Great North Museum: Hancock - Image 1
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Great North Museum Hancock

4.6
·4k reviews·, United Kingdom

A free Victorian museum in Newcastle showcasing dinosaurs, mummies, Hadrian's Wall, and natural history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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Great North Museum: Hancock - Image 1

Great North Museum Hancock

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free Victorian museum in Newcastle showcasing dinosaurs, mummies, Hadrian's Wall, and natural history.

4.6
(4k reviews)

"Absolutely loved my visit! From life-sized dinosaurs to fascinating mummies, there’s so much to explore."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Entry, Donations Welcome

Enjoy this amazing museum without an entry fee! Donations are appreciated to support their work. :moneybag:

🦖 Roar-some Dinosaur Fun

Kids and adults alike will love the impressive dinosaur exhibits. Get ready for some 'roarsome' adventures! :dinosaur:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur Hall

Dinosaur Hall

Main Exhibition Hall

Stand in awe of life-sized dinosaur skeletons, a guaranteed hit for all ages. Roar-some fun!

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Worlds Gallery

Uncover the mysteries of mummies and ancient artifacts. A fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.

Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall

Living Planet Gallery

Explore Roman artifacts and learn about life on the frontier of the Roman Empire. History brought to life.

The Mouse House

The Mouse House

Ground Floor

A delightful interactive play space for under-5s, sparking curiosity with engaging wall activities.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Family Fun Awaits

Discover a treasure trove of natural history, ancient cultures, and dinosaurs at the Great North Museum: Hancock. It's a fantastic free indoor attraction, perfect for families and anyone curious about the world. Plan for a few hours to explore the diverse exhibits.

Timing Your Visit

While entry is free, the museum can get busy, especially during school holidays and weekends. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to enjoy a more relaxed experience and make the most of interactive displays, particularly the popular dinosaur and Egyptian sections.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons during term time
Why
Quieter than weekends and holidays
Crowd
Medium
When
School holidays
Why
Lively atmosphere, but busier
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We’re thrilled that Great North Museum: Hancock has been nominated for BEST MEDIUM MUSEUM at the @kidsinmuseums Family Friendly Museum Awards. It’s the only award judged entirely by families. Real parents and kids picked their faves and Great North Museum: Hancock made the cut. It’s the fifth time they’ve been nominated and they won in 2019. Fingers crossed!
northeastmuseums
27 likes • 600 views

🎯 Free Entry, Donations Welcome

Enjoy this amazing museum without an entry fee! Donations are appreciated to support their work. :moneybag:

🦖 Roar-some Dinosaur Fun

Kids and adults alike will love the impressive dinosaur exhibits. Get ready for some 'roarsome' adventures! :dinosaur:

Welcome to the Great North Museum: Hancock 🦖 To welcome new members and supporters, NHSN has created a series of videos to help you get to know us. This week, we will be exploring the @gnm_hancock and how it is tied to the history of NHSN. Visit the museum to explore natural history collections, dinosaurs and the Natural History Library and Archive.
northeastnature_
26 likes • 2.5K views
Another Free indoor attraction to visit in the North East. The Great North Museum: Hancock. Newcastle. This one is great for natural history lovers. If you you or your kids like exploring dinasaurs, animals and historic cultures, then this is a good one. There is a cafe and small play space on site. Things to know: 📍NE2 4PT 🆓️ Free Entry ☕️ Cafe onsite 🅿️ Various city carparks ✅️ Pushchair f...
single_mam_adventures
25 likes • 297 views

👶 Little Ones' Play Area

The Mouse House is a fantastic free drop-in play area for under 5s with interactive walls. :baby:

🪐 Planetarium Shows

Don't miss the Planetarium for captivating shows about space and the universe. Book tickets in advance! :star:

There’s more to see than just a T. rex, you know! Thanks to Daria, a @newcastleuni museums studies student for making this reel 👏 @dsshd_ #GreatNorthMuseum #GreatNorthMuseumHancock #HancockMuseum #Newcastle
gnm_hancock
84 likes • 5.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Entry, Donations Welcome

Enjoy this amazing museum without an entry fee! Donations are appreciated to support their work. :moneybag:

🦖 Roar-some Dinosaur Fun

Kids and adults alike will love the impressive dinosaur exhibits. Get ready for some 'roarsome' adventures! :dinosaur:

👶 Little Ones' Play Area

The Mouse House is a fantastic free drop-in play area for under 5s with interactive walls. :baby:

🪐 Planetarium Shows

Don't miss the Planetarium for captivating shows about space and the universe. Book tickets in advance! :star:

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the exhibits, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Great North Museum: Hancock for its free entry and diverse, engaging exhibits, particularly the dinosaur and Egyptian collections. It's highly recommended as a family-friendly destination with interactive elements and a welcoming atmosphere. While not the largest collection, it offers substantial educational value for its price point.

"This is one of Newcastle's free museums. It was a quiet weekday when I visited. Not been since childhood some 40 years ago, so it was good to go back. Spent a few hours looking at the different aspects of the museum. The Ancient Egypt section was my favourite. Well worth a visit to the Planetarium if you have an interest in the planets, stars and the universe. We watched from Earth to the Universe. Can recommend it."

Nicola Smith

"I absolutely loved my visit to the Great North Museum in Newcastle! 🦖 From life-sized dinosaurs to fascinating mummies and ancient history exhibits, there’s so much to explore. 🌟 The best part is that it’s free and perfect for a fun, interactive family day out. My kids had a great time with all the hands-on activities and interactive screens. Highly recommended if you’re looking for something exciting and educational to do."

Mohammed Adil

"I can't believe this place is free to visit. It's a very good place to learn British history. There is an Egyptian museum as well, with mummies on display. A must-go place with children. It's beautifully managed, and the staff is very kind."

Abdullah Riaz

What People Like

Free admission
Dinosaur and Egypt exhibits
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Not a massive collection

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is centrally located in Newcastle upon Tyne at NE2 4PT. It's easily accessible by public transport, with many bus routes stopping nearby. Newcastle Central Station is also a walkable distance away. :bus: :train:

While there isn't dedicated museum parking, several public car parks are available within walking distance. Consider using city centre car parks for convenience. :car:

Absolutely! Numerous bus routes serve the area around the museum. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient options. :bus:

Yes, the museum is generally accessible for wheelchairs, with lifts and ramps available to navigate different levels. :wheelchair:

The museum is well-served by local buses. Newcastle Central Station is also a key hub for both national rail and local metro services, a short walk away. :train: :bus:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Great North Museum: Hancock is completely free! Donations are gratefully accepted to help maintain the collections and exhibits. :moneybag:

General admission is free and doesn't require booking. However, for special events or Planetarium shows, advance booking is often recommended or required. :ticket:

The museum typically opens around 10 AM and closes at 5 PM, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times, especially on bank holidays. :clock:

The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and special events, including talks and family activities. Check their website or social media for current listings. :calendar:

Yes, Planetarium shows usually have a small admission fee. It's advisable to book these in advance as they can be popular. :star:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Highlights include the impressive dinosaur skeletons, the fascinating Ancient Egypt collection with mummies, and exhibits on Hadrian's Wall. The Mouse House is great for younger children. :dinosaur: :ancientegypt: :romansoldier:

Absolutely! It's a fantastic family-friendly museum with interactive displays, a dedicated play area (The Mouse House), and engaging exhibits like dinosaurs that kids love. It's been nominated for family-friendly awards! :child: :trophy:

You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the various galleries. If you plan to see a Planetarium show, allow an extra hour. :timer:

Yes, the museum offers a dedicated play area called The Mouse House for under-5s, and baby changing facilities are available. :baby_bottle:

Photography for personal use is generally permitted, but please check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or displays. Always be mindful of other visitors. :camerawithflash:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering refreshments, snacks, and light meals. It's a convenient spot to take a break during your visit. :coffee:

While there's a cafe, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and drinks to consume in designated areas or outside the museum. Check for specific policies. :sandwich:

Being in the city centre, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs within a short walking distance of the museum, offering a wide range of dining options. :forkandknife:

The cafe typically offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes, and light snacks, catering to a range of tastes. :cake:

It's best to inquire directly with the cafe staff about specific dietary options, as offerings can vary. :leafy_green:

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, personal photography is generally allowed inside the museum. However, always be respectful of other visitors and check for any signs indicating restricted areas. :camera:

The dinosaur hall, the Ancient Egypt displays, and the Roman artifacts from Hadrian's Wall are particularly photogenic. The architecture of the building itself is also quite striking. :statueofliberty:

Tripods and flash photography may be restricted to avoid disturbing other visitors or damaging exhibits. It's advisable to check the museum's photography policy. :tripod:

Natural light can be limited in some galleries. Consider visiting during less crowded times to get clearer shots without too many people in the background. :sunwithface:

The T-Rex skeleton, the sarcophagi in the Egyptian section, and the interactive elements in The Mouse House are popular spots for photos. :iphone:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Great North Museum: Hancock is a top choice for families looking for free, engaging activities. The dinosaur exhibits are a massive hit, promising roars of excitement! Instagram For younger children, The Mouse House offers a dedicated, interactive play space designed to spark their curiosity. Instagram With free entry and plenty of hands-on displays, it's an ideal spot for an educational and fun-filled day out, making it a regular feature on 'best free attractions' lists for the North East. Instagram

🏛️ History Buffs

For those fascinated by the past, the museum offers a rich tapestry of history. Explore the captivating Ancient Egypt collection, complete with mummies and sarcophagi, and delve into the Roman era with significant displays on Hadrian's Wall. Reddit The museum provides a solid overview of regional and ancient history, with artifacts that tell compelling stories of bygone civilizations. It's a great place to deepen your understanding of local heritage and broader historical contexts. Instagram

🔬 Science & Nature Enthusiasts

Discover the wonders of the natural world at the Great North Museum. Marvel at the impressive dinosaur skeletons and explore diverse natural history collections, from geology to zoology. Instagram The museum also touches upon contemporary environmental issues, offering a well-rounded perspective on nature and conservation. Don't miss the Planetarium for an immersive journey through the cosmos. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Natural World

The Great North Museum: Hancock boasts extensive natural history collections that are a major draw for visitors. From the awe-inspiring dinosaur skeletons, including a formidable T-Rex, to displays of local wildlife and geological specimens, the museum offers a comprehensive journey through the natural world. These exhibits are not only educational but also visually impressive, making them a hit with both children and adults. The museum also highlights contemporary environmental issues, such as plastic pollution and biodiversity loss, connecting natural history to current global challenges. InstagramReddit

Beyond the grand skeletons, you can delve into the intricacies of taxidermy, marvel at insect collections, and learn about the diverse ecosystems found in the North East. The museum's commitment to showcasing both ancient and modern natural history ensures a dynamic and engaging experience for all who visit. It's a place where curiosity is encouraged, and learning feels like an adventure. Instagram

A Journey Through Ancient Civilizations

Step back in time and explore the rich history of ancient civilizations at the Great North Museum: Hancock. The Ancient Egypt gallery is a standout, featuring mummies, sarcophagi, and a wealth of artifacts that offer a fascinating glimpse into this ancient culture. Visitors often express their fascination with these displays, finding them both educational and intriguing. Reddit

Complementing the Egyptian collection are exhibits on Greek and Roman life, including significant artifacts related to Hadrian's Wall. These displays provide context for the region's historical significance within the Roman Empire. The museum effectively uses interpretation to bring these ancient worlds to life, making them accessible and engaging for a modern audience. It’s a chance to connect with history on a tangible level, exploring the objects and stories of people who lived millennia ago. InstagramReddit

Family-Friendly Fun and Learning

The Great North Museum: Hancock is consistently praised for its family-friendly atmosphere and engaging exhibits. It's a free indoor attraction that provides hours of entertainment and education for children. The museum has even been nominated for the Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Awards, highlighting its commitment to young visitors. Instagram+1

Key attractions for families include the dinosaur hall, which is a guaranteed hit, and The Mouse House, a dedicated interactive play area for toddlers and preschoolers. This space is designed to spark curiosity with engaging wall activities and information. Instagram The museum's interactive screens and hands-on elements throughout various galleries further enhance the learning experience for kids, making it an ideal destination for a fun and educational family day out. Instagram

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