Life Science Centre
An interactive science village with a planetarium, live shows, and hands-on exhibits for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Life Science Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An interactive science village with a planetarium, live shows, and hands-on exhibits for all ages.
"Such a fun and inspiring place to spend the day! Perfect for both kids and adults."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot and potentially save money by booking your Life Science Centre tickets in advance online.
🚀 Explore the Space Zone
Discover the wonders of space with interactive exhibits and an ISS replica. Great for all ages!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Science Exhibits
Various Zones
Engage with dozens of hands-on exhibits covering forces, gravity, light, sound, and more. Perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Planetarium Shows
Planetarium
Journey through the cosmos with immersive shows that explore space, stars, and planets. A must-see for aspiring astronauts.
Live Science Demonstrations
Various Stages
Witness exciting and educational live science shows that bring complex concepts to life in an entertaining way.
Winter Ice Rink
Outdoor Rink
Experience festive fun on the open-air ice rink during the winter months. A popular seasonal attraction for families and friends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Plan for Interactive Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot and potentially save money by booking your Life Science Centre tickets in advance online.
🚀 Explore the Space Zone
Discover the wonders of space with interactive exhibits and an ISS replica. Great for all ages!
❄️ Ice Rink Fun (Seasonal)
Don't miss the popular outdoor ice rink during winter! Book tickets early as it's a seasonal highlight.
🔬 Hands-On Experiments
Get ready to touch, play, and learn! The centre is packed with interactive exhibits for endless discovery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot and potentially save money by booking your Life Science Centre tickets in advance online.
🚀 Explore the Space Zone
Discover the wonders of space with interactive exhibits and an ISS replica. Great for all ages!
❄️ Ice Rink Fun (Seasonal)
Don't miss the popular outdoor ice rink during winter! Book tickets early as it's a seasonal highlight.
🔬 Hands-On Experiments
Get ready to touch, play, and learn! The centre is packed with interactive exhibits for endless discovery.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Facilities
Features include a soft play area for under 7s and dedicated zones for different age groups.
💰 Universal Credit Discount
Eligible Universal Credit holders can get heavily discounted tickets for themselves and guests.
♿ Accessible Skating
The ice rink now accommodates wheelchair users, making it more inclusive for everyone.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Life Science Centre for its engaging, hands-on exhibits that captivate both children and adults. The planetarium shows and live demonstrations are frequently highlighted as educational and entertaining. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some mention that certain areas can become crowded during peak times, and the cafe prices are typical for an attraction.
"Such a fun and inspiring place to spend the day! The Life Science Centre is perfect for both kids and adults – interactive exhibitions, hands-on experiments, planetarium shows, and even live science demonstrations. Everything is engaging and easy to understand, making science come alive in the most exciting way. Staff are friendly and passionate, which adds to the experience. Highly recommend for families, curious minds, or anyone looking for a unique day out in Newcastle!"
Vincy Chen
"So much to do! We went with children aged 4, 7 and 11 and there was something for all of them. There's so much to get hands on with including experiments with forces, gravity, balance, light, sound, illusions, memory, spacial awareness and many more. The lab area for 7+ allows them to do structured experiments following step by step instructions on a touch screen. The space area has a fab interactive area for younger children and there's a soft play space for under 7s on the top floor. You can try your hand at controlling NASA style computers, listen to the experiences of real astronauts and find answers to questions such as how you go to the toilet in space. We didn't make it to any of the shows and still could have spent more time there! Highly recommend if you have children with inquisitive minds and busy hands."
Hayley Trunks
"Great place to take kids, my 2yo daughter loved the interactive contraptions. For older kids there's even more to do.
The planetarium show was great! Highly recommend."
João Daher Neto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Life Science Centre is conveniently located in Newcastle city centre, easily accessible by public transport. It's a short walk from Newcastle Central Station, and numerous bus routes stop nearby. If driving, there are several car parks in the vicinity, though they can be pricey.
While the Life Science Centre doesn't have its own dedicated car park, there are several public car parks within a short walking distance. It's advisable to check parking availability and prices in advance, especially during peak times.
Absolutely! The Life Science Centre is well-served by public transport. Newcastle Central Station is a short walk away, and many bus routes stop close to the venue, making it easy to reach via train or bus.
Yes, the Life Science Centre is designed to be accessible. They offer accessible exhibits and facilities, and even have provisions for wheelchair users on the ice rink during winter.
From Newcastle Central Station, it's a straightforward walk to the Life Science Centre, taking approximately 5-10 minutes. Simply head towards the city centre, and you'll find it easily.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but booking online in advance is often cheaper. They offer various ticket types, including family packages and special discounts. Keep an eye out for promotional offers like the Universal Credit ticket.
It's highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially for weekends, school holidays, or special events like the ice rink, to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
Yes, the Life Science Centre offers various discounts, including a significant £3 Universal Credit ticket for eligible individuals and their guests. They also have family ticket options.
Opening hours can vary, especially for seasonal events like the ice rink. It's best to check the official Life Science Centre website for the most up-to-date opening times for both the centre and any special attractions.
While tickets may be available at the door, it's strongly advised to book online in advance to ensure availability, especially during busy periods. This also helps you take advantage of any online booking discounts.
🎫 🔬 Onsite Experience
The centre boasts interactive science exhibits, a planetarium with immersive shows, live science demonstrations, and a dedicated space zone. During winter, an outdoor ice rink is also a major draw.
Yes, the Life Science Centre is very family-friendly. There's a dedicated soft play area for under 7s, and many interactive exhibits are designed for younger children to enjoy.
They offer engaging live science shows that explain scientific principles in a fun and accessible way. The planetarium also screens a variety of shows about space and astronomy.
Most visitors find that a full day is needed to explore everything, especially if you plan to see a planetarium show and participate in the hands-on activities. You could easily spend 3-5 hours or more.
The Life Science Centre frequently hosts special events, including seasonal activities like the ice rink, themed nights, and workshops. Check their website for the latest event schedule.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located within the Life Science Centre that offers a range of food and drink options, including snacks, light meals, and beverages.
Generally, it's best to consume food and drinks purchased at the on-site cafe. However, it's always a good idea to check their specific policy regarding outside food, especially for very young children.
The cafe typically offers a selection of sandwiches, pastries, hot meals, and drinks suitable for families and individuals. It's a convenient option for refueling during your visit.
While specific menus can change, most cafes in such venues aim to cater to various dietary needs. It's advisable to inquire directly at the cafe about their current vegetarian and vegan offerings.
Prices at the cafe are generally in line with typical attraction pricing. It offers convenience, but for budget-conscious visitors, exploring nearby eateries in Newcastle city centre might be an alternative.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the Life Science Centre. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas or during shows to avoid disturbing others or damaging equipment.
Absolutely! The interactive exhibits, the planetarium dome, and the vibrant displays offer numerous visually interesting opportunities for photos. The seasonal ice rink also provides festive backdrops.
No, drone photography is strictly prohibited within the Life Science Centre and its grounds for safety and privacy reasons.
The Space Zone, particularly the ISS replica, the colourful interactive exhibits, and the planetarium during a show (if permitted) are great spots. The ice rink during winter is also very photogenic.
Yes, using your smartphone for photos and short videos is perfectly fine for personal memories and sharing on social media.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
💰 Budget Travelers
👫 Couples & Date Nights
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Winter Ice Rink Experience
Accessibility is a key focus, with the rink now accommodating wheelchair users and allowing carers to skate alongside them, making it a more inclusive event. Booking tickets in advance is crucial, as sessions can sell out quickly. Remember to dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear for a comfortable and enjoyable skating experience.
Interactive Learning for All Ages
Key themes explored include forces, gravity, light, sound, illusions, and memory. Visitors can try their hand at controlling NASA-style computers, learn about the challenges of living in space, and even build their own simple machines. The centre emphasizes 'real-life science' and 'experiential learning,' ensuring that visitors don't just observe but actively participate in scientific discovery.
The Wonders of the Planetarium
Shows often cover topics like star gazing, planetary exploration, and the history of space travel. The dome projection creates a truly enveloping experience, making you feel as though you're floating amongst the stars. It's a highly recommended part of any visit, providing a unique perspective on our place in the universe and sparking curiosity about science and exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit