Things to do in England, United Kingdom: The Best Science Museums

The Centre is home to Lancaster NX611 and a museum based on a WWII airfield with original control tower, Escaping Society museum, Home Front exhibition, Hampden restoration project, memorial chapel and many memorabilia exhibitions. The Centre is open Mon-Sat. Closed Sundays. During the Summer the Lancaster performs taxy runs usually once a week. It is possible to have a taxy ride on the Lancaster, booking is essential as rides get booked up months in advance.

19 New King Street is a delightful and unique example of a fully restored modest Georgian townhouse. It was home to the astronomer and musician William Herschel and his sister Caroline. Particularly evocative features include Herschel’s workshop, his music room and a charming 18th Century formal garden where, with a telescope of his own construction, Herschel discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. In the Star Vault an award winning film takes you on a voyage of discovery through the universe and brings the history of the house to life. Exhibition in the modern Caroline Lucretia Gallery until 1 January 2018 is 'Wonder Women of Space'!

Cambridge Museum of Technology is the home of our industrial heritage. Based in the city’s historic sewage pumping station, the Museum helps people to explore, enjoy, and learn about their industrial heritage by celebrating the achievements of local industries and the people who worked in them. The large site on the River Cam has green spaces for picnics and a fun, relaxed atmosphere for families. There are audio-visual displays, hands-on exhibits, and children’s activities, as well as traditional museum displays and historic buildings. The Victorian Pumping Station with its original machinery showcases 19th-century engineering and technology. Displays on the forgotten industries of Cambridge reveal an alternative side of the city’s history to the famous colleges. And the story is brought into the 20th Century with exhibitions on innovative local companies in our new building.

The Science and Industry Museum sits in the heart of Manchester, the world's first industrial city. It houses the world's oldest surviving passenger railway station and the world's first railway warehouse from 1830, which are located at the end of the museum site. On a visit to the museum, you will see amazing objects and learn about the men and women whose ideas changed the world forever. Daily demonstrations bring the museum's world class collection of textile and industrial machinery to life. There are interactive exhibits to explore and a regular programme of changing exhibitions to enjoy.

We The Curious was previously known as At-Bristol Science Centre; an educational charity with an aim to “make science accessible to all”, it opened in 2000, and welcomed over 5 million visitors in the past 17 years. At-Bristol relaunched as We The Curious in September 2017, with a new vision that is committed to creating a culture of curiosity. We The Curious is an idea and a place for everyone. Our venue on Bristol’s harbourside is a bit like an indoor festival, with all sorts of different experiences, where you can interact with exhibits, test stuff out and participate rather than just visit. We’re all about empowering everyone to ask questions and get creative - with boundaries removed between science, art, people and ideas - a culture of curiosity.

It’s free to get in to Discovery Museum, which is a massive space showcasing the best of Newcastle’s heritage over three floors and extensive galleries crammed with inventions, world-firsts, model ships and interactive activities for curious kids – and adults! Telling the story of Newcastle and its people from Roman times through to the present day Discovery Museum champions the spirit of the north east area. With events on all year.

A traditional museum with more than 10000 specimens on permanent display.

The London Museum of Water & Steam at Kew Bridge was built in 1838 and is home to an internationally recognised collection of working steams engines that can be seen in operation every weekend. Come and discover the story of London's water supply through interactive displays and fascinating objects from Romans times to modern day. The museum is also home to a narrow gauge steam railway which is in operation every weekend and selected dates in the school holidays. Families can also enjoy the new Waterworks interactive gallery, with hands on exhibits that bring the story of London's water supply to life and prepare to get wet in the outdoors "Splashzone" where children of all ages can turn wheels, gears and pumps to move water by hand to create amazing outcomes. The rotative steam engines are in operation every weekend with the Cornish Engines running on monthly event days (see website for event listings). After all that, relax and refuel in the Stokers Cafe where you will be able to choose from a range of hot and cold drinks and homemade treats. We are a 5 minute walk from Kew Bridge Station (25 minutes from London Waterloo) and are a short bus journey away from South Ealing station (Picadilly Line + 65 bus) and Gunnersbury (District Line and Overground + 237 or 267 bus). There is a small car park on site for visitors.

The Royal Air Force Museum London is a national museum that celebrates and commemorates the story of the Royal Air Force. Given that London has now moved into a Tier 4 designated area, our London site is now closed until further notice. On 30 June 2018 we launched three new innovative galleries that explore the first 100 years of the RAF, its role today and will invite visitors to imagine its future contribution and technology. The rest of our site including our multi award-winning First World War in the Air Galleries, Historic Hangars and Bomber Command Hall are also open – offering a great day out to all our visitors. Explore the RAF’s story through our programme of events, lectures and temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Our staff and volunteers are here to help you have a great time. We look forward to welcoming you.