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    Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum

    Overall rating

    About

    Catalyst is a great science based family attraction with an excellent educational focus.

    At weekends and during school holidays everyone can have fun, taking part in our hands-on workshop activities or see a family science show.

    Explore the development of the Chemical Industry from ancient times up to the 1940s with reconstructed scenes, archive films and computer quizzes bringing the past to life.

    Reviews

    Overall rating

    4.25

    (2 reviews)

    Overall rating breakdown

    5

    0

    4

    2

    3

    0

    2

    0

    1

    0

    Access (avg.)

    5

    Parking (avg.)

    4

    Toilets (avg.)

    2.5

    Staff (avg.)

    5

    User profile picture

    pygmae

    Aug 2025

    star

    4.5

    Great trip out

    We went for a day trip to the center and beautiful surrounding park. We took an electric wheelchair which was handy as there was a bit of a bump to get up from the car park to the footpath leading to the building, also made difficult by the vehicles blocking the access point. Only 3 available disabled spaces but the car park was big enough that there was room for our van. We got there and we're warmly welcomed by the staff. We had two carers who both got in for free with the CEA card. They had noise cancelling headphones we could borrow which was great. The changing places have a hoist which was brilliant to use. It was a sunny day so the elevator was very hot as was the top floor lookout. The elevator was also very slow making it a long wait on a busy day as everyone else wanted to use it but it was worth the wait for the amazing views going up and down. After that we went for a walk around the park, good footpaths and lovely views of the river. All in all a lovely, accessible trip out!
    User profile picture

    mrsw

    Mar 2023

    star

    4

    Science discovery

    This is a nice few hours out. Accessible throughout and good science displays. Good café space. Lunch room on the first floor if you take your own picnic or picnic benches outside. There are flat areas outside the building too for walk though the park and over to Spike Island.

    Disabled Access Information Provided by Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum

    Disabled Access at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum

    Level/ramped wheelchair access to entrance (steeply ramped from main car park) Level/ramped wheelchair access into venue Easy access around ground floor/area of site (some internal ramps) Wheelchair access to other floors (via an external glass lift with turning space and room) Lift controls at accessible height Visual story available to support planning and arrival No automatic doors into gallery spaces, but doors from the landing are pinned open There is access to exhibits for visually impaired (there are several tactile and interactive exhibits) Wheelchair access to interactive exhibits (there is good access to the exhibits and although some need good upper body strength most are easily used) There are no subtitles on films in the museum Level/ramped access to shop Level/ramped access to cafe/tearoom Accessible counter/cutlery is self-service (but staff on hand to assist if needed) Wheelchair access to tables Wheelchair accessible picnic area (there is an indoor lunch room available via a separate lift in the education block which can be pre-booked by groups)
    Lift to all areas

    The venue is on multiple levels, with lifts available to all areas.

    Seating at regular intervals

    Seating is available at regular intervals.

    Step-free route with firm surface from car park to entrance

    There is a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.

    Accessible retail space

    The retail space is accessible, with step-free access and space to move around easily.

    Step-free entrance

    There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance.

    Wheelchair-accessible viewing area

    A wheelchair-accessible viewing area with step-free access is available, providing an optimal vantage point to view performances, presentations or activities.

    Wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet

    There is at least one wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet on site.

    Accessible parking at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum

    Designated disabled car parking in main car park (3 spaces) Alternative on-street parking on Mersey Road (which gives level access to the entrance) Designated bus/coach parking Car park is large and hard surfaced Parking is free of charge for all visitors
    Public or on street parking

    Accessible parking bays are available nearby within 50 metres of the entrance.

    Dedicated on-site parking

    On-site accessible parking bays are available within 50 metres of the entrance.

    Transport nearby Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum

    Public Transport Links: 27, 27a
    Bus station or stop

    There is an accessible bus station or stop nearby with suitable boarding areas and facilities for disabled passengers.

    Toilets features at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum

    Full Changing Places toilet (located near reception on the ground floor) Grab rails in Changing Places toilet Easy access to wash basin easy access to hand dryer/towels in Changing Places toilet Wheelchair turning space in Changing Places toilet Room for three carers in Changing Places toilet Accessible toilet also located on second floor via Gossage Room
    Changing Places toilet icon
    Changing Places toilet

    There is a Changing Places toilet, which includes an adult-size changing bench, toilet, sink and hoist.

    Accessible toilet icon
    Accessible toilet

    A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements is available within the main public areas.

    Accessible services at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum

    Assistance dogs welcome Hearing loop (in the theatre) Sensory bags Quiet mornings - next one 18th January
    Wheelchair hire

    Wheelchairs are available for visitors to hire or borrow.

    Table service as standard or on request

    Table service is available as standard or on request.

    Assistive listening system - Hearing Loop

    There is an assistive listening system available e.g. a hearing loop.

    Designated quiet times

    Designated quiet times are available, during which noise levels are reduced to meet the needs of visitors with sensory sensitivities.

    Other features at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum

    Wi-Fi

    Wi-Fi is available for customers.

    Carers discount

    A carers discount is available.

    Dietary requirements catered for

    A selection of food is offered for a range of dietary requirements.

    Map or floorplan

    A map or floorplan showing accessibility facilities is available.

    More Information

    For additional detailed accessibility information, please contact: info@catalyst.org.uk

    Contact

    Opens in a new windowhttps://www.facebook.com/CatalystScienceDiscoveryCentre/Opens in a new windowhttps://www.instagram.com/catalyst_sdc/#Opens in a new windowhttps://www.facebook.com/CatalystMuseum#
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    Location

    Mersey Road, Widnes, Borough of Halton, England, United Kingdom, WA8 0DF

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