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Ticket prices

Why do we charge admission?

Life is an educational charity. Unlike lots of museums and cultural venues, we receive no public funding, so your support through ticket sales helps us keep the science centre running and make science accessible to everyone.

Your support helps us provide subsidised school programmes, tailored activities for communities with specific needs and opportunities for people who might otherwise face barriers to taking part in science. We also support the NHS and Newcastle University, who deliver groundbreaking research and treatment on our site.

We’d love to make Life free for everyone, but without admission income, we simply couldn’t continue this work. Every ticket or membership you buy contributes to our purpose.

Free carer tickets

If you’re a visitor with a disability and you need a carer, you can bring them free of charge when you buy a ticket. Please select a free carer ticket when pre-booking online and bring relevant proof to show our reception team on arrival. Examples of proof could be any of the following:

 

  • A Gateway Card, Max Card, Yellow Card, Access card, Hynt Card or the CEA Card.
  • A Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance award letter.
  • Personal Independence Payment letter.
  • A letter from GP or consultant confirming the need for a carer, personal assistant or essential companion.
  • War Disablement Pension or Armed Forces Independence Payment.
  • Blue Badge or a photocopy or scan of your Blue Badge.
  • Disabled person’s bus pass.

Reduced Universal Credit Saver Tickets

Universal Credit tickets can be bought online from Monday 17 August 2026 or in person at Life’s reception from Monday 24 August.

The person claiming Universal Credit can purchase tickets for themselves and up to five other people. All tickets in the booking are £5 each.

Please note: Universal Credit tickets cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount or promotion. Proof of Universal Credit eligibility may be required at reception.

Three boys in tornado exhibit in Life Science Centre's Lightbox exhibit.

Who is eligible?

Universal Credit Saver tickets are available to anyone who currently receives Universal Credit.

You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or need help with your living costs. You could be:

  • out of work
  • working, including self-employed or part time
  • unable to work, for example because of a health condition

To claim Universal Credit, you must usually:

  • live in the UK
  • be aged 18 or over, although there are some exceptions if you’re 16 or 17
  • be under State Pension age
  • have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments

These are the current eligibility criteria published by GOV.UK.

The person receiving Universal Credit can book a ticket for themselves and up to five other people, meaning a maximum of six tickets.

What do I need as proof of eligibility?

Proof of Universal Credit may be required at reception when you visit.

If requested, you can show:

  • your most recent Universal Credit payment, shown through your Universal Credit online account
  • a proof of benefits letter dated within the last month

You should have received a Universal Credit payment within the last month to be eligible for the offer.

We accept printed or digital copies, including documents shown on your phone. You may also be asked to show photographic ID.

Our team understands that not everyone is comfortable discussing their benefits. If proof is requested, your information will be checked discreetly and respectfully at reception.

For more information about Universal Credit and eligibility, visit GOV.UK – Universal Credit eligibility.

Group visit to Life Science Centre's Sphere in Space Zone.

Group bookings and corporate tickets

Life is a great place for groups of all sizes to spend a day and take part in some fun science activities! If you’re bringing 20 people or more, it’s best to book in advance.

NHS colleagues get a discount to visit the science centre

Online discount codes

We offer a range of online discounts for NHS staff, Max Card holders and more. See if you’re eligible for these.

Useful information

Opening times

Our opening hours vary dependent on North East school holidays, so it is best to double check before visiting.

Getting here

Life is located in the centre of Newcastle at Times Square, just a five minute walk from Newcastle Central train and Metro station.

See what's on

There’s so much to see and do at Life, with activities and exhibits for all ages, We also run special events throughout the year, such as adult debates and pre-school days.