Magna Science Adventure Centre
Explore science and industry in a vast former steelworks with hands-on exhibits and thrilling outdoor adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Magna Science Adventure Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore science and industry in a vast former steelworks with hands-on exhibits and thrilling outdoor adventures.
"An absolutely epic place for kids and adults alike! So interactive and interesting it kept us all entertained for hours."
🎯 Year-Round Entry Ticket
Your ticket is valid for a whole year! Come back as many times as you like. :ticket:
👟 Comfy Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of exploring, so wear comfortable footwear. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Big Melt
Earth Pavilion
Witness the dramatic recreation of the steelmaking process, a powerful nod to Magna's industrial past.
Four Elements Pavilions
Earth, Air, Fire, Water
Explore interactive exhibits dedicated to the fundamental elements, offering engaging science for all ages.
Outdoor SCI-TEK & AQUA-TEK
Outdoor Area
A massive adventure playground and a refreshing water park, perfect for active fun on warmer days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace the Interactive Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Year-Round Entry Ticket
Your ticket is valid for a whole year! Come back as many times as you like. :ticket:
👟 Comfy Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of exploring, so wear comfortable footwear. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Pack a Towel & Change of Clothes
The water park and some exhibits can get you wet! :sweat_drops:
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and make the most of your day by arriving at opening time. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Year-Round Entry Ticket
Your ticket is valid for a whole year! Come back as many times as you like. :ticket:
👟 Comfy Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of exploring, so wear comfortable footwear. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Pack a Towel & Change of Clothes
The water park and some exhibits can get you wet! :sweat_drops:
⏰ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and make the most of your day by arriving at opening time. :clock1:
🎧 Consider Ear Protection
Some areas can be noisy; ear defenders might be helpful for sensitive visitors. :earwithhearing_aid:
🥪 Picnic Area Available
Bring your own lunch to save money, or enjoy the cafe. :sandwich:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Magna Science Adventure Centre for its highly interactive exhibits and engaging experience for all ages. The former steelworks setting is a unique draw, and the outdoor play and water park are major highlights, especially during warmer months. While the cafe can be pricey and some areas are noisy, the overall value and fun factor make it a highly recommended day out.
"An absolutely epic place for kids and adults alike! So interactive and interesting it kept us all entertained for hours. I loved the set up representing the 4 elements earth, wind, fire and water plus I found the big melt interesting (a little jumpy for my 2 year old).
The outside park was huge and if we lived closer we would be there all the time! They had standard play area equipment but standpits I couldn't get my 2 year old out of and a water park I couldn't get my 5 year old out of!
100% recommend and we will be going back!"
Lucy Arnold
"Absolutely fantastic day out! Can't wait to visit again. The park and splash pad outside is a day in itself. Our 18 month old loved running round and all the interactive things. Cafe was nice, staff friendly. Only thing I'd say to improve was the baby changing facilities were a bit rough and would be nice to have some stations dotted round to refil water bottles. Otherwise really recommend Magna!"
Lauren Noon
"It was the 1st time we've been to Magna this weekend and we loved it. Lots to do and see, the big melt was amazing and got my 6 year old attention which is not easy to do. My sons favourite floor was the water floor and he was drenched when we came out of it. Luckily we had a towel to hand but it was good fun.
We had a mix of a picnic and food from the cafe (the cafe food is expensive).
The playground adventure had lots for all ages and my partner even went on the zip line too.
The water park looks lovely but my boy said it was too cold to go in."
laurie purcell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Magna is located in Rotherham, easily accessible by car via the M1 and M18 motorways. There are plenty of free parking spaces available. For public transport, local bus routes serve the area, and Rotherham Central train station is a short taxi ride away.
Yes, Magna is largely accessible for wheelchair users. The venue is set within a former steelworks, so some areas are vast. They have accessible toilets on every floor and seats for resting.
Magna is typically open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times, especially during holidays or for special events.
Generally, only assistance dogs are permitted within Magna Science Adventure Centre. Please check their policy directly if you have specific needs.
Yes, Magna offers ample free parking for visitors. This is a significant advantage, especially for families travelling by car. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Magna offers a fantastic 'pay once, visit all year' ticket policy. Prices vary for adults, children, and concessions. Booking online in advance is often recommended.
Refund policies typically depend on the booking terms and conditions. It's advisable to review the specific terms when purchasing your tickets online.
Look out for online booking discounts and potential family packages. Special events may have separate ticketing arrangements. +1
Your ticket usually grants access to all the main interactive pavilions, the outdoor adventure play area, and the water park (seasonal). Special events might require separate tickets.
While not always mandatory, booking a time slot online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons and weekends, to guarantee your entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the 'Big Melt' steelmaking show, the four elemental pavilions (Earth, Air, Fire, Water), the extensive outdoor SCI-TEK adventure playground, and the seasonal AQUA-TEK water park.
Yes, Magna is great for toddlers with dedicated play areas and interactive exhibits that engage younger children. The water park and sandpits are particularly popular.
The 'Big Melt' is a dramatic demonstration recreating the intense process of steelmaking, offering a fascinating glimpse into the site's industrial heritage.
Some reviews suggest it would be beneficial to have more water refill stations. It's a good idea to bring your own bottle and check for available refill points upon arrival.
While the centre is designed to be engaging, some areas can be noisy. It's advisable to be aware of this and consider ear protection if needed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Magna has a cafe offering a range of food and drinks. Some visitors find the cafe food to be a bit expensive, so bringing your own picnic is a good alternative.
Absolutely! Magna provides a dedicated packed lunch area, making it easy to enjoy your own food and save money.
The cafe typically offers standard family-friendly options like sandwiches, snacks, and hot meals.
It's best to inquire directly with the cafe staff upon arrival about specific dietary options.
Reviews are mixed, with some finding cafe prices expensive and others stating they were good and not expensive at all. Bringing a picnic is a safe bet for budget-conscious visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The industrial architecture of the former steelworks provides a dramatic backdrop. Capture the 'Big Melt' show, the vibrant interactive exhibits, and the expansive outdoor play areas.
Yes, personal photography and videography are generally permitted for non-commercial use. Be mindful of other visitors, especially children.
While generally allowed, it's always good practice to be respectful of others' privacy. Professional photography may require prior arrangement.
A versatile camera that handles both indoor low light and bright outdoor conditions will be ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the scale of the industrial setting.
The 'Big Melt' show offers dramatic visuals. The vast open spaces of the former steelworks and the colourful interactive exhibits are also great for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents often highlight the year-round ticket as a fantastic value, allowing for repeat visits. While some areas can be noisy, there are quieter spots and a dedicated picnic area for convenience. Remember to pack a towel and a change of clothes, as getting wet is part of the fun, especially at the water park and some of the interactive science stations!
🎒 Budget Travelers
To further save money, take advantage of the dedicated packed lunch area. Bringing your own food and drinks can significantly reduce your spending compared to purchasing from the on-site cafe, which some visitors find a bit pricey.
👫 Couples
+1For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting on a weekday to avoid peak crowds. The unique setting and the blend of history and science offer a different kind of date, especially if you appreciate industrial heritage or enjoy interactive learning.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Industrial Heritage of Magna
Exploring Magna means stepping into a space where industrial might meets modern educational fun. The massive machinery and vast open halls are not just backdrops but integral parts of the experience. This industrial setting provides a unique atmosphere, making science and technology feel grounded in real-world applications and historical context.
+1Visitors often remark on the impressive scale of the former steelworks, appreciating how the space has been transformed into an engaging attraction. This blend of history and interactive learning is a key reason why Magna stands out as a distinctive destination.
Interactive Science for All Ages
The 'Fire Pavilion' is a particular highlight, featuring a famous fire tornado that captivates visitors. The 'Water Pavilion' offers a chance to get thoroughly drenched, making it a hit on warmer days, while the 'Earth' and 'Air' pavilions provide further opportunities for discovery. The outdoor SCI-TEK adventure playground and the seasonal AQUA-TEK water park extend the interactive fun into the open air, ensuring there's always something to engage active minds and bodies.
Reviewers consistently praise the interactive nature of the exhibits, noting how they keep visitors entertained for hours. The ability to touch, play, and learn through doing is a core element of the Magna experience, making it a memorable day out for families.
Events and Special Occasions
+3For example, Magna has been a venue for the Bassline Festival, attracting large crowds for music events. It also hosts events like the Dino Tattoo Show and comic cons, showcasing its versatility. The venue's large event spaces are also utilized for conferences and corporate functions, demonstrating its capacity to host a wide array of gatherings.
+2These events add another layer to Magna's appeal, offering unique experiences that draw different audiences. Checking the 'What's On' section of their website is recommended to stay informed about upcoming events that might align with your interests.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit