Anyone with an interest in science, gadgets and the natural world is spoilt for choice when holidaying in the United Kingdom. Many cities offer great science centres that explore everything from biology and medicine to space and mechanics, with interactive displays and travelling exhibitions that will capture the attention of young and old alike. In these innovative museums science ceases to be a stuffy school subject and is revealed for what it is – a diverse and ever-changing journey of exploration through the world around us.
If you’re looking for a tourist attraction that will both entertain and educate the kids – or simply want to challenge your own mind during a visit to a new city – consider a trip to one of these top science museums in the UK:
Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester
Located in the former Liverpool Road Station – the oldest surviving railway station in the world – the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Manchester is ideally placed to interpret the city’s historical connections with science and industry. Next time you travel to Manchester, you can explore an authentic Victorian sewer; witness the power of the museum’s steam locomotives; catch a show in the 4D theatre; and have a go at the highly interactive displays in the cutting-edge Revolution Manchester Gallery – even the kids will agree that these alone are worth the visit.
Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
Embark on a journey through the history of our planet at this fascinating science centre situated at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, the imposing (and geologically significant) peak that overlooks Scotland’s capital. Our Dynamic Earth takes visitors from the Big Bang right up to modern ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them, taking a look at the evolution of the continents, our geography and weather along the way. Highlights include the impressive Showdome, a domed theatre/planetarium that offers a 360-degree cinematic adventure, with films that cover everything from evolution to the search for alien life.
Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham
 There’s plenty at ThinkTank to spark the imagination of any visitor – with over 200 interactive exhibits, everyone can get involved. Learn about the inner workings of the human body and how it responds to medicine; explore vehicles past and present and the mechanics of Birmingham’s industrial past; and gasp in wonder at the award-winning Thinktank Planetarium, whose domed theatre offers a breathtaking view of the sky in an immersive cinematic experience. Children will particularly love exhibits devoted to predicting life in the future, covering everything from space travel and robots to miraculous medical advances.
Techniquest, Cardiff
Anyone who needs convincing that science can be fun should definitely consider a visit to Techniquest on the shores of Cardiff Bay. This bright and airy science centre is packed full of colourful hands-on exhibits that encourage kids (and adults) to explore the boundaries of science, with exhibits covering everything from wildlife and nature to mechanics and engineering. There’s also a great range of special visitors, talks and demos during the school holidays to make sure your little ones continue to learn even as they relax and unwind.
London Science Museum
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This South Kensington museum is packed full of exciting temporary and permanent exhibitions that will spark anyone’s imagination and inspire a life-long love of science. Try your hand at piloting a RAF Red Arrow in the 3D flight simulator, soar into space with the Legend of Apollo 4D cinema experience, or get involved in the hands-on experiments and demos in the Launchpad interactive zone. There are also galleries covering scientific history, medicine, agriculture, communications, psychology and more.
