Double Puc @ We The Curious
BEST FOR
Ages 2+
ENTRY
from £4
WHERE
Bristol
What it’s like
Over 200 hands-on exhibits to poke, pull and press, plus 3D Planetarium shows for the ones old enough to sit still.
This is a full-on science centre, not a quick pit stop. Over 200 hands-on exhibits spread across the floors, so a two-year-old and a ten-year-old can both find something to grab their attention, though the site is honest that it's a lot of stimulation in one go. If your crew gets overwhelmed easily, they flag 3pm-5pm on weekdays as the quiet window.
The 3D Planetarium is the bit kids will talk about after, but there's a catch worth knowing before you book: under-sixes aren't allowed in for eye health reasons, and planetarium tickets only come bundled with a day ticket, not sold alone. Under-12s need an adult with them everywhere, including inside the Planetarium itself, so this isn't one where you can peel off for a coffee while they explore.
Prices aren't cheap for a family day out. An adult with donation is £23.40, a child £16, and the Planetarium add-on is another £4 on top. There's a concession rate and a late-entry price if you're coming in for the last stretch of the day, which softens it a bit. Under-1s go in free, and if anyone in your group needs a personal assistant or is a foster carer, that ticket's free too.
Parking is the real faff here. There are only 22 Blue Badge spaces underground at Millennium Square, and walk-up parking generally is limited, worse in the rain. Booking ahead is the sensible move, especially in school holidays when slots fill up. The Double Puc Café does proper coffee and vegetarian food, and there are picnic areas if you'd rather bring your own.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Age 2 up, though under-6s miss out on the Planetarium
- Booking
- School holidays book up far in advance
- Parking
- 22 Blue Badge spaces underground at Millennium Square Car Park (directly underneath venue)
- Food
- Double Puc Café on site serving handcrafted coffee and vegetarian food
- Pushchairs
- Buggy parks and designated places to leave prams/buggies
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair spaces in Planetarium (book with day ticket)
- Worth knowing
- Children aged 0-1 enter free
- Late-entry tickets are cheaper if you're coming for the last part of the day
- Level floors and lifts between them, plus loan wheelchairs at the Welcome Desk
- Lockers and pram storage are available if you want to travel light round the floors
- Quietest time tends to be 3pm-5pm on weekdays if crowds are a worry
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£23.40 for an adult and £16 for a child with the optional donation added, or £21.20 and £14.50 without it. Under-1s go in free.
Do we need to book?
Book ahead if you can, especially in school holidays when it fills up. There's some walk-up capacity on drier days but it's not guaranteed.
Is the Planetarium worth adding on?
It's £4 on top of your day ticket and can't be bought separately. Just know under-sixes aren't allowed in, so it's one to skip with a very young toddler.
Is it OK for a toddler?
Yes from age 2, and there's plenty at floor level to touch and press. It can get busy and loud though, so pick a quieter slot if your toddler doesn't love noise and crowds.
What are the opening hours?
Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm in term time, and every day 10am to 5pm during Bristol school holidays and bank holidays.
Can older kids go round without an adult?
Only from age 12 upwards. Anyone 11 or under needs a parent or guardian with them throughout, Planetarium included.
What about parking?
There are 22 Blue Badge spaces underground at Millennium Square, right under the venue. General parking nearby is limited, especially when it's raining.
Can we leave and come back later the same day?
Follow the exit signage and scan your ticket again to get back in through the foyer.
What food is there?
The Double Puc Café does handcrafted coffee and vegetarian food on site. There are also picnic areas if you'd rather bring your own.
How long do people usually stay?
With over 200 exhibits plus a Planetarium show, it's easily a half-day visit rather than a quick hour.
Are tickets refundable if plans change?
Tickets are non-refundable, so it's worth being sure of your date before you pay.
Is there anything free for carers?
Personal assistants and foster carers can get a free ticket for admission and the Planetarium.
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