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We The Curious Interactive Science Experience - practical travel guide with honest advice.
This Harbourside science centre houses 200+ interactive exhibits covering space, technology, and the human body. Visitors aged 5-15 engage with hands-on demonstrations, experiment with physics in dedicated zones, and watch live shows hourly. The on-site planetarium (separate booking) projects shows about constellations and space exploration onto a dome ceiling. Plan 3-4 hours to explore exhibits properly without rushing. Best for families with children aged 5-15 interested in science and technology. This is a easy activity lasting 3-4 hours. Group size: any. You meet at Harbourside entrance, Anchor Road. Key highlights: 200+ hands-on exhibits covering space, physics, and human body, Planetarium dome shows (separate fee, approximately £5 extra per person), Live demonstrations by staff running hourly.
Price: £16 adults, £12 children
Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: easy
Group size: any
Minimum age: 4+
Best for: families with children aged 5-15 interested in science and technology
Best time: Weekdays 10am-12pm offer shortest queues. Avoid school holidays (Easter, summer, half-terms) when queues exceed 45 minutes. Planetarium books out fastest midday.
Meeting point: Harbourside entrance, Anchor Road
Languages: English
Here is how the experience unfolds:
Arrival Entry through Harbourside entrance and bag storage - Ground floor reception with lockers available for £1 coins.
First 60 minutes Explore ground floor exhibits: physics zones, water play, engineering challenges - Most interactive stations suitable for ages 5-12; adult supervision recommended for under-8s.
60-120 minutes Upper floors: space zone, technology exhibits, body scanner demonstrations - Live demos run at set times (check schedule on arrival); queues form 10 minutes before.
120-180 minutes Planetarium show (if booked) or return to favourite exhibits - Shows last 20-25 minutes; book on arrival as sessions often sell out by midday during holidays.
Final 30 minutes Café break or gift shop browse before departure - Café offers sandwiches (£6-9), drinks (£2-4), and snacks; queues peak 2-3pm.
The whole experience takes 3-4 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Harbourside entrance, Anchor Road.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Price | £16 adults, £12 children |
| Duration | 3-4 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Group size | any |
| Minimum age | 4+ |
| Meeting point | Harbourside entrance, Anchor Road |
| Languages | English |
| Cancellation | Non-refundable tickets; exchanges permitted up to 7 days before visit (policy unverified) |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible throughout. Accessible toilets on ground and first floors. Level entry from Harbourside. Some exhibits require standing and fine motor control. |
What is included: Access to all interactive exhibits, Live demonstrations throughout the day, Use of equipment and apparatus at interactive stations, Café and shop facilities.
Not included: Planetarium show (book separately, approximately £5 adult, £4 child), Photography packages or videos, Food and beverages beyond café sales. You will need to arrange these yourself.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Water bottle (refill stations available), Bag for storing items (lockers cost £1 coin), Change of clothes if children likely to use water play area. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.
Best time to go: Weekdays 10am-12pm offer shortest queues. Avoid school holidays (Easter, summer, half-terms) when queues exceed 45 minutes. Planetarium books out fastest midday..
Tip: Book planetarium shows separately
Tip: Can get busy during school holidays
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout. Accessible toilets on ground and first floors. Level entry from Harbourside. Some exhibits require standing and fine motor control..
Operator: We The Curious | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 117 915 7000
After this activity, these are within easy reach:
This activity is run by We The Curious.
Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).
Cancellation policy: Non-refundable tickets; exchanges permitted up to 7 days before visit (policy unverified).
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout. Accessible toilets on ground and first floors. Level entry from Harbourside. Some exhibits require standing and fine motor control..
Best time to go: Weekdays 10am-12pm offer shortest queues. Avoid school holidays (Easter, summer, half-terms) when queues exceed 45 minutes. Planetarium books out fastest midday..
Yes, planetarium tickets can be pre-booked online or reserved on arrival (space limited). Shows fill fastest between 12pm-3pm during peak seasons. Book immediately upon arrival if visiting during school holidays.
Most families spend 3-4 hours comfortably exploring without rushing. Children aged 5-8 may prefer 2-3 hours. The venue is designed for self-paced exploration, so time varies by age and interest level.
Exhibits suit ages 4+, though under-6s benefit from adult accompaniment at most stations. Younger siblings of school-age children may find 2-3 hours sufficient. Water play areas appeal to ages 3+.
Yes, planetarium tickets can be pre-booked online or reserved on arrival (space limited). Shows fill fastest between 12pm-3pm during peak seasons. Book immediately upon arrival if visiting during school holidays.
Most families spend 3-4 hours comfortably exploring without rushing. Children aged 5-8 may prefer 2-3 hours. The venue is designed for self-paced exploration, so time varies by age and interest level.
Exhibits suit ages 4+, though under-6s benefit from adult accompaniment at most stations. Younger siblings of school-age children may find 2-3 hours sufficient. Water play areas appeal to ages 3+.
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Live availability from our partner Viator