Follow the science
With mind-boggling exhibits including stargazing stations, earthquake simulators and a virtual operating table, a trip to Britain’s world-class science centres will inspire and amaze all at once
Jodrell Bank
A unique centre of live research combined with a visitor attraction, Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre is the UK’s latest Unesco World Heritage Site, a status awarded last year in recognition of its globe-leading science, culture and heritage.
It has a long tradition of welcoming visitors and hosting important events, including a public gathering to watch the moon landings on a big screen in 1969. It’s also the backdrop to the BBC’s Stargazing Live.
It is now working on a major project, First Light, for summer 2021, with a new gallery showcasing the history of the site, the stories of its pioneering scientists, amazing engineering and the creation of the Grade 1 listed Lovell telescope (main picture), named after Sir Bernard Lovell, who began radio astronomy here in the 1940s. 940s.
Must book tickets. Adults £8.50, children £6.50, under-4s free.
Bletchley Park
The former top-secret home ome of Britain’s Second World d War codebreakers and the he birthplace of modern technology, Bletchley Park rk is a place of exceptional historic importance.
A recent VisitEngland Gold Accolade winner, it acknowledges the successes sses from the conflict and the e people responsible for them, celebrating their
commitment, discipline and technological excellence in the very place they occurred occurred. It also brings together the drama dramatic history of the 20th century c with the challe challenges of our technolog technologically complex 21st century centu society.
The Tele Teleprinter Building, which hold holds an immersive cinematic experience exhibition called D-Day: Intercept Interception, Intelligence, Invasion Invasion, is a highlight. Adults £21, children 12-17
£12.50, under-12s free.
WAR CODE Enigma machine, Bletchley
THE RIGHT STUFF National Space Centre
Techniquest Tec Cardiff Card
The UK’s longest est established science
centre has a worldwide reputation thanks to its interactive exhibits.
Visitors can launch a rocket, feel the force of a hurricane, and get up close and personal with the “lush living” wall!
Techniquest’s new
Science Capital project has seen the biggest refurbishment since the current building opened in 1995. There are 53 new innovative exhibits over two floors. New additions include the Earthquake Simulator (above) that lets visitors experience a real-life scenario, plus the Virtual Operating Table, where volunteers can test their surgery skills. Reopens October 10. Adults £10, child 3-15 £8, under-3s free. techniquest.org
Glasgow Science Centre
One of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions, this two-acre centre wows with its wide range of interactive exhibits, shows and workshops.
Major features include Bodyworks, Powering the Future, a planetarium and an Imax cinema.
Meanwhile, the centre’s new permanent exhibition Idea No59 (right) covers the themes Resourceful Planet, Evolving Industry and Health and Care Reimagined.
The space also features three experimental zones to inspire the next generation of problem
DISH OF THE DAY Jodrell Bank, Cheshire