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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.

David Jones, Life Science Centre Community Liaison Manger stood inside Life Science Centre.
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
  • Our reception area is designed with a low counter, ensuring accessibility for all visitors
  • 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, located close by and certified by Park Access
  • Central Parkway Car Park is fully accessible, located close by and certified by Park Access
  • If you use a wheelchair and you would like to use the ice rink when it is here over the winter months (returning in November), 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

Useful information

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Changing Places and accessible toilets

A Changing Places toilet is available on the ground floor, with additional accessible toilets on all floors.

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Chest and breast feeding friendly

We are a chest and breast feeding friendly venue, and private spaces are available upon request.

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Baby changing and buggies

Child push chairs and buggies are welcome. Baby changing facilities are located throughout the centre.

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Catering facilities

We have a free packed lunch area plus free bottle and food warming facilities for visitors.

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Lockers and storage crates

Lockers and storage crates are available for hire from reception for a refundable deposit.

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.

Download visual story

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.

Download map

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!

Plan your visit

Sunflower 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.

Find out more

Euans Guide Listing

EuansGuide.com is the disabled access review website where disabled people, their families, friends and carers can find and share the accessibility of venues around the UK and beyond.

Go to listing

Access Card

Our venue supports the Access Card. This physical card acts as a photo ID that can be used to easily communicate your access requirements to events and venues, so that they can provide accessibility to the needs of their visitors.

Find out more

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.

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.

Find out more
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.

Schools and community engagement

Accessibility and inclusion awards

At Life, we work hard to create a great visitor experience for everyone. We have won several awards for these efforts, including a Gold+ award from North East Autism Society and a Gold Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award.

Find out more
Accessibility and inclusion award wins