CATEGORY · RAINY DAY APPROVED
Science & Discovery Centres in Coventry
If you want proper hands-on science, none of it is right on Coventry's doorstep, but a few are a reasonable drive. Thinktank in Birmingham is the nearest, with over 200 exhibits, MiniBrum for younger ones and a 4K planetarium show, tickets from £9.95. Further out in Leicester, the National Space Centre (from £20) has rockets to climb through and its own planetarium, while Leicester Museum & Art Gallery on New Walk is free, with dinosaurs and Ancient Egypt, though some galleries are shut for redevelopment. For free days out, pair the museum with Abbey Pumping Station, also in Leicester, though that one only opens on holiday Mondays and special event days, so it needs planning around. Younger children might prefer Conkers in Moira, an outdoor woodland site with rope trails, a splash park and an indoor play house for wet weather, entry from £7.25 and free parking. Thinktank and the Space Centre suit a full day out; the free museums are better for a shorter visit.
6 places 3 free to visit
FreeAbbey Pumping Station
Leicester
Industrial museum with beam engines and vintage vehicles - free entry, but only open on holiday Mondays and special event days.
ToiletsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor playPicnic area+3 more
from £7.25Conkers Discovery Centre
Moira · ages 3+
A big woodland day out with rope trails, a splash park, a barefoot walk and an indoor play house for the rainy bits.
Accessible toiletBaby changeBirthday partiesBooking required+15 more
FreeLeicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester
Free museum on New Walk with dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt and Leicester Stories - some galleries shut for redevelopment.
Blue badge parkingGroup bookingsLockersPicnic area+4 more
Coming soonNational Gas Museum
Leicester
Free gas-history museum with 500+ exhibits - temporarily closed until 13 October 2026 for maintenance works.
ToiletsFree parkingBike parking
from £20National Space Centre
Leicester · ages 0+
A planetarium show, rockets to climb through and hands-on galleries about space, all under one roof in Leicester.
Booking requiredCaféGift shopParking+8 more
from £9.95Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum
Birmingham · ages 0+
Play in MiniBrum, try 200+ hands-on science exhibits and watch a 4K planetarium show.
Birthday partiesCaféGift shopBaby change+8 more
Good to know: science & discovery centres in Coventry
Are any of them free?
Yes, Abbey Pumping Station, Leicester Museum & Art Gallery and National Gas Museum are free to visit.
What does a paid visit cost?
Paid entry starts from £7.25 at Conkers Discovery Centre. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.
Whereabouts are they?
You'll find science & discovery centres in Leicester, Moira and Birmingham. Every place we list is in or around Coventry, and each listing has the full address and directions.
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