Oxford
Interactive science & nature

Science Oxford Centre in Oxford

An indoor-outdoor learning hub featuring interactive zones and woodland trails

ScienceNature

Discover interactive science and nature activities at this dedicated educational centre. Visitors can experiment in the indoor Exploration Zone, join STEM club workshops, and explore surrounding woodlands and ponds with outdoor explorer backpacks.

An interactive science and nature exploration centre in Oxford featuring a hands-on indoor discovery zone and outdoor woodland trails.

Science Oxford Centre
About the Science Oxford Centre

Located in Headington, Oxford, the Science Oxford Centre is an interactive science and nature discovery venue designed to engage young minds with STEM subjects. The facility features an indoor Exploration Zone filled with hands-on exhibits alongside spaces for educational workshops. Outside, visitors can discover fifteen acres of surrounding woodland, ponds, and self-guided nature trails.

Science Oxford Centre opening hours in Oxford

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Science Oxford Centre. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Oxford.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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10:00-17:00
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Admission and Ticket Information

The Science Oxford Centre in Headington offers a variety of admission options for visitors exploring its indoor and outdoor exhibits. General entry currently costs £8.50 per person, with prices scheduled to increase to £9.50 in September 2026, while children under 3 years of age receive free admission. Specialized options include family tickets, activity day rates, and dedicated school visit group bookings.

General Admission
Price not listed
Under 3s
Free

Under 3s

General Admission (from Sept 2026)
£9.50
Visitor facilities and amenities at Science Oxford Centre

The Science Oxford Centre provides a range of practical amenities to ensure a comfortable visit, including accessible parking and designated cycle storage. While the building is fully wheelchair and pushchair friendly, access to some outdoor woodland trails is limited. Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas, online resources for exploring the grounds, and pre-booked timed entry sessions to make the most of the facilities on site.

Accessible and Blue Badge parking

Available

Assistance dogs allowed

Available

Wheelchair accessible building and select paths

Limited

Pushchair accessible pathways

Limited
Family visits at the Science Oxford Centre

The Science Oxford Centre offers interactive, hands-on STEM exhibits in the Exploration Zone and 15 acres of outdoor woodland for families to discover. Visitors can engage with indoor experiments and nature trails using provided explorer gear. Detailed information on session types, capacity requirements, and seasonal activities is available for those planning a visit.

Science Oxford Centre offers hands-on exhibits, an Exploration Zone, and extensive outdoor woodland trails for families to explore together.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Hands-on indoor exhibits including the Air Table and magnetic ball run
  • 15 acres of woodland, meadows, and ponds to explore
  • Seasonal outdoor Water Lab available April to October
  • Explorer Backpacks provided for nature trail wildlife spotting

Activities and resources for children

Family program

Family Days

120–120 minPaidBooking required

Hands-on indoor exploration and outdoor nature experiences.

Science Oxford Centre Location and Surroundings

The Science Oxford Centre is located on Stansfield Close in the Headington neighborhood of Oxford. This unique indoor-outdoor venue is set within fifteen acres of woodland and ponds, combining interactive science exhibits with nature trails. Its natural setting offers a peaceful environment for family discovery, making it a perfect destination for hands-on learning just outside the bustling city center.

Planning Your Visit to Science Oxford Centre

Planning a visit to the Science Oxford Centre in Headington, Oxford, requires preparing for both indoor and outdoor experiences. The site features a hands-on Exploration Zone as well as outdoor woodlands and ponds. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance for family days and specific STEM activities to guarantee entry.

Planning Your Visit to Science Oxford Centre

Discover Science and Nature at Science Oxford Centre

Science Oxford Centre in Headington, Oxford, blends interactive discovery with outdoor exploration. Inside, the hands-on Exploration Zone invites young minds to experiment with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The learning continues outdoors across fifteen acres of surrounding woodland and ponds, where families can use themed explorer backpacks to track local wildlife along scenic nature trails. Fully wheelchair-accessible facilities and sensory-friendly family sessions with reduced capacity ensure an inclusive experience for all.

Exterior view of the Science Oxford Centre showing wood-clad buildings, glass entrance, and a large metallic ring sculpture in the courtyard under a blue sky

The History of Science Oxford Centre

The Science Oxford Centre traces its origins to the establishment of its parent charity, The Oxford Trust, founded in 1985 by Sir Martin Wood and Lady Audrey Wood. In 2006, Science Oxford was formally established to lead the trust's **educational mission**. This legacy supports hands-on science and nature discovery in Headington, Oxford.

  • Establishment of The Oxford Trust

    1985Founding

    The Oxford Trust, the parent charitable organisation of Science Oxford, was founded in 1985 by Sir Martin Wood and Lady Audrey Wood.

  • Founding of Science Oxford

    2006Founding

    Science Oxford was formally established in 2006 as the education and public engagement branch of The Oxford Trust, based in Oxford, England.

Latest museum updates from Science Oxford Centre
Recent announcements, stories, and institutional updates in Oxford
Read the newest updates from Science Oxford Centre, including exhibition announcements, program changes, and cultural stories that add context before your visit in Oxford.
Reflections on the Oxfordshire Primary Science Conference 2026 at Science Oxford Centre

Reflections on the Oxfordshire Primary Science Conference 2026 at Science Oxford Centre

The annual Oxfordshire Primary Science Conference returned to the Science Oxford Centre this July, bringing together over 50 educators dedicated to enhancing primary science teaching. Attendees explored innovative classroom strategies, from outdoor learning to digital technology and citizen science, through expert-led workshops and networking opportunities.

EducationProfessional DevelopmentScience Teaching
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Celebrating young innovators at the Big Science Event

Celebrating young innovators at the Big Science Event

Discover how local primary school pupils showcased their scientific curiosity and unique research projects at the annual Big Science Event held at the Science Oxford Centre. This collaborative initiative, part of the Great Science Share for Schools, empowers young scientists to explore big questions through hands-on investigations and interactive workshops.

EducationSTEMEvent RecapPrimary Schools
Read article
Conservation Detection Dogs at Science Oxford Centre

Conservation Detection Dogs at Science Oxford Centre

Discover how specially trained detection dogs are assisting ecologists in surveying and protecting great crested newts at the Science Oxford Centre. This unique conservation project demonstrates the power of canine smell in modern wildlife habitat assessment. Learn more about how the centre supports vital biodiversity research and training for local ecology students.

ConservationNatureResearchBiodiversity
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Science Oxford at the Oxford Literary Festival with Emma Young

Science Oxford at the Oxford Literary Festival with Emma Young

Science Oxford recently collaborated with the Oxford Literary Festival to present a captivating session with science author Emma Young. The event explored curious scientific questions from her popular 'What If?' book series, encouraging young minds to engage with STEM topics through creative literature.

EducationPartnershipScience CommunicationEvent
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Recap of the Starry Night Astronomy Event at Science Oxford Centre

Recap of the Starry Night Astronomy Event at Science Oxford Centre

Young stargazers and their families gathered at the Science Oxford Centre for an illuminating night dedicated to astronomy. Participants explored the mysteries of the solar system through planetarium shows, telescope observations of Jupiter, and hands-on exoplanet design workshops.

AstronomyFamily EventsSTEMEducation
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Partnering with Science Oxford to Inspire Future STEM Professionals

Partnering with Science Oxford to Inspire Future STEM Professionals

Science Oxford is actively seeking partnerships with businesses and experts to help bridge the gap for young people in the Oxfordshire STEM sector. By offering workplace insights, mentorship, or site visits, companies can help overcome local educational barriers and inspire the next generation of regional talent.

STEMCareersPartnershipEducation
Read article
Science Oxford Centre shares insights on primary science education impact

Science Oxford Centre shares insights on primary science education impact

Science Oxford reflects on the success of the 'Big Science Event' and its partnership with the Great Science Share for Schools. This initiative focuses on developing higher-order thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills in pupils aged 5 to 11 through practical science investigations. Discover how these programs foster curiosity and engagement in the next generation of young scientists.

EducationScienceYouthResearch
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Exploring space at the Science Oxford Centre

Exploring space at the Science Oxford Centre

The Science Oxford Centre hosts regular 'Starry Night' evenings where families can discover the wonders of the universe. Participants enjoy guided telescope observations, planetarium shows, and hands-on activities led by local space experts and astronomers.

Family EventsScienceAstronomyPlanetarium
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Science Oxford Centre: Quirky Facts & Quick FAQs

Planning a trip to the Science Oxford Centre in Oxford but have a few burning questions? While we might not have a secret hotline for you, we can certainly reveal why Saturdays get all the love with our exclusive weekend-only opening hours. Explore our practical FAQ guide to sort out your weekend science adventure.

Science Oxford Centre weekend opening hours

Science Oxford Centre is open on Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:00. The venue is closed on Sundays.

Is Science Oxford Centre open on Mondays?

No, Science Oxford Centre is closed on Mondays. The venue is closed on all weekdays from Monday to Friday and is only open on Saturdays.

Does Science Oxford Centre have special opening hours?

There are currently no listed special opening hours, holiday openings, or seasonal closures for Science Oxford Centre.

What are the opening hours of Science Oxford Centre?

Science Oxford Centre is open on Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:00. The venue is closed on all other days of the week, including Sundays and weekdays.

Planning Your Visit to Science Oxford Centre

When planning a trip to the Science Oxford Centre in Oxford, keep in mind that all visitors must book their tickets online in advance, as entry is managed via scheduled timeslots. Tickets for indoor activity areas, such as the Exploration Zone, include designated timed sessions, though you are welcome to explore the surrounding woodland and ponds before or after your slot. On-site car parking is limited and available primarily on weekends on a first-come, first-served basis, while weekday parking is restricted to drop-offs and pre-booked accessible spaces. While the main building is fully accessible, some of the deeper woodland trails are uneven and not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy at the indoor or outdoor tables, but please note that pets are not allowed on the premises with the exception of registered assistance dogs.

Audience Guide for Science Oxford Centre

The Science Oxford Centre, located in the Headington neighborhood of Oxford, is designed to engage families and young learners through interactive science and nature exploration. The indoor exhibition spaces feature hands-on experiments, with sensory-friendly sessions available to support visitors with specific accessibility needs. Outdoors, the venue features extensive woodlands and ponds ideal for self-guided discovery, though deeper nature paths are not fully accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. Overall, the visitor experience is highly geared toward active discovery and educational play for children.

Science Oxford Centre Gallery Preview

Images of the Science Oxford Centre in Headington, Oxford, highlight its modern, wood-clad architecture and bright, welcoming entrance. A distinctive metallic ring sculpture stands out in the paved courtyard, reflecting the facility's blend of science and art. These previews showcase a contemporary space designed for hands-on discovery and peaceful outdoor exploration.

Exterior view of the Science Oxford Centre showing wood-clad buildings, glass entrance, and a large metallic ring sculpture in the courtyard under a blue sky
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