We are open 7 days a week, between 10:00am - 5:00pm (recommended last entry: 3:00pm).

Please note: During term time, Monday - Friday, there may be school groups visiting the science centre. 

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

If you have an annual membership to Life, you will still need to book a time slot to visit. 

The safety and comfort of our visitors is our top priority and safety measures will remain in place during your visit. Face coverings are no longer compulsory, but you are welcome to wear one if you feel more comfortable doing so.

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 15 people or more, it's best to book in advance. We offer a reduced ticket price for bookings of 20 or more. 

We are able to take cash payments in our café, gift shop and for walk-up ticket sales, however we would ask you to opt for contactless payment whenever possible.

Why is contactless payment preferred? We're a charity and it costs us to process cash. Also from a hygiene perspective, contactless is the safest option. 

Yes, children aged 4 and under visit for free (maximum of 3 children per paying adult). Please select a free under-4 ticket when pre-booking your tickets online. 

​The shows run at various times during the day depending on demand. You will be given information 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 our live science shows or planetarium during a normal science centre visit. 

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

Life Science Centre caters for visitors of all ages, from pre-school to grown-ups. Some areas are more suited to specific age groups. 

We have a range of extra activities specifically for our youngest visitors (under-7 years). 

​Yes, Times Square Car Park is a short walk away, providing easy access to the Centre. Car parking tickets can be purchased online at the same time as science centre tickets before you visit. Onsite parking for blue badge holders is available on request (subject to availability). Call our control room on (0191) 243 8260 to arrange.

When you arrive at Times Square Car Park, push the button to activate the barrier and then collect a ticket at a ticket machine. When you arrive at Life Science Centre's reception, the team will validate your car park ticket, which will activate the barrier for your exit.

Yes, lockers and storage crates are available for hire in our reception area. For lockers, a £5.00 deposit is required and £4.00 will be returned when you return your key. For storage crates, a £10.00 deposit is required and £8.00 will be returned. These facilities are for science centre customers only – sorry but we don’t offer luggage storage for the general public.

Life Science Centre has one onsite café. 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. Outside seating and Wifi are available. 

​There is a FREE packed lunch area for customers bringing their own food and drink.

​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. 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.