Science in the Park is back in Nottingham this spring

Science in the Park 2025 is just around the corner and this year promises to be even bigger and better! Organised by the Institute for Policy and Engagement in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University and Wollaton Hall, this annual festival has become one of the most anticipated events in Nottingham, offering interactive exhibits, engaging activities, and a chance to meet the scientists shaping our future.

Featuring exhibitions from the University of Nottingham (UoN), Nottingham Trent University (NTU), and local partners, this free, family-friendly event will explore the fascinating world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in fun, hands-on, interactive and creative ways. This family friendly festival brings together researchers, students, and community groups from across the city to showcase interactive exhibits, creative experiments, and engaging demonstrations, tailored for all ages. The event is free, but registration is compulsory. You can book your free place now via TryBooking. 

Exploring science through change and adaptation

Science in the Park 2024 was a resounding success, attracting over 1,500 attendees to Wollaton Hall. The event showcased cutting-edge research from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with science in an accessible and interactive way.

As Science in the Park continues to evolve, this year’s event embraces the British Science Week 2025 theme, Change and Adapt, highlighting the ways science helps us navigate an ever-changing world. Now in its 15th year, the event has grown significantly, and with more exhibitors than ever before, we are expanding into the permanent exhibition space for the first time, in addition to the Hall, Lower Ground area, and the historic Camellia House, offering visitors an even broader range of interactive experiences. Wollaton Hall itself, with its deep ties to natural history and scientific discovery, provides the perfect setting for this celebration of STEM. This one-of-a-kind event is a rare opportunity to see researchers from both universities in one place, demonstrating cutting-edge science in engaging and accessible ways. Given its immense popularity—tickets often sell out within days—we encourage attendees to secure their spots early to avoid missing out on this unforgettable day of exploration and discovery. 

What to expect at this year’s event

Science in the Park 2025 promises to build on the success of previous years, bringing an exciting blend of returning favourites and brand-new exhibits designed to inspire curiosity and ignite a love for STEM. Wollaton Hall will once again be transformed into a vibrant hub of scientific discovery, offering hands-on experiences, live demonstrations, and engaging conversations with scientists and researchers.

Among the new highlights for 2025 is an exhibit exploring the fascinating world of fungi, showcasing their crucial role in ecosystems and even their potential to inspire innovative medicines. Participants will also have the chance to step into the shoes of a forensic scientist, analysing clues and examining evidence to uncover the science behind solving crimes. For animal lovers, the “How to Make an Elephant Happy” exhibit will provide a unique perspective on animal welfare, revealing the ways research is improving the lives of elephants.

We will also feature cutting-edge medical research at the event. Exhibits like “Stem Cells at Work” will demonstrate how scientists are using organoids, tiny replicas of human organs, to revolutionise disease research and treatment development. Visitors interested in the future of healthcare will also be able to explore the role of wearable brain scanners and how they might transform our lives in the years to come.

Science in the Park is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to bring our community together to explore the wonders of STEM in a way that’s engaging, accessible, and fun for everyone. Whether you’re a curious child or an adult with a passion for discovery, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We’re thrilled to showcase this year’s exhibits and create an experience that will inspire future generations of scientists and innovators.

See some of our exciting new exhibits

This year, Science in the Park brings a series of exciting and interactive exhibits that promise to deepen your understanding of science while engaging your curiosity. Here are just a few highlights you won’t want to miss:

• Historical horticulture: Plants have played a crucial role in human history, from food and shelter to medicine. This hands-on activity will take you on a journey through time, showing you how to propagate plants for your own garden and even create your own plant potion. Share your plant propagation tips with us and help us learn together!
• The Secret lives of microbes: Microbes are everywhere, from the surfaces we touch to the foods we eat. In this interactive exhibit, you'll see how microbes transfer from one surface to another using a special imager and dust particles. Learn about the importance of handwashing and how it can help reduce the spread of these invisible organisms.
• What Is a robot? Have you ever wondered how robots are built and programmed? This hands-on workshop will give you the chance to learn the basics of robotics. You’ll have the opportunity to build your own robot with kits provided, as well as interact with various robots that showcase the wide-ranging possibilities in this field.
• Mindbenders: You will learn the psychology of funfair games and explore the mysteries of how your brain works. From optical illusions to memory challenges, you’ll get to experience just how quirky and fascinating our brains really are.

Plan your visit

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of Nottingham’s most exciting family-friendly event of the year. Here are the key details you need to plan your visit

Date: Saturday 8 March 2025

Time: 11am – 3pm

Location: Wollaton Hall, Nottingham. Wollaton, Nottingham. NG8 2AE

Cost: Admission is free but a pre-bookable ticket is required

Accessible routes are available throughout the Hall and garden for more details visit: https://wollatonhall.org.uk/accessibility/.

On-site car parking is available, parking charges apply or are in operation. Visit https://wollatonhall.org.uk/visit/ for further details. The venue is also conveniently located for public transport access.

Make sure to bring your family, and friends. We can’t wait to welcome you! Book your free place here