Catalyst - Science Discovery Centre

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About Us

Catalyst is an interactive science centre whose aim is to make science exciting and accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Find out how the products of chemistry are used in everyday life - from medicines to Meccano and learn about the 'chemistry' industry and its role in our lives, past, present and future.

Who visits?

Catalyst is a great action-packed family attraction with an excellent educational focus. During term time, schools visit to take part in our exciting programme of curriculum based activities and during school holidays families can take part in our special events and hands-on workshops.
Some of these may be taught in our state-of-the-art Discovery Lab, with its modern design and funky colours, it's like no other lab you will have ever seen!

We have something for all age groups, and a friendly welcome is guaranteed!

What is there to do?

Finding out is fun at Catalyst. We have three award-winning galleries to explore. Scien-trific on the ground floor is a hands-on, interactive gallery for the whole family. Birth of an Industry on the first floor, houses the museum element of the centre supported by an amazing collection of
archive material and life-like reconstructions. The rooftop observatory gallery affords stunning views from the Welsh hills to the Pennines and is accessed by the wonderful scenic glass lift.

For an unforgettable experience visit the Alchemy Theatre! With sections in stunning 3D and interactive voting you can discover how a cancer drug is made, how chlorine is produced, how to recycle or how to help save the world!

Also on offer is free car parking, a shop where you'll find a wide range of intriguing toys, souvenirs and gifts and the Elements Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a tasty meal, snack or ice cream whilst admiring the riverside views.

Who are we?

Catalyst is a charitable trust whose ultimate responsibility for its operation lies with a Board of
Trustees. The development of the centre has been funded through an effective partnership of chemical industry companies, local government, the North West Regional Development Agency and a grant from the Millennium ReDiscover Fund.

Family workshops during the school holidays; family science workshops on the last weekend of every month.

Catalyst is a unique day out - science has never been so much fun!

Guide Prices

Family visit admission prices
Adult – £5.95, Child or Concession – £4.95
Family of four ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) – £17.95
Family of five ticket (2 adults + 3 children) – £19.95
Children 3 and under admitted free

Gift Aid your admission and receive a 12 month pass to return again! (You must be a UK taxpayer to GiftAid)

Opening Times

2020 (1 Jan 2020 - 31 Dec 2020)
Day	Times
Monday	Closed
Tuesday - Sunday	10:00	- 16:00

* Last admission 1 hour before closing. School holidays - Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm

Directions

Road Directions

In general, follow road signs to Widnes (south) and then look out for the brown/white tourism signs.Close to bus routes / stop.For all bus information you can ring the PTI2000 number 0870 6082608 which will automatically connect to your local travel information centre, depending on where you are calling from. They can put you through to any other local travel information centre anywhere.We are on the Trans-Pennine (cycle) trail. Cyclists and walkers are welcome! We have leaflets describing the whole of the trail.

Public Transport Directions

Various routes of trains transfering to bus.

Nearest bus stops: Waterloo Centre (10 minute walk, 0.5 mile), Ashley Way (12 minute walk, 0.6 mile), Kingsway Hotel (14 minute walk, 0.7 mile)

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

275 reviews

Certificate of Excellence 2019

Excellent
130
Very Good
77
Average
38
Poor
17
Terrible
13

Recent Reviews:

ParksNW
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Trip Type:
Family
Great little hands on science museum
Sunday, 23rd February 2020
First visit despite only being 10 mins away. Recently had a minor face lift, with improved entrance and cafe. Good selection of interactive elements, including some good new bits, and some local... Read full review
Liz L
Trip Type:
Family
Great little gem
Saturday, 7th March 2020
Went today with my 10 year old son and nana and grandad. We were in a small audience of 6 for the space show which was very well presented by Amy. I would definately recommend for a little peak into... Read full review
MissyB15373
Alderley Edge, United Kingdom
Trip Type:
Family
Amazing day out - hidden gem!
Monday, 30th March 2020
We took two 9 year olds to catalyst and they absolutely loved it and weren’t ready to leave at the end of the day. The building itself and some of the exhibits need a bit of updating but they need... Read full review