Exploring Science Amusement Lab
Norfolk's ultimate science playground: 15,000 sq ft of lasers, mazes, VR, and experiments where families learn by leaping into discovery. Ages 6+ thrive in this immersive indoor lab.
Discover Norfolk's first science amusement lab in Norwich, spanning 15,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits blending education and fun. Laser mazes, escape rooms, VR experiences, mirror mazes, space tunnels, and hands-on experiments captivate families, especially ages 6+. Open weekends in term time, daily during holidays. Tickets from £12.50, with cafe on-site.
A brief summary to Exploring Science Amusement Lab
- 5 Francis Way, Norwich, Bowthorpe Employment Area, NR5 9JA, GB
- +447816344696
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Book tickets online to secure spots, especially during school holidays when it's open daily.
- Park on Roundwell Road during peak times for extra spaces; front lot fills quickly.
- Allow 4-5 hours; pack allergy-aware snacks as cafe options are limited for some diets.
- Returning visitors get 20% off—perfect for repeat experiments and shows.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
Getting There
-
Car
Drive to 5 Francis Way, Bowthorpe; free parking on-site and Roundwell Road (5-10 min walk). 15 min from Norwich center, ample spaces.
-
Bus
Bus 23/24 from Norwich to Bowthorpe (15-20 min, £2-3), 10-min walk. Limited direct service.
-
Taxi/Rideshare
10-15 min from Norwich center (£15-20), drops directly at entrance.
Discover more about Exploring Science Amusement Lab
Overview
Nestled in Norwich's Bowthorpe Employment Area, Exploring Science Amusement Lab spans over 15,000 square feet, making it Norfolk's pioneering blend of amusement and scientific discovery. This indoor attraction transforms learning into play through immersive, hands-on exhibits that spark curiosity in visitors of all ages, particularly those 6 and up. Families spend hours navigating laser mazes, mirror mazes, escape rooms, and interactive science displays featuring fossils, geological samples, and resin-encased insects.Key Attractions
Highlights include the Mission Impossible-style laser maze, a colorful space tunnel with customizable lights, giant bubble stations, and a dance mat for rhythmic fun. VR headsets offer additional thrills (extra cost), while the upside-down bathroom and interactive sand play provide quirky sensory experiences. A science presentation theater delivers engaging, interactive shows, and a ball pit offers a playful break. The lab showcases real scientific wonders alongside amusement rides adapted for education.Practicalities and Amenities
Entry tickets cost £18 for adults and children over 90cm (free under 90cm), with discounts for over 65s, disabled visitors, carers at £12.50, and 20% for return customers. On-site cafe serves burgers, hotdogs, veggie options, soft serve, drinks, and snacks. Ample parking at the front and nearby Roundwell Road, especially during busy school holidays. Restrooms and seating areas are available, though some reviews note maintenance needs.Opening Hours and Best Times
Term-time: Saturdays and Sundays 10am-4pm (4:30pm per some sources). School holidays: Daily 10am-4pm. Group bookings possible on Fridays. Peak crowds hit weekends and holidays; quieter midweek during breaks. Ideal for full-day visits, with families reporting 4-5 hours of engagement.Why Visit
Unlike typical museums, this lab emphasizes interactivity, ensuring even older kids like 12-year-olds stay entertained. Staff assist without hovering, enhancing experiences. It's a unique Norwich gem filling a gap in hands-on STEM fun beyond school clubs or festivals.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Norwich Research Park
2.4 km
Discover Norwich Research Park: Europe's biotech powerhouse where groundbreaking science meets green parkland, elite facilities, and collaborative innovation just outside historic Norwich.
Meeting Hall of the Church in Norwich
2.8 km
A welcoming modern meeting hall in Norwich where believers gather Sundays to live out Christ-centered faith in simple, heartfelt fellowship.
The Parish Church of Saint Mary Hellesdon
2.8 km
Discover 12th-century serenity at Grade II*-listed St Mary's Hellesdon: medieval brasses, peaceful churchyard, and Norfolk's timeless rural charm await in this wheelchair-friendly parish treasure.
Norwich Muslim Centre
3.0 km
A serene mosque and community centre in Norwich fostering faith, education, and unity for locals and visitors seeking spiritual solace.
Faculty of Science
3.0 km
Explore UEA's Faculty of Science amid brutalist architecture, cutting-edge research labs, and serene campus lakes in Norwich Research Park—a perfect blend of academia and natural beauty.
Sciences
3.1 km
Discover UEA's Brutalist masterpiece campus in Norwich: 360 acres of research innovation, art, sport, and wildlife trails blending academia with East Anglia's natural splendor.
University of East Anglia
3.1 km
Discover UEA's iconic brutalist campus in Norwich: art-filled modernist marvels, wildlife-rich trails, Sportspark thrills, and seamless city access amid 360 acres of innovation and nature.
Norwich Central Mosque
3.9 km
Norwich's welcoming Islamic centre for prayer, learning, and community connection.
St Peter's Jessopp Road Church
4.2 km
Discover Norwich's octagonal gem: St Peter's Jessopp Road Church unites Methodist and URC traditions in welcoming worship, community coffee mornings, and heartfelt fellowship amid modern architecture.
Flitcham Church of England - Diocese of Norwich
4.2 km
Discover Norman timelessness at Flitcham’s St Mary the Virgin, a Sandringham-edge gem blending 12th-century tower ruins, royal furnishings, and serene Norfolk countryside tranquility.
St Thomas Church
4.4 km
Discover heartfelt worship and genuine community at St Thomas Church, Norwich's welcoming Earlham Road parish where faith meets friendship in a vibrant, inclusive setting.
Cringleford Bridge
4.8 km
Historic stone bridge over the River Yare linking Cringleford to Norwich, blending heritage engineering with riverside walks and Norfolk countryside views.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
5.0 km
Discover spiritual renewal in Norwich's welcoming Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, where community-built faith, Sunday worship, and heartfelt service create profound connections in a serene suburban haven.
Norwich Synagogue
5.1 km
Discover Norwich's sole purpose-built synagogue: a resilient hub of Orthodox worship, education, and 1,000-year Jewish heritage rebuilt after wartime loss.
Holy Trinity
5.1 km
Discover Norwich's grandest Victorian church: a cruciform evangelical beacon with soaring spire, vibrant services, and community heart in terraced streets.
Unmissable attractions to see
Namco Funscape Norwich
0.4 km
Strike up family fun at Namco Funscape Norwich with bowling, arcades, pool, and glow nights in a lively indoor entertainment hub perfect for all ages.
East Hills Woods
0.9 km
Discover sculpted trails and bluebell magic in Costessey's hidden 9-hectare woodland haven, where gentle hills and Wensum Valley serenity await nature seekers.
Norfolk Food Hall
2.1 km
Savor Norfolk's local bounty at this charitable food hall blending artisan shopping, farm-fresh dining, and family fun amid the Showground's scenic charm.
River Tud Woods
2.1 km
Serene woodland trails along Norfolk's crystal-clear River Tud, alive with wildlife and perfect for dog walks and peaceful nature escapes in Costessey.
Showground Food Hall
2.2 km
Savour Norfolk's finest local produce in a family-friendly food hall and restaurant at the Showground, where every bite supports farming heritage and community.
National Martial Arts Committee of Great Britain
2.3 km
Elevate your martial arts journey at NMACGB in Norwich: expert taekwondo and kickboxing training in a supportive Sportspark environment, building strength, discipline, and team spirit for all levels.
Bowthorpe Marsh
2.3 km
Escape to Norwich's lush River Yare marshland: dragonflies, grazing horses, ponds, and easy paths for family walks, picnics, and wildlife wonders in a free, 24/7 nature haven.
Norfolk Showground
2.4 km
East Anglia's vibrant 150-acre events hub: Royal Norfolk Show, antiques fairs, festivals, and corporate gatherings amid landscaped parkland, with free parking and seamless A47 access.
Earlham Park
2.5 km
Norwich's verdant gem: tranquil park by day, electrifying festival ground by summer night—perfect for peaceful escapes or bass-thumping crowds.
Norwich Fan Park
2.6 km
Unleash football frenzy in Norwich's ultimate Euro 2024 fan zone: giant screens, live DJs, Britpop bands, street food, and epic vibes under Earlham Park's skies.
Café 57
2.8 km
Customizable subs and salads fuel UEA days at Café 57, blending fresh flavors with campus convenience in Norwich's academic heart.
New Science Building
2.8 km
State-of-the-art science hub at UEA's edge: flexible labs, bright seminar spaces, and collaborative atrium amid wooded campus views in Norwich.
Guildhall School of Dancing Norwich
2.9 km
Norwich's joyful dance haven where kids pirouette into skill, friendship, and lifelong passion amid expert teaching and family warmth at City Academy.
Sportspark
3.0 km
Premier multi-sport hub offering Olympic-standard facilities and accessible activities for all ages and abilities.
Sainsbury Centre
3.0 km
Pioneering Norman Foster gallery on UEA campus where art lives: touch Henry Moore, explore 5,000 years of global masterpieces, and wander sculpture parks in Norwich's green heart.
Essential places to dine
Showground Table Table
2.0 km
Hearty British pub dining with family deals, breakfast buffets, and sunny outdoor seats near Norwich's Norfolk Showground—reliable comfort food since 2007.
The Kings Head
2.1 km
Award-winning 17th-century gastropub with locally-sourced cuisine, real ales, and luxury countryside B&B.
Copper Beech
2.3 km
Family haven in Norwich: carvery feasts, cask ales, kids' play zones, dog welcomes, and beer garden bliss await at this modern pub gem.
Feast Serco Restaurant
3.1 km
Seasonal Norwich dining venue offering curated culinary experiences and memorable occasions.
Campus Kitchen
3.2 km
Affordable global eats in UEA's bustling student kitchen hub—quick Pakistani curries, custom pizzas, vegan street food, and more for campus life on a budget. (152 chars)
Ziggy's
3.2 km
Campus coffee haven at UEA's Norwich Research Park: artisan espresso, fresh sandwiches, pastries, and smoothies for students and researchers in a buzzing academic hub.
Nice pizza
3.5 km
Casual pizza haven on Elvin Way: late-night slices, classic toppings, and neighborhood reliability in Norwich NR3. Affordable, quick, and always satisfying for locals and visitors alike.
Panku Norwich
3.6 km
Freshly rolled sushi and hot Asian street food with punk attitude, inside Asda Norwich – bold flavors, budget prices, daily freshness for every craving.
Red Lion
3.7 km
Classic Greene King pub in Drayton serving hearty grub, local ales, and warm hospitality in a lively village setting—perfect for relaxed meals and pints.
Bond Street Cafe
3.9 km
Authentic Norwich cafe serving quality breakfast and lunch in a relaxed, no-frills neighbourhood setting.
Enjoy Eat kebab
3.9 km
Fresh pizzas and kebabs crafted daily in Norwich's favorite casual takeaway spot.
The Brasserie
4.0 km
Comfortable brasserie dining at Mercure Norwich Hotel, serving international classics with friendly service near the airport and city center.
Dyrrah Coffee
4.2 km
Norwich's homely café haven: exceptional coffee, vegan delights, and authentic pizzas in a dog-friendly, community-hearted spot.
Domino's Pizza - Norwich - West
4.2 km
Quick pizza delivery and takeaway in Norwich with fresh dough, real mozzarella, and vine-ripened tomatoes—affordable comfort food open daily till late.
Connaught Kitchen
4.4 km
American comfort food done right in Norwich's most welcoming casual dining destination.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Beechcroft Pharmacy
0.5 km
Friendly neighborhood pharmacy in Norwich offering prescriptions, travel clinic services, and expert health advice with a personal touch in a convenient surgery location.
Nicki Saunders - Watercolour Artist & Tutor
0.7 km
Unleash your inner artist at Nicki Saunders' Norwich studio, blending watercolour mastery, mixed-media innovation, and personalized workshops in a serene creative sanctuary.
Costessey Pharmacy
1.7 km
Your trusted neighborhood pharmacy in New Costessey, delivering quick prescriptions, health checks, and personalized care with a focus on community well-being.
Easters Bakery Ltd
1.7 km
Discover Easters Bakery Ltd, Norwich's go-to for exceptional fresh breads, cakes, and pastries at unbeatable prices in a cozy Costessey setting.
Kamajen
1.7 km
Friendly neighborhood supermarket in Norwich's Bowthorpe with great stock, welcoming staff, and long hours for all your daily grocery needs—reliable shopping made simple.
August Bicycles
2.0 km
Multi-award-winning custom steel bike workshop near Norwich: bespoke frames, precision parts, and expert repairs by appointment in serene Norfolk countryside.
Rasa
2.4 km
Discover Rasa, Norwich's friendly shop on Enfield Rd, celebrated for outstanding service, daily 10am-8pm hours, and a perfect 4.5-star rating from loyal customers.
Allied Pharmacy - Earlham West
2.4 km
Your neighbourhood pharmacy in Norwich's West Earlham, delivering personalized prescription care and health advice with community warmth.
Premier
2.7 km
Your friendly Norwich neighborhood Premier store on Cadge Road, delivering everyday essentials, great prices, and warm service at the heart of NR5 community life.
Emporium Norwich
2.8 km
Artisanal Brazilian chocolates and cosy café bliss in Norwich's Hellesdon Barns – where Marcela's passion crafts unforgettable flavours and warm welcomes.
The Stock Shop
3.1 km
Discover quality women's clothing at The Stock Shop in Norwich's hospital precinct—stylish, affordable finds with helpful service for every occasion.
Norwich Food Centre
3.2 km
Your everyday supermarket in Norwich's Bowthorpe: fresh produce, organics, alcohol, and friendly service from 8am daily—convenience at its best for locals.
Norwich Bicycle Repair Co-operative Ltd
3.2 km
Affordable, community-driven bike repairs at UEA: expert fixes for vintage rides and everyday wheels, with quick service and student-friendly prices in Norwich's cycling hub.
Currys
3.3 km
UK's largest electronics retailer offering tech, appliances, and expert service in accessible Norwich location.
Farmfoods Ltd
3.3 km
Budget frozen food haven in Norwich: unbeatable prices on quality groceries, reliable stock, and everyday essentials for savvy shoppers seeking value without compromise.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Up Next Karaoke
1.9 km
Unleash your voice at Up Next Karaoke, Norwich's intimate hotspot for belting out hits in a friendly neighborhood setting—pure fun awaits!
The Fiveways
3.0 km
Cozy Norwich pub with real ales, pub grub, live music, sports screens, pool, darts, and family-dog welcome for authentic British hospitality.
Bar SU
3.2 km
UEA's ultimate student hangout: pub vibes, pool tables, club nights, and inclusive spaces blending chill afternoons with electric evenings on Norwich's vibrant campus.
The Nelson Pub, Norwich
4.4 km
Traditional British pub with friendly service, affordable food, and a welcoming garden atmosphere in central Norwich.
The Fat Cat
4.5 km
Norwich's cask ale mecca with 30+ handpumps, vintage pub charm, and no-frills perfection—ideal for real beer lovers seeking fresh pints in a convivial, music-free haven.
Gibraltar Gardens
4.5 km
Norwich's premier pub where exceptional service meets quality English cuisine and fine beverages.
The Alexandra Tavern
4.6 km
Cozy Norwich pub haven with top-notch food, friendly faces, and classic British vibes—your go-to for pints, pizzas, and perfect evenings out.
TOHO
4.6 km
Norwich's shisha haven where aromatic clouds, sizzling grills, and charismatic vibes create unforgettable evenings of chill and flavor.
The Garden House
4.7 km
Norwich's go-to Craft Union pub with a stellar beer garden, live sports, gravity-poured ales, cheap drinks, and heartwarming community fundraising—pure local joy in NR2.
The Boundary
4.7 km
Classic Norwich pub with Craft Union ales, hearty grub, and unbeatable £25 unlimited drinks deals—lively local spot for pints, pies, and weekend cheers.
The West End Retreat
4.7 km
Classic Norwich pub with cheap pints from £2.60, sunny beer garden, fresh fish & chips, chatty parrot Jasper, and family-friendly vibes in the Golden Triangle hideaway.
William & Florence
5.0 km
Award-winning gastropub blending craft beverages, British cuisine, and genuine Norfolk warmth in Norwich's vibrant cultural quarter.
Hop Rocket
5.0 km
Cosy Norwich craft beer pub with 20 taps of cask and keg excellence, Victorian charm, dog-friendly garden, and buzzing events in the Golden Triangle.
The Temple Bar
5.2 km
Traditional Irish pub in Norwich famed for epic Sunday roasts, live sports, pool & darts in a warm, friendly two-bar haven opposite the cathedral—perfect for pints, meals & mates.
Coach & Horses
5.4 km
Classic Norwich pub with fair-priced pints, pool table fun, and cozy local vibes on Union Street – a true taste of authentic British watering hole tradition.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The LCR
3.2 km
Norwich's explosive live music and nightclub epicenter at UEA – intimate gigs with superstar acts, thumping club nights, and unbeatable student energy.
Platinum Lace Norwich
5.8 km
Discover Norwich's premier lap dancing and strip club: stylish performers, upbeat music, cheap drinks, and electrifying nightlife at Platinum Lace.
Cans 'N' Cocktails
6.2 km
Norwich's premier craft cocktail nightclub delivering creative drinks and vibrant nightlife energy.
Sugar & Spice - Strip Club and Lap Dancing Norwich
6.3 km
Norwich’s premier American-style strip club offering vibrant entertainment, VIP experiences, and a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
Mantra
6.3 km
Experience vibrant nightlife and great music at Mantra Nightclub, Norwich’s energetic weekend party destination with friendly staff and affordable drinks.
Pure Gold Bar and Gentlemen's Club
6.3 km
Sultry strip club in Norwich with talented dancers, private dances, VIP rooms, and a safe, relaxed vibe on Prince of Wales Road—perfect for adult nightlife adventures.
The Cabana Club
6.3 km
Dive into Norwich's pulsing nightlife at The Cabana Club, where disco beats and vibrant crowds create unforgettable nights of dancing and revelry on Prince of Wales Road.
Mojo's
6.3 km
Mojo's: Norwich's gritty, no-frills nightclub pulsing with late-night beats and authentic urban energy.
Fluke
6.3 km
Experience Norwich’s vibrant nightlife at Fluke, where great music, affordable drinks, and a lively crowd come together for unforgettable nights.
Popworld - Norwich
6.4 km
Norwich’s vibrant late-night hotspot for pop hits, friendly vibes, and unforgettable party nights on Prince of Wales Road.
Entice Gentlemen's Club
6.4 km
Norwich's premier gentlemen's club blending sophistication with affordability in the city centre.
KUDOS Bar and Nightclub
6.4 km
Norwich's pulsating nightclub with killer sound and youthful DJs—dance till dawn on Prince of Wales Road every weekend.
Loft Nightclub
6.4 km
Norwich’s vibrant gay nightclub with over 30 years of inclusive nightlife, music, and community spirit in the heart of the city.
The Adrian Flux Waterfront
6.5 km
Norwich's riverside rock haven: epic gigs in a historic warehouse, from Nirvana to club nights, with killer sound and Wensum views.
Ceroc Fusion - Canary Social Club
7.1 km
Swing into modern jive at Norwich's friendliest dance night: no partner required, expert guidance, and freestyle fun on a sprung floor every Monday.
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access