Winchester Science Centre
Hands-on science centre on Morn Hill near Winchester with two floors of interactive exhibits, outdoor nature areas and one of the UK's largest planetariums.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The centre began as INTECH, short for Interactive Technology, which was founded in 1986 in a disused canteen at a school in Winchester in response to a local shortage of scientists, engineers and technicians. By the late 1990s it had outgrown the space, and a purpose-built home of about 3,500 square metres was built at Morn Hill, near Chilcomb, outside the city.
The new centre was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh on 28 October 2002 after a project costing around ten million pounds, with funding from the Millennium Commission, Hampshire County Council and several companies and government bodies. It traded as INTECH Science Centre until 2013, when it reopened under the name Winchester Science Centre.
Today the centre is run by Wonderseekers, an independent educational charity. It offers two floors of hands-on exhibits aimed mainly at children aged about five to ten, outdoor nature areas, live science shows and a theatre. Its domed planetarium, which seats 176 people, is described as the largest standalone planetarium in the UK and shows fulldome films and live talks. The centre also runs school visits, sleepovers, birthday parties and quiet sessions for autistic visitors.
Highlights
- Planetarium with fulldome films and live shows (one show included in the ticket)
- Two floors of interactive science exhibits
- Bio:Space and Play Wild outdoor nature areas
- Live science shows and demonstrations
- Calm Recombobulation Room and sensory support
Permanent exhibitions
- Planetarium – A 360-degree dome showing subtitled fulldome films and live talks led by staff, including Solar System stories.
- Explorer:Space – Hands-on exhibits about space and exploration.
- Sound, Hearing & Vibration – Interactive exhibits about how sound is made, travels and is heard.
- Founded
- 1986
- Operated by
- Wonderseekers
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £22.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £22.50free up to age 2 · Children aged 3 to 16 pay the same price as adults; children under 3 are free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · A carer, personal assistant or essential companion of a disabled visitor enters free; proof such as a Blue Badge or a disability benefit letter must be shown on arrival, and both tickets booked online in advance. |
| Annual membership, adult or child | £78.75Twelve months of free entry. |
Standard ticket £22.50, or £24.75 with a Gift Aid donation. One planetarium show is included. All tickets must be booked online in advance; a £2.50 fee per transaction applies. The centre does not give discounts for Blue Light Card holders.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description
The centre is open plan with level floors on each level and a roll-on roll-off lift. Accessible toilets are on both floors and a Changing Places facility is on the lower floor, open around the clock via a radar key. The planetarium has an induction loop. Wheelchairs can be borrowed if booked in advance by email. Blue Badge bays are near the main entrance, with more at the top of the car park on a fully flat route. A calm room (the Recombobulation Room), sensory backpacks with ear defenders, sensory maps, Discovery Pens with spoken descriptions and tactile books are available. British Sign Language interpreted days are held on selected dates. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
- Kids’ birthday parties
The centre describes itself as an interactive family adventure, best for children aged about five to ten, with babies and pre-schoolers also welcome. Birthday parties are drop-off parties for ages 3 to 12 (£32.50 per child, groups of 10 to 30 children). Lifts connect the floors for pushchairs and baby changing areas are provided. Activities include Play Wild outdoor exhibits, live shows and badge nights.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Morn Hill (bus 64) · 300 m
Bus 64 between Winchester and Alresford stops within 300 metres, at the bottom of Morn Hill.
By car
Parking available
Dedicated private car park for visitors; the website does not state a charge. Nine Blue Badge bays are near the entrance and further bays are at the top of the car park with a flat route.
- Accessible parking
The centre is about three miles from Winchester city centre, just off Alresford Road and close to the M3 (junction 10).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The Hub Café on the upper floor and the Space Café on the lower floor serve sandwiches, hot food, cakes and drinks, with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Picnics are welcome, with covered outdoor seating. The Science Shop sells souvenirs.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Venue hire and Christmas parties; a hire brochure is available. Enquiries: hire@winchestersciencecentre.org.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Behind-the-scenes planetarium tours are offered. Schools, home educators and uniformed groups can visit in term time. |
Museums nearby
City Museum
Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum
Westgate Museum
The Gurkha Museum
HorsePower: The Museum of the King's Royal Hussars
Adjutant General's Corps Museum
All 9 museums in Winchester All museums in South East England
