What to do and see in United Kingdom, 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.

Interactive, hands-on exhibits make this science discovery centre the perfect destination for visitors of all ages.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Currently closed due lockdown - hope to be open every day from the 3rd December. Find out about the lead mining heritage of Derbyshire from Roman Times to the present. Interactive exhibits, mock tunnels and shafts to climb, moving models. The new Matlock Bath Through Time exhibition tells the story of a village that was one of the top Georgian Spas in the country. Then visit Temple Mine and find out what it was really like working underground followed by a try at gold panning. Suitable for all ages. Family ticket £28 (2A and 3C)