Enginuity

A great place to learn more about the history of the area. Really enjoyed a family visit there. There’s a great mix of interactive displays which are great for kids, plus static displays of old tech, then some interesting info on the geographical and industrial history of the area. The place isn’t huge but that’s ok every family day out doesn’t need to be a whole day. We spent half a day there including lunch next door (which was also nice)

Enginuity is a great little interactive museum that shows children and adults alike how power is produced and used, it includes water power, wind power, friction power and even a new interactive iron making room. There's a quiet room for children with sensory needs and a craft room with activities. Because the majority of the equipment is interactive, children can literally touch almost everything which is fantastic for inquisitive fingers. I feel the only down side is that they could have more to do. At £10.50 for an adult and £6.50 per child you can walk round within an hour, see everything and leave. We spent a few hours there as we took our time and explained how every model worked. 2 favourite models/interactives: Sand holographic volcano and evolution. How iron is made interactive kiln room.

Not that large, but good fun - reminds me of 'Launchpad' at The Science Museum. Lots of interactive exhibits that kids will enjoy playing with - as always seems to be the way with these things, though, not everything works properly. The 'water cycle' exhibit was a firm favourite with #2 son, whereas the live topographic projection onto a sandpit was a winner with his older sibling. Definitely worth a visit.

Visited for the first time in a while with my 10yo son and 3 month old daughter. Free parking for pass plus members was a bonus! When we arrived there was a sign on the desk saying some of the exhibits are not working at the moment but I didn’t realise quite how many this would be. To us as pass plus members, it didn’t matter too much as we can return for free in the future but if I was a day visitor who had paid full price, I would have been rather annoyed and disappointed. The baby sensory room was a lovely surprise for us to find on the day and we spent quite a lot of time in there. Staff were all super friendly and encouraged activities both at the entrance desk and within the workshop. The lift was a bit complicated so we took the baby out of her chair and carried her but there was a sign advising to contact a member of staff if you want to use the lift. Overall, it was a lovely afternoon but would have been disappointed had I paid full price for entry or if it had been busier due to so many exhibits being out of order