Winchester Science Centre and The Red House Museum

More summer fun with the Grandchildren.  This time we took them to the Winchester Science Centre. It's an amazing place.  We arrived at 10 a.m. (necessary in order to park, which is free) and left at 4 p.m., when it closed.  They had a great time and so did we!  Everything is hands on, so totally engages your interest in the science behind how everything works, whatever your age.  Jamie is only 3 and we found plenty to entertain him.

There was an extra cost to go to one of the planetarium films but Wow the film we saw, The Life of Trees, was well worth it. They were absolutely enthralled, as was I!!

It was busy as it was a typical summers day (pouring with rain).

We also saw the Creepy Crawlies, which were visiting in the Marquee.

I would really recommend a visit and there is also a lovely children's play area outside.  And plenty of seats and tables inside, where you can eat your own lunch, although they also have a café.

A great place to go and have fun, learn and inspire the next generation of scientists!

The next day we visited The Red House Museum in Christchurch.  A super little museum packed with local history and, at the moment, a special exhibition of gizmobots.  Gizmobots are found object robots that start life as finds from skips, second hand shops, car boot sales and scrap yards.  Each robot is carefully crafted so that all the parts come together to create a very desirable quirky robot, each with their own personality.

Previously, we have enjoyed dinosaurs and there are still a couple hiding in the garden.  The garden is just breathtaking, a hidden sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of Christchurch town centre.  And, at present, there is a lovely Wind in the Willows trail for the children.

Step in and be charmed.

1.  Meet Mr. Mole, he has spent enough time underground.  He is tired of housework and has come up into the garden looking for a friend.  How do you know when there are moles about?

2.  Mr. Mole's first friend is Ratty.  He loves to mess about near the water or on his boat.  He likes to sing as he rows along the river.  Can you sing any songs about the riverbank or rowing a boat?

3.  If you look in the undergrowth you will find a ferocious animal not normally found in a garden.
Can you roar like a dinosaur?

4.  One of the great characters of the woodland is Mr. Toad.  He has many adventures, some of them ending in disaster.  He has a grand house to live in and loves to try new and exciting things.
What is the name of Mr. Toad's House?

5.  Mr. Toad is a keen motorist, he is always out and about in his car.  He likes to race around the countryside, sometimes with disastrous results.  Can you think of a rhyme or song about a well?

6.  Rest a while here.  Play some garden games.  Do you know what you use a sundial for?

7.  Mr. Badger is around here.  You don't see him very often as he likes to come out when it's dark.
What do we call the place where a badger lives?

8.  Mr. Rabbit lives in the area near to the Bug Hotel.  Can you name some of the creatures that will stay in the hotel?

9.  Deep in the woodland can you find the weasels' lair.  How many weasels are there?  (5)

10.  The statue of St. Francis looks over the courtyard.  He was the patron saint of all animals and nature.  He spent his life caring for the poor and sick, preaching to both people and animals.
Where is he?  (Above entrance/exit).