Life Science Centre
Life Science Centre
4
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
For a great day out in Newcastle upon Tyne, look no further than the Life Science Centre with exhibitions, events, live science shows and the biggest planetarium in the North of England! We’re an award-winning Science Centre full of exciting exhibitions, activities and events for all ages. Our programme changes regularly so there’s always a new reason to visit. And remember - everything is included in the price of admission. Life is an educational charity; we do not receive public funding. All money raised from ticket prices helps us achieve our charitable objectives - to get people of all ages switched on to science and to raise standards in science education. We couldn't do this without your support, so THANK YOU.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • Thebeatgoes
    Glasgow, United Kingdom30 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good museum for pre teen and below
    I thought it was a nice diversion for three hours. My teenage son found it a little young for him. My pre teen son loved it. Planetarium was good. The age range is probably pre teen and below and at that level I think it a good museum. It very hands on and if it was busy then I can see it would be less fun.
    Hello, Thank you for your comment - it's lovely to read this! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed our planetarium show, and what the centre has to offer, despite the age difference between your little ones. We hope to see you back again soon. Thanks
    Written 5 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 31 May 2023
  • Navaporn S. S
    29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A nice day out with a little one.
    My 5-year-old daughter enjoyed it very much and we spent good 5 hours there today. We particularly enjoyed two planetarium shows (the Little Bear and the Constellation Close-Up: Virgo) which were run or managed by Charlotte who also led an interactive live show about germs at noon. She is a real asset and I saw her being busy engaging with children around all the time. I found the space zone here more engaging than the national space museum in Leicester for young children. Other science zones are also interesting and interactive. There is a play area on the first floor and a cafe. It's so good that I am thinking about being a member.
    Hello, thank you so much for the review! We're over-the-moon to hear you enjoyed your time in the centre, your lovely comments have been shared with our team. We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future. Thanks
    Written 11 July 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Written 9 July 2023
  • Jim L
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Superb venue and event
    Attended a specific event - 50th Anniversary of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. But also had a quick look around. The event was Fantastic and the venue, facilities and staff are superb. Could not recommend more highly.
    Hello, This is great feedback - thank you for your review! We're over-the-moon to hear you enjoyed your Dark Side of the Moon planetarium show, and we'll pass your positive comments on to the team. Thanks again 😁
    Written 25 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 24 August 2023
  • David T
    Whitley Bay, United Kingdom768 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great afternoon with the grandchildren
    Having the grandchildren for a day in the summer holidays, I decided to take them to the museums in Newcastle. They specifically asked to come here. The entry process was very easy, and the lady explained how the timed lectures worked. The grandchildren were fascinated by the interactive items in the place. They also enjoyed drawing and proudly posted what they had achieved on the wall specifically designed to display the artwork. We spent 3 hours in the place but could have probably spent all day, which is amazing as normally my grandchildren have quite a short attention span.
    Hi David, thank you for the review. We're delighted to hear you and your grandchildren had a great time in the centre! We hope to welcome you all back again soon. Thanks Nathan
    Written 18 September 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 15 September 2023
  • Ryan M
    Westhill, United Kingdom13 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Could be great
    Normal exhibitions were good, especially the lab. The demonstrations were impossible to get into as the schools which were there got priority, which meant only about 10 of the public would get in. This was very poorly organised and the schools should have had separate shows. So it could be good but poorly run.
    Hello, Thank you for your review - we’re disappointed to hear you were unable to see our live science show. We usually seat schools in the shows together so they may be supervised by their teaching staff and adult helpers, this also means that members of the public seeing shows at the same time won’t be seated in amongst classes of school children. Not all shows have school groups in them however when a school group goes to a show there is usually space for our other visitors at the same time. On days that we are particularly busy with school visits, we add in extra show times. We apologise that your visit did not go as expected, however If you would like to discuss this further, please email us at Info@Life.org.uk Thanks
    Written 16 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 24 October 2023
  • Amy Jiang
    Greater London, United Kingdom2,311 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun day out - probably not for our age group though!
    I love museums and science so on a trip to Newcastle me and my partner visited here. It ended up being a very quiet day, barely saw anyone else which was nice to avoid crowds but also meant a lot of the ticketed events or things like the planetarium appeared to not be running at all as no one seemed to be around at the entrance and all in all seemed like a rest day for the centre. No worries as me and my partner still had a good time, though a lot of the activities are more catered to much younger audiences then us. There are some entertaining things to do like the pulley chairs and the weather station and I loved the section on bees though it could be more interactive. Similarly don't think the being a scientist activity was running as we looked around but it appeared closed. All good and I bet on busier days it's a lot more lively and engaging, probably would be great for families!
    Hello, thank you for your review. We're glad to hear you and your partner, both enjoyed your time in the centre, despite certain activities being unavailable during your time with us. We host a range of adult events, which may be of interest to you. To be the first to hear when they are announced, we'd recommended subscribing to our news - www.life.org.uk/subscribe - and selecting 'Adults-only events inside the science centre'. Thanks Nathan
    Written
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 24 December 2023
  • clairesteps
    Cumbria, United Kingdom40 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great family fun.
    Excellent family day out! Visited today with older primary aged children. We’ve never visited before, but we love Glasgow Science Centre, which seems similar. We arrived at 10am, and left just before closing! My kids love to do EVERYTHING, they read everything and do every single activity, which is why we were there so long. It was fun for accompanying adults too though! The planetarium was brilliant, the science show was interesting, and all the staff we encountered were friendly and helpful. We spent a whole hour in the craft section, which was great. The science lab was also really unique. The only thing letting it down was the limited range of food (though there was an excellent vegan range), but I know this is because their second cafe is closed for refurbishment. The coffee really wasn’t good, sadly 😞 I’m sure we’ll be back!
    Hello, Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your visit to the science centre. It's brilliant to read you got stuck in with everything on offer, The Making Studios is one of our favourites too! We'll pass on your comments about the café , however we are happy to announce that our newly refurbished Times Square Café is now open, and we hope you have a chance to try it on your next visit. Thanks
    Written 19 February 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 15 February 2024
  • Caroline Page
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Far and Away amazing planetary experience for those of us on the Dark Side of the Moon!
    We thoroughly enjoyed the Planetarium and it's showing/listening of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. The staff were extremely informative and this allowed for an excellent lead up to the main event. My mouth barely shut, incredible light experiences to fit the album, stunning.
    Hi Caroline, we're over the moon to hear you enjoyed your experience in the planetarium. The Dark Side of the Moon show is our favourite events! We'll pass on your comments to the team as it's always good to hear. We hope to welcome you for a second showing in the future 😁
    Written 4 March 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 March 2024
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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles1,203 reviews
Excellent
495
Very good
340
Average
166
Poor
110
Terrible
92

Caroline Page
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
We thoroughly enjoyed the Planetarium and it's showing/listening of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon.
The staff were extremely informative and this allowed for an excellent lead up to the main event.
My mouth barely shut, incredible light experiences to fit the album, stunning.
Written 1 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Caroline, we're over the moon to hear you enjoyed your experience in the planetarium. The Dark Side of the Moon show is our favourite events! We'll pass on your comments to the team as it's always good to hear. We hope to welcome you for a second showing in the future 😁
Written 4 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

clairesteps
Cumbria, UK40 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
Excellent family day out!
Visited today with older primary aged children. We’ve never visited before, but we love Glasgow Science Centre, which seems similar.
We arrived at 10am, and left just before closing! My kids love to do EVERYTHING, they read everything and do every single activity, which is why we were there so long. It was fun for accompanying adults too though!
The planetarium was brilliant, the science show was interesting, and all the staff we encountered were friendly and helpful. We spent a whole hour in the craft section, which was great. The science lab was also really unique.
The only thing letting it down was the limited range of food (though there was an excellent vegan range), but I know this is because their second cafe is closed for refurbishment. The coffee really wasn’t good, sadly 😞
I’m sure we’ll be back!
Written 15 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your visit to the science centre. It's brilliant to read you got stuck in with everything on offer, The Making Studios is one of our favourites too! We'll pass on your comments about the café , however we are happy to announce that our newly refurbished Times Square Café is now open, and we hope you have a chance to try it on your next visit. Thanks
Written 19 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Amy Jiang
Greater London, UK2,311 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Couples
I love museums and science so on a trip to Newcastle me and my partner visited here. It ended up being a very quiet day, barely saw anyone else which was nice to avoid crowds but also meant a lot of the ticketed events or things like the planetarium appeared to not be running at all as no one seemed to be around at the entrance and all in all seemed like a rest day for the centre. No worries as me and my partner still had a good time, though a lot of the activities are more catered to much younger audiences then us. There are some entertaining things to do like the pulley chairs and the weather station and I loved the section on bees though it could be more interactive. Similarly don't think the being a scientist activity was running as we looked around but it appeared closed. All good and I bet on busier days it's a lot more lively and engaging, probably would be great for families!
Written 24 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Waddler
York, UK10,391 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
Went on "relaxed Sunday" which happens once a month, and is basically the same as regular sessions except there is no 11am-12pm entry slot online (so only 10-11am then the next one is 12-1pm) and the lighting and music is maybe a bit softer - but all the attractions are the same. After 12pm it returns to like in regular sessions. The whole day wasn't very busy though, so actually pleasant compared to some scrum science museums we've been to in other cities. Everything in good condition too. The kids enjoyed the experiment lab, the planetarium shows, the science lab show (fire and ice) and also all the various interactive displays. A lot of fun for kids.
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Thank you for your review. During a relaxed Sunday, we alter lighting and sound levels where possible, to accommodate those with sensory needs. For example, hand-dryers in toilets will be turned off for the duration of the session. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your time in the science centre, especially the Experiment Zone, as that's one of our favourites too. We hope to see you back again soon. Thanks
Written 21 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ryan M
Westhill, UK13 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
Normal exhibitions were good, especially the lab. The demonstrations were impossible to get into as the schools which were there got priority, which meant only about 10 of the public would get in. This was very poorly organised and the schools should have had separate shows. So it could be good but poorly run.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Thank you for your review - we’re disappointed to hear you were unable to see our live science show. We usually seat schools in the shows together so they may be supervised by their teaching staff and adult helpers, this also means that members of the public seeing shows at the same time won’t be seated in amongst classes of school children. Not all shows have school groups in them however when a school group goes to a show there is usually space for our other visitors at the same time. On days that we are particularly busy with school visits, we add in extra show times. We apologise that your visit did not go as expected, however If you would like to discuss this further, please email us at Info@Life.org.uk Thanks
Written 16 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

David T
Whitley Bay, UK768 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
Having the grandchildren for a day in the summer holidays, I decided to take them to the museums in Newcastle. They specifically asked to come here. The entry process was very easy, and the lady explained how the timed lectures worked. The grandchildren were fascinated by the interactive items in the place. They also enjoyed drawing and proudly posted what they had achieved on the wall specifically designed to display the artwork. We spent 3 hours in the place but could have probably spent all day, which is amazing as normally my grandchildren have quite a short attention span.
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi David, thank you for the review. We're delighted to hear you and your grandchildren had a great time in the centre! We hope to welcome you all back again soon. Thanks Nathan
Written 18 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jim L
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Friends
Attended a specific event - 50th Anniversary of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. But also had a quick look around. The event was Fantastic and the venue, facilities and staff are superb. Could not recommend more highly.
Written 24 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, This is great feedback - thank you for your review! We're over-the-moon to hear you enjoyed your Dark Side of the Moon planetarium show, and we'll pass your positive comments on to the team. Thanks again 😁
Written 25 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kristopher S
Sunderland, UK62 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
From going here as a child myself the place has take a rapid decline. A lot of the activities have been removed and replaced with craft areas meaning less upkeep for the owners to make more money from less maintenance and staffing.
A lot of the exhibits are tired and worn could do with s overhaul.
You are asked to book a time slot upon booking however this does not make any difference as it’s still packed to the rafters (yes I know it’s the school holidays) but why bother allocating time slots then just let as many people in as you fancy… I’ll tell you why too maximise profits.
Understand that certain areas are for older children however the science zone which is quite a large part of the now depleted zones, you’d think that there are certain experiments that a younger child would be able to do without using chemicals etc.

The dining area is poorly lighted meaning accidents can occur easily.

Parking discount ticket is a good option if parking in the near-by car park as the 5 hours you get give you a chance to have a look around at ease.
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your feedback, we’re sorry to hear you’re disappointed by your recent visit to Life. We’ve made some big changes over the last few years, so things might be different from when you were last here. We have recently revamped our Space Zone and added our new exhibition the Wow Zone, where you can see yourself in an infrared camera, discover what sound looks like, operate our 6-metre-tall ‘Big Machine’ and much more. As well as this, The Making Studios, is much loved by our visitors – did you have a chance to experience these exhibitions? The times linked to your booking are only an ‘arrival slot’, as visitors are welcome to stay for as long as they like once they arrive. As you understand, during the school holidays we see a large increase in visitor numbers, however we can advise on quieter times to visit, if you contact us. For safety reasons, our Experiment Zone is specifically for those aged 7 and up. Those carrying out experiments may be using real chemicals, so it would not be safe to have those under the age limit inside the zone while other experiments are taking place. We will pass your feedback about our dining area to our team, as we strive to make the centre as accessible as possible.
Written 11 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Navaporn S. S
29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023
My 5-year-old daughter enjoyed it very much and we spent good 5 hours there today. We particularly enjoyed two planetarium shows (the Little Bear and the Constellation Close-Up: Virgo) which were run or managed by Charlotte who also led an interactive live show about germs at noon. She is a real asset and I saw her being busy engaging with children around all the time. I found the space zone here more engaging than the national space museum in Leicester for young children. Other science zones are also interesting and interactive. There is a play area on the first floor and a cafe. It's so good that I am thinking about being a member.
Written 9 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you so much for the review! We're over-the-moon to hear you enjoyed your time in the centre, your lovely comments have been shared with our team. We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future. Thanks
Written 11 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Thebeatgoes
Glasgow, UK30 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Family
I thought it was a nice diversion for three hours. My teenage son found it a little young for him. My pre teen son loved it. Planetarium was good. The age range is probably pre teen and below and at that level I think it a good museum. It very hands on and if it was busy then I can see it would be less fun.
Written 31 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Thank you for your comment - it's lovely to read this! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed our planetarium show, and what the centre has to offer, despite the age difference between your little ones. We hope to see you back again soon. Thanks
Written 5 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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LIFE SCIENCE CENTRE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Life Science Centre

Life Science Centre is open:
  • Mon - Fri 10:00 - 15:00
  • Sat - Sun 10:00 - 17:00


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