Important visitor information

Life is open Monday - Sunday. During term time, there may be school groups visiting the science centre. 

This week, there will be some changes to our opening hours. On Fri 3 Dec, the science centre will be closed to the public and on Sat 4 Dec the upper floor, which includes the Play Zone, will be closed to the public. 

Our open-air ice rink is open as usual - full details including opening times can be found here. 

Customers who subscribe to our what's on enews can enjoy a 10% discount off their science centre visit. 

Upon subscribing, a discount code will be emailed to the customer and can be applied to online bookings only. This offer applies to new subscribers only and connot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. 

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Accessibility at Life Science Centre

We're open 7 days a week. 


Tickets for timed slots can be purchased online in advance of your visit. Some slots on the afternoon will be kept free for walk-ups - but booking is advised to avoid disappointment. 

Life is usually a little quieter on the afternoon, so we'd recommend booking the 2:00pm time slot if you'd prefer to come when there are less visitors in the science centre. 

 

  • There is no admission fee for under-5s, but their free tickets must be pre-booked online, too.
  • Children under 11 years are not required to wear a face covering in the science centre.
  • Baby change facilities on all floors (kits are available from dispensers for a cost of £1).*
  • Pushchair and wheelchair friendly café.
  • High chairs.
  • Visitors can eat a packed lunch they bring with them in our café.
 

*The baby changing facilities located on the ground floor are designed for baby changing and to provide privacy for nursing mothers should they require it (there is no toilet).

The baby changing facilities located near the entrance and on the upper floor combine a disabled toilet and baby change facilities.

 
  • Wheelchair hire is available on a first come, first served basis.
  • Free admission for carer (one carer per disabled visitor). Free carer tickets can be added to your online ticket basket. Please bring some proof of entitlement such as a letter showing that you receive support, or a Companion card, a Children and Young People's Network Card, or similar.
  • Level access, with lifts to all floors.
  • Parking is available in nearby Times Square Car Park. Limited spaces are available on site on a first come, first served basis – sorry but we are unable to reserve spaces.  
  • Drop-off points for minibuses and coaches (must be pre-arranged before visit).
  • Fully accessible car park located close by.
  • Disabled toilet facilities on all floors.*

* Our reception level toilet is fully compliant with Changing Places' standards and provides extra features suitable for those with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
  • Free admission for a dedicated assistant. Please pre-book a Carer ticket online before you visit if you require assistance.
  • Induction loop available at reception.
  • Free admission for a dedicated sighted assistant (a sighted assistant is recommended for your visit).  Please pre-book a Carer ticket online before you visit if you require assistance.
  • Parts of the science centre have low lighting and are quite dark.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.
  • Ear defenders are available to hire for the duration of your visit for a £10.00 refundable deposit. You are also welcome to bring your own from home.
  • Visitor numbers have been significantly reduced.
  • Sensory bags are available to hire from reception. 
  • Parts of the science centre have low lighting and are quite dark.
  • Download our Visual Story ahead of your visit.

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


Carers of disabled visitors are admitted free of charge (one carer per disabled visitor, including when the disabled visitor is aged 4 or under) but tickets must still be pre-booked online; the normal admission fee applies to the disabled visitor. Please bring some proof of entitlement, such as a letter showing that you receive support, or a Companion card, a Children and Young People's Network Card, or similar.


Useful resources

Life's accessibility guide gives useful information about nearby accessible car parking, hearing loops, large print text and accessible facilities once you're inside the science centre.

Life's visual story gives a detailed walkthrough of what to expect in the science centre, including sensory information about specific exhibitions. Our visual story uses 'Atkinson Hyperlegible' typeface, designed by Applied Design Works and the Braille Institute to be accessible to the visually impaired community.

Visit us

Our location

Life Science Centre,
Times Square,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE1 4EP

0191 243 8210
info@life.org.uk

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Opening times

Science Centre: Monday - Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm (recommended last entry: 3:00pm)

Getting here

We’re situated in Newcastle City Centre, with great public transport links and Times Square Car Park just around the corner.
Read more

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 Buy Science Centre tickets

Due to the government imposed lockdown, Life Science Centre is currently closed. Choose a date

Our standard ticket price includes a donation of at least 10%. As a charity we rely on the support of our visitors more than ever in these challenging times.


If you are happy to pay this donation and say ‘yes to Gift Aid’ when prompted, we can claim money from the UK government’s Gift Aid scheme.


If you would prefer not to, please opt to ‘buy tickets without donation’ below.


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