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Life Science Centre

The city's hands-on science centre, with a planetarium, a science theatre and interactive zones, a few minutes' walk from Central Station.

Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EP Visit website

About Life Science Centre

The Life Science Centre opened in May 2000 and sits at the heart of the Centre for Life, the science village between Central Station and Scotswood Road. It is a registered charity governed by a board of trustees and receives no public funding, which is why it charges admission where the city's council-run museums do not. Alongside the visitor attraction the same site houses the Newcastle Fertility Centre and the Northern Genetics Service, so working scientists and clinicians are genuinely on the premises rather than being a theme.

Inside, the draw for families is the planetarium and the Science Theatre, plus interactive zones covering the brain, hands-on experiments including DNA extraction, and a run of mechanical exhibits. It also takes major touring exhibitions, and its Times Square forecourt becomes an outdoor ice rink over the winter. There is an after-hours programme through the year, including a Halloween evening opening. Check current admission prices and timed-entry arrangements before travelling, and note that a ticket often covers repeat visits for a period, which changes the maths if you are local.

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