Things to do in Hampshire: Winchester Science Centre - a gateway to the universe

Socks being shot (more with hope than expectation but you never know) into space; bottles being shot across the room; Lego versions of the Earth, Sun and Moon; proof you can conduct sound waves through your skull by biting on a straw; watching a Ruben’s tube demonstrate sound waves with fire… now that’s a good day out.

And there was much more than that going on at Winchester Science Museum when we headed north for a late-in-the-school-holidays treat for a nine-year-old.

As well as devouring Horrible Histories, Eddie has always liked the Horrible Science series and is a sucker for facts. Loves ‘em. So being let loose in a big building full of hands-on activities that promise to intrigue, amaze and inform is his idea of heaven. The trip was probably always going to be a success - what surprised and pleased me was that we ripped through five hours at the centre without even trying; had we not had to pick up his sister from her holiday treat of a dance lessons day we’d have been there for even longer, probably until kicking-out time.

If you’ve ever driven into Winchester from the east side you’ll probably have seen the science centre - the planetarium is a landmark on the A272. And the planetarium is a great experience - cinema-style seats recline right back so you can see the roof in comfort.

We saw A Skyful of Wonder, a programme aimed at all ages. It gives you a guide of the night sky on the day you attend, and also explains why the constellations have the names they do, and superimposes illustrations so you can see why Ursa Major was thought to look like a bear, as well as being given a whistlestop tour of Polaris in Ursa Minor and other stars. It is fascinating and, to be honest, very relaxing. Give me a few hours staring at the ceiling and learning about the sky over a spa session any day of the week.

After the 30-minute show there were activities to be had. We went inside the Little Big House, an optical illusion built on a slant that tricks the brain into thinking the people it is seeing are huge. Eddie tried on an astronaut suit, and also stood on the Beuchet Chair, another optical illusion that makes people appear tiny.

As well as the astronaut suit, the space section was fascinating, with the rotating Lego Earth model just the start. There were challenges to stick Duplo together while wearing cumbersome astronauts’ gloves, and a weights machine which demonstrated that tins of baked beans would feel heavier on different planets. There was the chance to control a mini moon-cruiser, and to pilot a spacecraft analysing other galaxies for other plants suitable for life. It sounds exhausting but it really was stimulating.

Outside are new areas - The Chalk Stream, Dormouse Den and Dino Dig. The first allowed children to test how water flows through an area, enlightening them about valuable chalk streams which are globally rare but all over Hampshire. The Dormouse Den is all about the hazel dormouse, one of the UK’s rarest mammals, and the Dino Dig looks like a huge sand pit but offers the chance to dig for prehistoric life and identify fossils. All are action-packed, plus there was plenty of scope for climbing on things, which is always a winner.

[A side note: we took a packed lunch, because frankly it was the end of the school holidays and largesse wanes as the six weeks goes on. While we only treated ourselves to a coffee and a can of sparkling apple, I noticed that the café prices were OK, and not gouging. I think it was £6 for a kids’ meal, and adult sandwiches were not outrageous. Also, having a lunch area where everyone is welcome, and not just café customers, is a touch that more places could learn from. Bravo.]

Back inside, and we were zooming in from space to find our house on a satellite picture, and looking in distorting mirrors, pressing buttons to release air bubbles in different types of liquid and watching demonstrations, displays and a show. In one, air pressure is used to blast socks up in the air, and in another a plastic bottle rocket is filled with “fuel” and shot across the room. Everything is suitably noisy and flashy.

The science show was also great. Children are invited to the front to see an airzuka which makes a popping sound as air is compressed and shot out, and also the Ruben’s Tube, which sees burning propane “dance” to music as a reaction to sound waves sees either more or less gas escape. It’s fascinating, and clearly explained - as is, really the whole centre. It’s an absolute gem of a venue which will provide intrigue and interest to all, regardless of age or whether they have any science GCSEs. Well worth a visit.