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Things to do in Scotland, United Kingdom: The Best Science Museums
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1. Aberdeen Science Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Discover a world of exploration, excitement and wonder at Aberdeen Science Centre. Reopened after a remarkable £6million transformation, enjoy more than 60 amazing interactive exhibits, set across six innovative and awe-inspiring zones. Meet ‘RoboThespian’, our friendly and knowledgeable robot, immerse yourself in The OPITO Theatre of Energy and play your part in our sensational live experiments and demonstrations. Unleash the Power of Curiosity with a visit to Aberdeen Science Centre.
Reviewed By carolinelaurenson
We have been excitedly awaiting the opening of the newly refurbished Science Centre and finally got to go at the weekend. It is amazing to see the space, it is huge inside now and really well laid out with lots of new interactive activities and displays (plenty of social distancing space and regular cleaning). We will definitely need to go back for another visit as we didn't even see half of what was there. Gave me some really nice ideas of things to do at home as well with the kids. We also went to the café for lunch. The food was great and service very efficient and friendly. It's great to see Aberdeen have such a high quality attraction and resources to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
2. Morayvia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 233 reviews
If you would like to take the controls of a Sea King Helicopter, or sit in the Navigator's seat of a Nimrod, at Morayvia you can! With a selection of both indoor and outdoor exhibits which you can sit in/climb aboard and touch, there's something for all the family. For up to date opening hours, please check our Facebook page or website.
Reviewed By JESS115A
Amazing day here...the hardwear is fascinating and you can get inside most of the planes and press buttons and imagine you are soaring through the sky..I loved the Russian plane and the Nimrod.....but the best part of the day were the amazing, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, approachable ex servicemen staff...all of whom showed a passion for preserving these wonderful planes and helicopters. The star show at the end was ...bizzare and brilliant ....!!!
3. Durness Deep Time
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
A small but perfectly formed exhibition exploring the 3000 million years of geology of the far north west of Scotland. We also offer a wide range of geology tours tailored to all age ranges and prior knolwedge levels, led by geologist Bjorn Hardarsson. The tours range in duration from 2 to 5 hours and times are flexible to suit your availability. Drop in to the exhibition and book with Bjorn directly or give us a call on 0191 511 411.
Reviewed By nyorks0
After visiting Bjorn’s exhibition on a rainy day (so much fascinating information packed into such a compact space), we decided to take the opportunity to enjoy one of Bjorn’s guided walks. It was a most enjoyable afternoon. Durness and surrounds is quite special geologically and Bjorn took the time to show us some of the fascinating geology of the area and explain its importance in our earth’s history. We were also treated to much local archeological and more recent history as a bonus. I would strongly recommend spending some time visiting the exhibition and if possible taking the time to join one of Bjorn’s excellent walks.
4. Dynamic Earth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,647 reviews
A visit to Dynamic Earth is like nothing else on Earth. It's a chance to experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet, to journey through space and time and even go on a 4DVENTURE around the world. You'll be embarking on the interactive adventure of a lifetime - the lifetime of our planet. As if this wasn't enough, Dynamic Earth is home to Scotland's only 360 degree full dome film theatre. We have a variety of films showing throughout the year.
Reviewed By BeckyC526
We visited on 9th February and had an excellent family day out. The staff were really engaging and friendly without being overbearing and from the moment you enter the building there are things to do. The attention to detail for each section of the tour was really something and each area was its own sensory experience full of learning material. We loved it as two adults for what we could learn and our 18 month old daughter was enthralled by the lights and sounds. There was a lot on offer for the entrance fee, as well as the tour there is a 360 showdome and a soft play area. We didn’t use the showdome on this occasion as our little one was getting tired but we can’t wait to see it in action. The cafe food was actually edible and there was good choice. The gift shop had lots of the usual soft toys and trinkets but it also has a nice selection of maps, science kits, minerals and lots of interesting books. I was particularly impressed with the books on offer. Overall I highly recommend a visit and i cannot believe that this was our first visit after 12 years of living in Edinburgh. We will definitely be back soon.
5. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,158 reviews
Experience and take part in over 100 illusions as well as a breath of fresh air on our magnificent Rooftop Terrace, which offers the most spectacular 360 degree views of Edinburgh. At Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, experience five floors of interactive hands-on optical illusions, tricks and fun things to do including vortex tunnel, mirror maze and shrinking room. Fully safe, ‘Good to Go’ certified and have all the necessary health and safety guidelines in place to make your visit the most enjoyable ever! Get involved, play, touch everything. Great fun for all ages and nationalities, whatever the weather. 'Best family attraction in Britain’, The Telegraph. 'Five Stars, outstanding, world class', VisitScotland. Scotland’s oldest purpose-built attraction, established in 1835. Free Wi-Fi. Allow about 2 hours. Please note the attraction is located in a listed 17th Century building over 5 floors without a lift. Open every day, open late on holidays.
Reviewed By Dryburgh1994
Great fun! Amazing attractions, great view of Edinburgh & Very good presentation from "Andrew" i think was his name, he was funny, knowledgeable & down to earth . We visited on 14/11.
6. Surgeons' Hall Museums
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,612 reviews
Surgeons' Hall Museums is an award winning Museum that is home to one of the largest and most historic pathology collections in the United Kingdom. Surgeons’ Hall Museums reopened in 2015 after a major £4.4 million Heritage Lottery Funded redevelopment project. As one of the oldest Museums in Scotland, the collections grew from 1699 after 'natural and artificial curiosities' were publically sought. In the 1800s, the Museums expanded to include the remarkable collections of Sir Charles Bell and John Barclay, with the Playfair Building opening in 1832 to house these. Whilst the Museums were initially established as a medical teaching resource, all are now welcome to visit. The Museums are currently home to an extensive collection of pathology, anatomy and medical ephemera.
Reviewed By 3grahamed
Thoroughly enjoyable, entertaining and educational visit to a fascinating museum with lots of exhibits showing the development and history of surgery. Tons of curious and grisly and macabre exhibits.
7. Glasgow Science Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,604 reviews
Rated 5 stars by VisitScotland, providing programs of entertaining Science theatre, Planetarium, and around 300 hands-on interactive science exhibits over three floors, to introduce science to everyone. Interaction distinguishes GSC, very few exhibits in glass cases and many opportunities to participate in Science. Included workshops and shows are a highlight, ranging from shadow puppets for youngsters to computer coding, robotics and ethical hacking for adults. "BodyWorks" examines the science behind human health and well-being, "Powering the Future" the future challenges and solutions in our energy-hungry world, and the digital planetarium allows visitors to 'leave earth' and travel through the cosmos. Science Mall admission includes free workshops and shows, with add-on charges of £3.00 for access to the Planetarium. A shop and cafe are free to access. Schools and outreach programs extend the Centre's work into the community. The Centre is a registered charity with surpluses returned to the education mission. Car parking and public transport links or a 15 minute walk along the Clyde from the City centre. The adjacent IMAX cinema is now operated by Cineworld.
Reviewed By bealehidi
We went to the centre we were a group of three adults, it was such a good way to kill time with out realising we all had great fun lots of hands on experiments, would be great.for middle aged kids but has areas for all ages and even as adults we had a great time. We loved the top floor how your body works there are so many little fitness challenges which teach you a lot about your body and can be a fun games to do between your group, definitely recommend a visit
8. Dundee Science Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 363 reviews
Dundee Science Centre inspires people of all ages to explore and understand the world around them, to discover and enjoy science with lots of fun. The Centre has recently been renovated to provide immersive exhibitions with show stopping interactives from our Waterworks Station to Virtual Operating tables. Our youngest visitors play in our Midnight Garden Tree House and slide, families love exploring our exhibits, playing our Climate Challenge Digital Game or making things fly on our Air Table. With accessible facilities including our Sensory Zone, Changing Places toilet and new outside spaces there is something to make all our visitors feel welcome. Café Create, is a bespoke place to refuel with food and drink within a relaxed and vibrant environment.
Reviewed By Karenv2944 - Glenrothes, United Kingdom
We used to come with the kids when they were tiny but we'd forgotten how great this place is! Our plan had been to visit for a couple of hours in the morning but we had to drag ourselves away at 2pm because we were starving for lunch! Staff were friendly and approachable, as always. We used Spree vouchers and Young Scot discounts - there was no quibble, which I always appreciate! The permanent displays are always great to learn from (and play with!) and I find the balance between information/learning and fun/accessibility for kids just perfect. The Trip to Mars show was really good - the fella earned a lot of chuckles from the adults, a lot of interaction from the kids and a spontaneous round of applause and cheer for his final experiment. The lady who did the Solar System show was also really good. After apologising in advance for her lack of explosive experiments (compared to Mars guy), she then held our kids' attention for a good half hour and I know I learned some new facts too.
9. James Gregory's Meridian
10. Physicians' Gallery
The Physicians' Gallery is a free public exhibition space which is part of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. Our exhibitions are based on the wealth of historical medical material which the College has collected over the last 300 years. ‘Moonstruck: 500 years of mental health’ is our new free exhibition– opening on 14 June 2019 and running until Spring 2020
