Cambridge Science Centre
Hands-on science centre for children aged 4 to 13 and their families in the Trinity Centre on Cambridge Science Park, with exhibits, shows and activities.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Cambridge Science Centre is a charity that aims to give children and young people a lasting interest in science through hands-on activities. It opened as the city's first interactive science museum in February 2013, in rented premises on Jesus Lane, with an exhibition on the electromagnetic spectrum and on sound and hearing. It was started by two Cambridge scientists with the backing of local technology entrepreneurs.
In December 2016 the exhibition space closed while the charity looked for a new home. During this time it ran pop-up science events in public places, known as Street Science, and it also takes exhibits and activities into schools and community venues. A new centre opened in April 2018.
In 2024 the charity opened a brand-new centre in the Trinity Centre on Cambridge Science Park. The one-floor gallery has more than 20 open-ended, hands-on exhibits, a show room and workshop spaces, and the charity reports many times more visitors than at its previous centre. Visits are booked in two-hour sessions. The charity also runs a free centre in the Horsefair Shopping Centre in Wisbech and offers sessions for schools, community groups and pre-school children.
Highlights
- More than 20 hands-on, open-ended exhibits in one gallery, including a ball run, gravity well and wind tunnel
- Science shows twice a day and Lab Bench challenge activities
- STEMtots sessions for children aged 2 to 5
- Work Bench area open throughout the day for free exploration
- Free sister centre in Wisbech
Permanent exhibition
- The Gallery – More than 20 hands-on, open-ended exhibits, including a rollercoaster ball run, a gravity well and a wind tunnel, to explore at your own pace.
- Founded
- 2013
- Operated by
- Cambridge Science Centre (registered charity)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £12.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £9.09free up to age 1 · Child aged 4 to 17; children aged 2 to 3 pay £4.54 and children under 2 are free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · An essential carer, personal assistant or companion is admitted free when booked online in advance. |
| Groups | –Schools and community groups book separate sessions. |
| Child aged 2 to 3 | £4.54 |
| Annual membership, adult (18+) | £35Unlimited visits for 12 months, but each visit must still be booked. |
| Annual membership, child aged 4 to 17 | £25 |
| Annual membership, child aged 2 to 3 | £12.50 |
Prices are for a single two-hour session without the optional 10% donation that the online shop adds by default (adult £13.75, child £10.00 with donation). Gift Aid can be added at checkout. The Wisbech centre is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The centre is on one floor, on the ground floor of the Trinity Centre, and the route to the entrance is flat and paved. Blue Badge spaces are near the main entrance. Exhibits are set at a height that everyone can reach and can be used with several senses. There is an accessible toilet and baby changing on the same floor, managed by the Trinity Centre. Sensory bags with ear defenders and fidget toys can be borrowed on request, and a visual story and an accessibility statement can be downloaded. Assistance animals are welcome. The centre can be warm on hot summer days.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 1 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Baby changing facilities
- Kids’ birthday parties
Aimed at children aged 4 to 13, with weekly STEMtots sessions for ages 2 to 5 on Friday mornings in term time. Birthday parties for children aged 6 to 11 run at weekends in term time from £300 for 20 children.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Cambridge North station · 20-min walk
Cambridge North station on Cowley Road is about a 20-minute walk and has a shuttle to the Science Park. Seven bus services call nearby (Citi 1, Citi 2, 9/X9 and Milton Park & Ride), and the Guided Busway routes B and C serve the park.
By car
Free parking
Free parking in front of the centre on a first come, first served basis, run by Cambridge Science Park. Electric vehicle charging points are available on the park.
- Accessible parking
The Science Park is on Milton Road near the A14 and A10; the nearest A14 exit is junction 33. Coaches and minibuses can drop off at the front of the building, and there are cycle stands outside.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
The Trinity Baristas café next to the centre is run independently and serves snacks, lunch and cakes (weekends 10:30 to 15:30, last orders 15:00). Picnic benches are outside the centre.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Each session lasts two hours, and visitors may stay longer if the centre is not busy. Science shows run at 11:15 and 14:15 and Lab Bench challenges at 10:15, 11:15 and 15:15. The programme is designed for ages 4 to 13, and children must be supervised by a responsible adult. |
