024 - Primary School)
(May 2024 - Primary School)
(May 2024 - Primary School)
(May 2024 - Primary School)
The planetarium and sound workshop were great. Helpful and knowledgeable staff. (May 2024 - Secondary School)
(April 2024 - Primary School)
(April 2024 - Primary School)
Children all had a great time and enjoyed all the activities. (April 2024 - Primary School)
(April 2024)
Excellent planetarium. (March 2024 - Secondary School)
The day was well structured and the children learned a lot from the planetarium and workshop experiences. (March 2024 - Primary School)
(March 2024 - Primary School)
(March 2024 - Primary School)
(March 2024 - Primary School)
(March 2024 - Primary School)
(March 2024 - Primary School)
(March 2024 - Primary School)
(March 2024 - Primary School)
(February 2024 - Primary School)
(February 2024 - Secondary School)
(February 2024 - Primary School)
(February 2024 - Primary School)
(February 2024 - Primary School)
(February 2024 - Primary School)
(February 2024 - Primary School)
(January 2024 - Primary School)
(January 2024)
(January 2024 - Secondary School)
(December 2023 - Primary School)
(December 2023 - Primary School)
(December 2023 - Primary School)
(November 2023 - Primary School)
(November 2023 - Secondary School)
(November 2023 - Primary School)
(November 2023 - Primary School)
(November 2023 - Secondary School)
(November 2023 - Secondary School)
Great day out. Was very difficult being around other schools that had either older children, or children who were not being monitored by their teachers. Our school found it very intimidating and were subsequently unable to explore some of the areas. The language from other schools was horrendous. (November 2023 - Primary School)
(October 2023 - Primary School)
(October 2023 - Secondary School)
(October 2023 - Primary School)
(July 2023 - Secondary School)
(July 2023 - Secondary School)
(July 2023)
(July 2023)
I think it is only suitable for year 7, but they nay have been there in year 5 or 6. I think we were there a little bit too long. I suggest not running the trip next year for 7 and 8 but just for year 7 or not at all. (July 2023 - Secondary School)
A great venue with lot to keep the children occupied. It is all enclosed so you can spot the children easily. (June 2023 - Primary School)
(June 2023 - Secondary School)
Build in as much free explore time as possible and not to be too prescriptive or try to teach in the interactive areas. The staff at WSC were great in the workshop and the Planetarium and very visible and helpful generally. (June 2023 - Primary School)
(June 2023 - Primary School)
(May 2023 - Primary School)
(May 2023 - Primary School)
(May 2023 - Secondary School)
(April 2023 - Secondary School)
(April 2023 - Primary School)
(April 2023 - Primary School)
(April 2023 - Primary School)
Great for our solar system p;roject (March 2023 - Primary School)
My class were fully engaged during the trip and loved the planetarium. (March 2023 - Primary School)
(March 2023 - Primary School)
(March 2023 - Primary School)
A great place that allows for visual and kinaesthetic learners to explore, learn and enjoy through play. (March 2023 - Primary School)
(March 2023 - Secondary School)
(March 2023 - Secondary School)
(March 2023 - Primary School)
My pupils had such an excellent day. They enjoyed the hands-on activities, the freedom to explore safely whilst in view of teachers, the planetarium and the workshop. There were no injuries and no issues. A very successful visit. (March 2023 - Primary School)
(March 2023 - Primary School)
(March 2023 - Primary School)
(February 2023 - Primary School)
(February 2023 - Primary School)
(February 2023 - Secondary School)
(January 2023 - Primary School)
(January 2023 - Primary School)
(January 2023 - Primary School)
(January 2023 - Primary School)
(December 2022 - Primary School & Secondary School)
(December 2022 - Primary School)
(December 2022)
(November 2022 - Primary School)
Excellent rocket building workshop and planetarium experience. There was plenty of time for Q and A with the expert afterwards. (November 2022 - Primary School)
(November 2022 - Primary School)
(November 2022 - Primary School)
(November 2022 - Primary School)
(November 2022 - Secondary School)
(September 2022 - Primary School)
The venue was too far away and was more suitable for older children. (September 2022 - Primary School)
(July 2022)
(July 2022)
A great day but having older children in at the same time did slightly spoil the Planetarium experience due to poor behaviour. (June 2022 - Primary School)
(June 2022 - Primary School)
(June 2022 - Primary School)
(June 2022 - Primary School)
(June 2022 - Primary School)
(May 2022 - Primary School)
(May 2022 - Primary School)
(May 2022 - Primary School)
(April 2022 - Primary School)
(April 2022 - Secondary School)
Fabulous visit with Year 5. excellent workshop and planetarium (April 2022 - Primary School)
Great place to support KS2 science Curriculum (April 2022 - Primary School)
Interactive (April 2022 - Primary School)
Very friendly, accommodated our needs, great interactive show (April 2022 - Secondary School)
Very well organized, plenty of resources, lots of activities to do. (March 2022 - Primary School)
The children were absolutely amazed by the planetarium. They learnt so much, but equally were able to use their prior knowledge to support them with their time at the centre. (March 2022 - Primary School)
The children had a fantastic day out at the science centre. All the children were engaged and explored the centre (March 2022 - Secondary School)
All of those involved had a great day. (March 2022 - Primary School)
All of those involved had a great day. (March 2022 - Primary School)
A fantastic day trip with students and there families. very engaging and the planetarium was fantastic. (March 2022 - Secondary School)
(February 2022 - Secondary School)
The planetarium was great and the exhibits are really interactive. However, I think the science learning and the amount of information linked to the exhibits is beyond a Year 2 level. (February 2022 - Primary School)
It was a wonderful trip the children were fully engaged and could apply their classroom knowledge to extend the experience. The planetarium show and classroom activity were educational and interactive. It was very well organised and the communication given by the science centre was clear and informative. We would highly recommend this trip in future. The rocket workshop was interactive and engaging however could be made more exciting if the rockets flew further. (February 2022 - Primary School)
Really enjoyable and successful trip - help to spark the imagination of many of the children. (January 2022 - Primary School)
Fantastic trip! From the workshop to the interactive exhibits and the planetarium the children thoroughly enjoyed their day and learnt so much. (January 2022 - Primary School)
(January 2022 - Primary School)
(January 2022 - Secondary School)
Both children and staff had an amazing visit to the Winchester Science Museum- learnt alot which we are still talking about in school time. (December 2021 - Primary School)
Amazing organisation and knew exactly where to be and what were doing ahead of time. (December 2021 - Primary School)
(December 2021 - Secondary School)
(November 2021 - Primary School)
The planetarium was excellent and the girls really enjoyed it. This is an experience that I could not have done in school. (November 2021 - Primary School)
Excellent, well resourced and well organised. (November 2021 - Primary School)
(November 2021)
(October 2021 - Primary School)
All children thoroughly enjoyed the hands on activities throughout the Science Centre, and especially enjoyed watching the presentation on the planets in the Planetarium. Staff-led workshops were really informative, and really supported and enhanced what has been taught in school. (October 2021 - Primary School)
The visit met all our needs and the staff were friendly and helpful. The Planetarium was particularly good. (October 2021 - Primary School)
We did not get to attend due to COVID 19 outbreak but their support and preparation in advance of our trip was fantastic. The measure they had put in place in the early stages of the outbreak were thorough and reassuring. (April 2020 - Primary School)
Fabulous workshop on rockets
Great planetarium show
brilliant exhibts (March 2020 - Primary School)
(February 2020 - Primary School)
(February 2020 - Primary School)
The children really enjoyed exploring the exhibits and especially enjoyed their workshop. (February 2020 - Primary School)
(January 2020 - Secondary School)
(January 2020 - Primary School)
Children enjoyed the trip. All went smoothly. (December 2019 - Primary School)
(November 2019 - Primary School)
The planetarium, workshop and explorer space zones were all very good. The museum was really busy at times. (November 2019 - Primary School)
It was an excellent venue which linked with our current topic. The staff were helpful and organised which helped with the smooth running of the day. (October 2019 - Primary School)
Great engaging environment for all ages. (October 2019 - Primary School)
(October 2019 - Primary School)
(July 2019 - Secondary School)
Brilliant workshops and activities. Although there were many other schools on site that day the timetables were well worked out and everything ran smoothly. (July 2019 - Primary School)
Excellent workshop. Good planetarium show. More guidance around other exhibits would be good. (July 2019 - Secondary School)
(July 2019 - Secondary School)
(July 2019 - Primary School)
Not too easily adaptable for my SEN students. (June 2019 - Secondary School)
(June 2019 - Primary School)
The children always get a lot from the visit and is valuable as part of our science work. (June 2019 - Primary School)
Excellent facilities. (June 2019 - Primary School)
(June 2019 - Primary School)
(June 2019 - Primary School)
(June 2019 - Primary School)
very hands on engaging experience for pupils with a focus on career options. (June 2019 - Secondary School)
(June 2019 - Secondary School)
(May 2019 - Primary School)
(April 2019 - Primary School)
(April 2019 - Primary School)
Very amenable, knowledgeable and flexible staff - the workshops in particular were excellent and really enthused the children.
We probably will not be visiting the gift shop next time we visit as we did not feel like we had enough time. (April 2019 - Primary School)
(April 2019 - Primary School)
(April 2019 - Primary School)
This was a fantastic days for opening the girl's eye to possible careers in STEM. They enjoyed the science facilities of the centre and challenging their understanding. They gained new knowledge in the planetarium. (March 2019 - Secondary School)
(March 2019 - Secondary School)
(March 2019 - Primary School)
Workshops fabulous, planetarium - tailored to groups needs, exhibition awesome. (March 2019 - Primary School)
I believe the workshop should have had more resources so that the children per group was less. More time for children to improve their rockets on formation they had gained from other tests would have improved problem solving aspect. (March 2019 - Primary School)
(February 2019 - Secondary School)
Attended Big Bang careers fair not just Science Centre (February 2019 - Secondary School)
(January 2019 - Primary School)
The outcomes were meant by all pupils on trip. All were able to identify or link most of the exhibits to the use of forces. While most were able to understand the uses of forces in the real world. While some of the pupils were able to understand the effect of the forces on their activities. (January 2019)
(January 2019 - Secondary School)
Whole school trip for 4-11 year olds. They all enjoyed the day and their individual workshops. (January 2019 - Primary School)
(January 2019 - Primary School)
It was a really worthwhile trip which linked to the topic and our learning. (November 2018 - Primary School)
Well organised, efficient, friendly and helpful staff. Good content to activities, exactly the right level of challenge.
Facilities were clean, well signed and well maintained. (November 2018 - Primary School)
very well organised, good admin. Great contact and communication throughout the visit. (November 2018 - Primary School)
(November 2018 - Secondary School)
The girls learnt a huge amount from our day. The centre itself was very busy but as they had organised a staggered timetable for each of the school groups, the girls were able to access the majority of the activities easily. (November 2018 - Primary School)
(November 2018)
The planetarium was engaging and the children thoroughly enjoyed sitting back and watching the planets and stars go by. They learnt about different constellations and the stories behind them. They also learnt about stars and planets.
The new explorer zone was very informative and gave the children a hands on experience which was space related.
The rocket workshop which we booked was super as it made the children think about how rockets are boosted into space using a chemical reaction. They were also able to have a go at building rockets as groups.
The whole trip was a pleasure, the theme of Space engaged the children as the trip reiterated their previous learning and extended their thinking further. (October 2018 - Primary School)
Engaging activities were available that the students enjoyed interacting with. The planetarium show was enjoyed by all students. They would highly recommend it to other students. (October 2018 - Secondary School)
The centre itself was great (September 2018 - Secondary School)
The children all had a fantastic day and learnt a huge amount from the exhibition and participating in the Control Technology workshop. (July 2018 - Primary School)
(May 2018 - Secondary School)
(May 2018 - Secondary School)
(April 2018 - Secondary School)
excellent (April 2018 - Primary School)
excellent (April 2018 - Primary School)
excellent (April 2018 - Primary School)
eacellenty (April 2018 - Primary School)
eacellenty (April 2018 - Primary School)
educational, professional, inspirational. (March 2018 - Secondary School)
(February 2018)
(February 2018 - Primary School)
(January 2018 - Primary School)
Excellent venue with well trained staff. very safe environment and loads of things to do for the children. (December 2017 - Primary School)
(December 2017 - Primary School)
