Techniquest
Stuart Street, Cardiff, Glamorgan, CF10 5BW
Science is made fun and accessible at Techniquest in Cardiff, one of the UK’s best science and discovery centers. Get hands-on with interactive puzzles, more than one hundred exhibits, a science theater, and Planetarium that will captivate children and adults alike, in the scenic surrounds of Cardiff’s recently-redeveloped Cardiff Bay area.
The Basics
Techniquest—opened at Cardiff Bay in 1986—effortlessly blends learning and fun via interactive exhibits, optical illusions, and opportunities to test scientific principles for yourself. Freeze your shadow, make objects “float”, and challenge your fellow travelers to reflex-speed contests, before staring up at the night’s sky in the Planetarium. While easily accessible, travelers with limited time in the city may prefer to stop by Techniquest as part of a comprehensive hop-on hop-off bus tour, exploring the exhibits of most interest before zipping off to the next destination.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Families vacationing in Cardiff will enjoy the hands-on, interactive learning opportunities on offer at Techniquest.
- Over 18s can also enjoy Techniquest, particularly at the sporadic “After Hours” events, at which there’s a licensed bar.
- Combine a visit to Techniquest with a wider exploration of the city, during a convenient hop-on hop-off bus tour.
- Exhausted adults can take a break at the onsite coffee shop, which serves coffee made from Fairtrade beans, as well as cakes.
- Only the Planetarium is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Techniquest is situated on Stuart Street, in Cardiff Bay, within 30-minutes walking distance of the city center. However, those who wish to drive can use onsite parking (which you can pre-book online for a discounted fee). Several trains and regular buses also run to Cardiff Bay from the city center and some hop-on hop-off routes also stop by Techniquest for extra convenience.
When to Get There
Techniquest is open 9:30am to 4:30pm, Tuesdays to Fridays during term time, and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. During school holidays, you can visit daily between 10am and 5pm. As Techniquest is an entirely indoor attraction, it’s also the ideal place to hide out from inclement weather during a rainy day in Cardiff; meanwhile, travelers with very little ones should visit on the once-monthly designated toddler day.
Other Cardiff Bay Attractions
Cardiff Bay is an attraction in and of itself. Catch a play, ballet, musical, or opera at the Millennium Centre, before or after your visit to Techniquest, or enjoy dinner and cocktails by the water at one of the Bay’s many restaurants. Torchwood fans should also pay their respects to Ianto at Cardiff Bay’s quirky shrine to the character.
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