FAQs

We recommend that you plan to spend around 3-4 hours for your visit in order to take in all our shows and exhibitions, although you're welcome to just drop in, or stay all day. You can also leave the science centre and return later that day - just keep hold of your tickets.

Science centre tickets are valid for the day of purchase only. You can leave the science centre and come back later in the same day without having to buy a new ticket - just show your handstamp when you return, and keep hold of your tickets too. Memberships are valid for a year from the date of purchase.

Our programme of exhibitions, shows and activities changes regularly. Visit our What's On section to search by date, type of event or age range.

​The shows run at various times during the day depending on demand. You will be given a sheet with today's show times on arrival.

The International Centre for Life Trust is a registered educational charity. We receive no public funding and depend on our admission fees and commercial activities to continue to achieve our mission to engage everyone with science.

​You are not required to book in advance for shows taking place in the planetarium and Science Theatre during a normal science centre visit. Advance booking online may be required for special events - check the What's On section for details.

All science centre activities are filled on a first come first served basis.

You can choose whether to book online in advance, or pay on arrival at reception. Please note that during very busy times we may reach capacity and tickets may not be available at reception. Groups of 10 or more are advised to book in advance to take advantage of special benefits and offers.

Life Science Centre caters for visitors of all ages, from pre-school to grown-ups. Some areas are more suited to specific age groups, and we tend to show at least two planetarium shows each day - one aimed at younger audiences, and one for older children and adults. Check our What's On section for more details.

The Young Explorers' Zone is specially designed for under-7s, and we also show a special under-7s planetarium show several times each day. Young visitors may also enjoy some of the activities in the Making Studios.

Pre-school days are special events which happen on Tuesdays once a month (excluding school holidays) which are specially designed for ages 4 and under.

​Yes, Times Square Car Park is a short walk away, providing easy access to the Centre. Onsite parking for blue badge holders is available on request (subject to availability). Call our control room on (0191) 243 8260 to arrange.

​Yes, lockers are available for hire in our reception area. A £5.00 deposit is required and £4.00 will be returned when you return your key. These facilities are for science centre customers only - sorry but we don’t offer luggage storage for the general public.

Life Science Centre has two cafés. Times Square Café, which is accessible from the science centre and direct from Times Square, is open 7 days a week. You'll find an array of hot and cold snacks, including delicious soups, sandwiches and cakes. We also brew Starbucks here. Outside seating and Wifi are available. Inside the centre, Life Café is open at weekends and during school holidays, serving hot meals and packed lunch options.

​There is a FREE packed lunch area for customers bringing their own food and drink, and you can also leave the centre for lunch and return later the same day - just keep hold of your science centre ticket.

​We are breastfeeding friendly throughout the venue, and a private space can be made available upon request – please just ask any member of staff. There are highchairs available in our cafes and picnic area, and our cafés have bottle and food warming facilities. Baby changing facilities are located throughout the science centre.

​Yes, the centre is fully accessible for both wheelchair users and pushchairs. Visit our Accessibility page for details.

We accept all major credit/debit cards except American Express.

Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Yes, please see the groups page for details.

Yes. Free WiFi access is available to all of our customers throughout Life Science Centre.

We have private spaces which can be made available on request. Call 0191 243 8223 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm excluding Bank Holidays) or ask a member of staff on arrival.

The Centre for Life is private property. It’s a popular subject for photographers and although we are happy in most instances for architectural photographs to be taken, please let us know in advance by informing a member of the science centre reception team or calling the PR team on (0191) 243 8209.

You are welcome to take photographs/video footage of your friends and family while visiting the science centre or ice rink, but please be aware that photography/video may be prohibited in some exhibitions - ask at reception if you're unsure. Photography/filming is not allowed in the Science Theatre or planetarium during shows as it can be distracting for other visitors.

​Please refrain from taking photographs of or filming other people without prior permission.

Thank you for your cooperation.

​Life is committed to providing a healthy, safe and comfortable environment for all visitors, customers, contractors and staff. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all buildings and outside areas across the site.

Please see our main Terms and Conditions page for more information.

Please see our main Terms and Conditions page for more information.