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Accessibility

At Life Science Centre, we want to make science accessible to everyone. Our friendly staff are always on hand to provide support, and we work hard to make sure that all visitors feel welcome.

Below you’ll find some general information to help you plan and prepare for your visit. This includes how to use our Recite Me toolbar, which offers a range of custimisation options to make our website more accessible.

If you have any special access requirements, please get in touch before you visit so that we can meet your needs. Please email info@life.org.uk.

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Watch our accessibility overview video
  • Level access, with lifts and ramps to all floors.
  • Changing Places facility on the ground floor.
  • Accessible toilet facilities on all floors.
  • Wheelchairs can be loaned for the duration of your visit (subject to availability).
  • Wheelchair spaces are available in the Planetarium and Science Theatre.
  • Adjustable tables in the Making Studios can be altered to suit the needs of your party.
  • Free admission for a dedicated assistant. Please pre-book a Carer ticket online before you visit if you require assistance.*
  • Drop-off points for minibuses and coaches (please contact us in advance to arrange).
  • Times Square Car Park is fully accessible and located close by.
  • If you use a wheelchair and you would like to use the ice rink when it is here over the winter months (returning November 2023), we recommend that you visit during quieter times (early sessions at weekends). If the rink is quiet enough, we can provide foot grips to accompanying carers.

Life is delighted to support the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme

Not all disabilities are visible! The Sunflower Scheme is a national scheme which offers people with conditions such as autism, dementia or sensory impairment a way to be discreetly identifiable when wearing a lanyard, badge or wristband.

Useful information for families with young children

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Free entry for children aged 2 and under

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Chest and breast feeding friendly

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Baby changing and buggies

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Catering facilities

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Lockers and storage crates

Frequently asked questions

Helpful resources

Our visual story

Life’s visual story gives a detailed walkthrough of what to expect in the science centre, including sensory information about specific exhibitions. It is developed and reviewed in consultation with our friends at North East Autism Society.

Map of the centre

The science centre has several exhibit spaces, a science theatre and planetarium, spread across two floors. View our map to help prepare for a visit.

Plan your visit

All the useful information you need to plan a perfect day out – including when we’re open and how to get here!

Website accessibility

We have the Recite Me web accessibility and language toolbar across our website to make it accessible and inclusive for as many people as possible. For more information on Recite Me, check out their website here.

How do I access the Recite Me toolbar? You can open the Recite Me language and accessibility toolbar by clicking on the button called ‘Accessibility Tool‘. This now appears in the top right hand corner on every page of the website. After you click on the button the Recite Me toolbar opens and displays a range of different options for customising how the website looks and how you can access the content.

Mother and child in Life's creativity zone. The child is wearing ear defenders.

Relaxed Sunday Sessions

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Sunday Sessions – dedicated quiet time for anyone to access and enjoy the science centre, including autistic people and those with other sensory needs.

Community group taking part in an activity in Life Science Centre's Making Studios.

Our award-winning community work

One of Life’s founding principles has been to bring science to different groups and communities. It’s something we’re passionate about. Read about how we’re making that happen.

We won GOLD for accessibility and inclusion

Life won Gold in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award category at the North East Tourism Awards 2023. The award category category specifically recognises those who make significant efforts to accommodate and welcome visitors with disabilities and additional needs, ensuring they have an enjoyable and comfortable experience.

GOLD Accesible Inclusive Tourism Award