With Edinburgh Science Festival running until the end of the month we thought there was no better time to celebrate the history of British Science. So we’ve decided to research the UK’s best science attractions and, like all good scientists, present our findings in a clear and compelling manor.
Do you disagree with any of our choices? Leave a comment below!
Not only one of London’s premier attractions, the Science Museum is also the UK’s go-to attractions for anyone with a hunger for scientific knowledge. And it’s not really surprising as amongst its permanent exhibits, rolling attractions and workshops you can really get a decent understanding of every area of science. But perhaps most importantly, it makes science FUN!
Entry to the museum is free but there may be additional charges for some features (IMAX cinema, special exhibitions etc).
More practical pursuits of scientific discovery can be found just south of Manchester at Jodrell Bank observatory. Visitors can learn the difference between quasars and pulsars in the recently opened discovery centre but perhaps the biggest attraction (literally) is the Lovell Telescope. With a maximum height above ground of nearly 100 metres and a diameter of nearly 80 metres, the Lovell Telescope is an awe-inspiring sight and the highlight of many visits to Jodrell Bank.
While Jodrell Bank may be the closest many of us get to outer space, a visit to the National Space Centre in Leicester is not a bad concession. Along with many historic space items and artefacts you will also find a celebration of alternative types of space history – including Doctor Who and Star Wars. So in some ways it’s actually better than real space!
If you do prefer screen science to real science then you’ll gain a great understanding of the history of the moving image at the National Media Museum. Comprising of a fantastic range of historically and culturally significant items – alongside a number of hands-on exhibits – the museum really does allow for a great all-round appreciation of the moving image.
When you’ve finished your tour you can watch a film in the cinema, or go one better with a visit to the IMAX 3D screen.
All of the above exhibits make science entertaining, but Eureka distils this into a uniquely fun experience that’s perfect for kids – not to mention science sceptics of all ages. Based in Halifax you’ll find hundreds of fun interactive exhibits that are designed to engage children and help them gain a greater understanding of the world around them.
