Guest article – Xplore!
Xplore! Science Discovery Centre is welcoming visitors back through its Henblas Street doors as work on a number of exciting new developments at the centre reaches a major milestone.
Visitors can now enter the Wrexham based science discovery centre through the centre’s Henblas Street entrance and experience a newly transformed walkway, a new and improved café area and a refreshed science shop.
The changes are part of an exciting period of development for Xplore!, with improvements designed to make visits easier, more enjoyable and accessible for families and visitors of all ages.
One of the biggest changes for visitors is the transformation of the café. The café has been completely relocated and redesigned with a more fresh, modern layout, featuring comfortable booths and a more welcoming space for visitors to sit back, relax and enjoy refreshments during their visit.
The redevelopment of the space is in preparation of Xplore!’s newest capital project LaunchPAD, a brand-new, space themed play and learning environment designed especially for children under five.
Funded by the Moondance Foundation, LaunchPAD will give Xplore!’s youngest visitors a dedicated space to explore, play and discover through hands-on experiences inspired by the wonders of space.
Expected to open in March 2027, LaunchPAD will add another exciting dimension to Xplore!’s family offering and provide even more opportunities for young children to learn through play.
Making Xplore! easier to book
As part of the improvements, Xplore! has also made changes to its new Planetarium ticketing, making it easier than ever for visitors to plan their day.
The Planetarium is now included within General Admission, meaning visitors no longer need to navigate separate admission and Planetarium bookings. A General Admission ticket now includes access to Xplore!’s interactive exhibition, public shows and Planetarium, creating a simpler and more straightforward booking experience.
Scot Owen, centre manager for Xplore! said, “We’re really excited to see the latest phase of development at Xplore! taking shape. The new walkway, café and shop are just some of the changes we’re making to improve the experience for our visitors, with LaunchPAD set to bring to life a brand-new space for our youngest visitors next year.
Alongside this, we’ve made our Planetarium experience part of General Admission, making it even easier for families to enjoy everything Xplore! has to offer.”
Xplore! is also trialling flexible weekday opening from 28 September until the October half-term holidays. Following feedback from both new and existing visitors, the centre will welcome visitors during the week at an off-peak admission rate, making it easier for families and visitors to enjoy Xplore! outside of the traditional weekend and school holiday periods.
With the Henblas Street entrance now open, a new café and walkway to explore, an updated Science Shop, simpler Planetarium booking and LaunchPAD on the horizon, Xplore! is entering an exciting new chapter – one that reflects the ambition and energy of a Wrexham preparing for its future as UK City of Culture 2029.
To book your next trip, please visit the Xplore website.
