February Half Term: Science Show at Jodrell Bank

Sarah Gaffney-Lang, Families Editor

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Science Show: The science of a World Heritage Site

15-23 February 2020

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

A Celestial body in the night sky. Part of the Science show at jodrell bank.
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Looking to entertain the young scientists in your family this February half term? Jodrell Bank has an exciting programme of events sure to delight and inspire your mini astronauts.  Every day from 15th – 23rd February you can discover more about this fascinating place in their ‘Science Show: The science of a World Heritage Site‘.

As the astronomical research centre of the University of Manchester, the site is a world leader. The Centre sits 20 miles south of Manchester, in Macclesfield and in July of last year it became a World Heritage site.

Jodrell Bank telescope pointed up to the sky. It's story will be explored in the science show
Lovell Telescope

Being awarded World Heritage status was a huge achievement for the site and is a high accolade indeed. It is awarded by UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), to cultural and/or natural sites considered to be of ‘Outstanding Universal Value’, with the aim to protect and preserve such sites. It is a status that brings with it responsibilities and international scrutiny, as well as profile and support.

This fun and interactive, family friendly Science Show lasts 30 – 40 minutes and explores some of the many important moments in the site’s history, which make it such an important place. The show will run three times a day at 11am, 12pm and 2.30pm. It is recommended for children aged 7 and over.

As well as the Science Show you can drop in to Space Crafts anytime between 11am and 4pm on each day of the half term. This is your chance to get creative and draw or make something inspired by our amazing universe.

At 1pm each day you’ll also have the chance to Meet the Expert. Jodrell Bank is run by a special team of scientists and astronomy experts, some of whom will be available to answer all your burning space questions! How old is the universe? How do we know?! How can it still be growing? The list goes on…

A smiling audience at a meet the expert and science show event

Since it’s conception Jodrell Bank has inspired generations of schoolchildren to pursue careers in science and engineering. Will yours be the next?

Where to go near February Half Term: Science Show at Jodrell Bank

Cheshire
Tourist Attraction
Nether Alderley Mill

Eateries, shops and toilet facilities can be found at nearby National Trust site Quarry Bank, located approximately 7 miles away. Alternatively, Nether Alderley Mill is also approximately 1.4 miles from the high street of Alderley Edge which has a range of cafes, restaurants and shops.

Yu Alderley Edge

High-end Chinese restaurant that combines traditional Cantonese cooking and modern ideas. Based in Alderley Edge.

Alderley Edge
Restaurant
Les Deux Pizza Bar

Charming independent pizza and cocktail bar in Alderley Edge, that prides itself on only using the freshest ingredients.

Cheshire
Hotel
The Courthouse Cheshire

A one-of-a-kind hotel experience in Knutsford, this beautiful dog-friendly venue is – as you may have already guessed – a renovated court house, with plenty of original fixtures and fittings.

Cheshire
Restaurant
Barristers Restaurant & Bar

The in-house restaurant for The Courthouse in Knutsford, serves high-end but pleasingly traditional food with a fantastic range of drinks for the thirsty traveller.

Cheshire House Bar and Grill
Cheshire
Restaurant
Cheshire House Bar and Grill

Based in the heart of Knutsford, Cheshire House Bar and Grill combines a beautiful location with top-level cuisine and a superb range of drinks.

Bar or Pub
The Church Inn, Mobberley

This is one of our favourite cosy pubs: not far from Manchester, The Church Inn is Grade II-listed and dates back to the 18th-century.

Danes Moss Nature Reserve
Macclesfield
Park
Danes Moss Nature Reserve

Danes Moss near Macclesfield is an oasis of lowland raised bog, one of the scarcest and most threatened habitats in the UK. The open areas of the bog are covered with cotton grass, cross-leaved heath and at least six species of sphagnum moss.

Macclesfield
Museum
West Park Museum

West Park Museum was purpose built to house the Egyptian collections of Victorian explorer Marianne Brocklehurst, daughter of the Macclesfield mill owner, John Brocklehurst.

Macclesfield
Restaurant
Picturedrome

Macclesfield’s first ever cinema re-imagined as a gourmet food hall by the minds behind Altrincham Market, Manchester’s Mackie Mayor.

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