| Value for Money | 8/10  |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | 8/10 |
Full review by
richandlol
expert review 
on 12th Jun 2005
User Rating : 8
Respect :
0
Good Points: A diverse range of exhibits with plenty of 'hands-on' for children and more than enough space.
Bad Points: Exhibits 'Out of Order'. Limited catering and few staff on the exhibit floor to offer explanation.
General comments: The Discovery Park is an impressive attempt to make good and educational use of a former colliery site. Housed in a very large but uninspiring modern industrial hangar the collection is an assortment of interactive science displays and 19th and 20th Century industrial heritage displays.
We visited on a Saturday and found it very quiet and easy to park.
After entering, the first few areas are full of the obligatory 'hands-on' science displays looking at electricity generation, human organs, locomotion, weather systems etc.. These are spaced in a considerate way such that it would be easy for large groups (schools etc) to gather around. On our visit some of the displays were not working with no 'out of order' notice and there was no-one on hand to offer an explanation of the working exhibits - although the written explanations were clear.
Our children loved a section on optics, including a walk-through periscopes and a skeleton which mirrored their pedalling on bicycles.
A large school-type area with desks laid out for experiments seemed well furnished and equipped but without anyone to guide us through what was on offer seemed too daunting. This area I suspect is much better used by organised group trips.
In 'Toy-Town' the under 5s can play with well chosen toys in themed areas. The 'hospital'for example comes complete with nurses and doctors uniforms.
Outside there was a spacious playground full of further exhibits illustrating scentific principle - seesaws with fulcrum at different points for example. The large waterway exhibit with waterwheels, hydraulics and locks was a hit for our children who were not put off by the dirty tanks and the rusty paintwork. The outside area was circled by old industrial buildings, a rail track and overgrown hedgerow.
My son was looking forward to a trip on the diesel train but it wasn't running. To be fair they do recommend ringing ahead to check the days that it will be. Also weather stopped us taking a walk on the very large nature trail.
Back inside we wandered around a very large exhibit of vintage vehicles and steam pumps and industrial machinery. This was all beautifully maintained and presented but held no interest for our young ones (6 and 3).
Finally we entered the cool quiet of the fashion gallery. This well presented area would be of interest to the history or fashion student but apart from raising obvious titters about the excesses of fashions past was a quick breeze through for us.
We emerged back to the large foyer at 4.30 to find the small cafe closed so headed home.
richandlol's review and ratings | 460 words
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