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Catalyst

Widnes, United Kingdom•4.4(1.1k)•Museum

Explore interactive science exhibits, hands-on workshops, and engaging family shows in this award-winning discovery centre celebrating chemistry and industrial heritage.

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre is an interactive museum dedicated to making science, technology, engineering and maths engaging and fun for all ages. Located in Widnes, the venue features multiple galleries including an Interactive Gallery with hands-on exhibits where visitors can film in a TV studio, create animations, and build ball runs, alongside the Theatre and Catalyst Laboratory hosting workshops and science shows suitable for ages 8 and upwards. The museum's unique selling point is its focus on industrial heritage, particularly the development of the chemical industry. The Birth of an Industry gallery showcases historical objects, life-like reconstructions, and archive films spanning from ancient times to the 1940s. The spectacular rooftop Observatory Gallery, accessed by an external glass lift, offers panoramic views and interactive exhibits about the area's heritage. Catalyst caters to families, school groups, and visitors of all abilities. The venue offers weekend and holiday family activities, birthday party packages, group visits with special rates for clubs and societies, and heritage afternoon tea experiences. The site is fully accessible with ramped entry, lift access to all floors, and a Changing Places facility. The on-site Catalyst Café serves refreshments with riverside views, and the venue is dog-friendly. Open Tuesday to Sunday with extended hours Thursday to Sunday.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 – 14:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 14:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 16:00
Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Catalyst Café

A café offering snacks and drinks with riverside views overlooking the Mersey Gateway bridge. Open to the general public without admission to Catalyst.

Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday: 10:00-14:00, Thursday to Sunday: 10:00-16:00

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Google Reviews

4.4(1.1k reviews)
K
Kathryn Busby

Kathryn Busby

3 months ago

Visited during Easter Holidays with our grandchildren. Arrived at 10am and had it mostly to ourselves for the first hour. The children loved all the interactive activities and were fully engaged. We went to both the workshops, making a key ring and the Chocolate Show, and felt the pace and pitch were perfect for the children. They loved the play area in the cafe and after lunch we rode the lift to the top floor where they enjoyed the giant puzzle and bridge building. The staff were all great, especially the lady who led the workshops. A good value and educational full day out- if it hadn't been raining we would have gone on to explore Spike Island.

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w w

w w

7 months ago

Nice place for STEM education, activities are engaging. Outside the building is beautiful too. A nice view to the river and the suspension bridge as well.

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Sue Bevan

Sue Bevan

12 months ago

Visited the museum with my grandson and great nephew, both aged 10. They loved the interactive science experiments. The top floor conservatory has fantastic views, two being both the Mersey Bridges. There was seating available for you to enjoy your picnic lunches or an on site cafe with a snack menu. There is a gift shop with plenty of items available for under £5. Staff were all lovely and helpful. Outside there are lots of play equipment to keep children with, plenty of energy, entertained. We had a thorougly great day.

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Reg

Reg

12 months ago

OMG what a great place. The ground floor is so interactive kept the children amused for hours. The workshop was decent for the price paid and the park outside is fantastic also. Overall a top place to take the kids. Mine being 9,6&4

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NH Daysout

NH Daysout

2 years ago

We visited during lottery open week so received free adult entry. We had a brilliant afternoon. Kids ages 3 and 7 both enjoyed all the hands on activities. We particularly liked the stop motion video creator stations. Wasn't particularly busy when we visited on a Sunday. Kids didn't have to wait to do anything. Deducted one star as a few niggles like only one ball for 3 magnetic walls, no paper at drawing station or at air blower experiment, broken parts/handle on circuit boards. Would still recommend. We also enjoyed a walk by the water, the small play area outside and seeing the swans and geese. Spent about 3 hours there in total.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Catalyst

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Catalyst

Is Catalyst free to visit?

Catalyst is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is Catalyst dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Catalyst.

Is there parking at Catalyst?

Yes, Catalyst has on-site parking.

Is there food at Catalyst?

Yes — Catalyst Café is on site at Catalyst. A café offering snacks and drinks with riverside views overlooking the Mersey Gateway bridge.

Is Catalyst pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Catalyst is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Catalyst?

Catalyst is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Catalyst by public transport?

Catalyst isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
Kiddy Compass