From Monday 24 August to Wednesday 30 September 2026, anyone in receipt of Universal Credit can visit Newcastle’s Life Science Centre for just £5 per ticket.
The person claiming Universal Credit can buy tickets for themselves and up to five other people, meaning a group of six can enjoy a full day at Life for just £30.
Tickets for August and now on sale – with September dates being released at the start of the month.
Your ticket includes a full day of hands-on science and discovery, with plenty to explore across Life, including:
Life introduced a Universal Credit ticket scheme in summer 2025, which proved particularly popular. Around 40% of daily visitors used the offer, with 83% of those visitors coming to Life for the first time.
“Being a single parent who is lucky enough to get all the holidays off from work, I struggle to entertain the children everyday. This is a fantastic offer which helps parents like myself give our children a great experience and day out.”
“Our ambition is to be one of the most accessible and inclusive science centres in Europe and removing barriers to participation is an important part of that commitment.
We know that many families continue to face financial pressures, which can make the cost of a day out difficult to justify. That’s why we’re reintroducing our Universal Credit ticket offer from 24 August to 30 September.
During this period, eligible visitors will be able to buy tickets for the reduced price £5.00, for themselves and up to five others.
For this price, visitors can enjoy everything Life has to offer, including The Great Dinosaur Escape, our interactive science exhibits, planetarium and a full day of discovery and exploration.
We hope the offer enables more people to experience Life, enjoy what we have to offer and, ultimately, see Life as somewhere they want to return to again and again.
This is one of a number of ways we work with partners and communities to widen access and ensure that more people can engage with science, regardless of their circumstances.
Thank you to everyone who visits and supports Life. Everyone who buys a ticket helps us continue our mission of inspiring curiosity and making science accessible for all.“
Universal Credit tickets can be bought online from Monday 17 August 2026 or in person at Life’s reception from Monday 24 August.
The person claiming Universal Credit can purchase tickets for themselves and up to five other people. All tickets in the booking are £5 each.
Please note: Universal Credit tickets cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount or promotion. Proof of Universal Credit eligibility may be required at reception.
Universal Credit Saver tickets are available to anyone who currently receives Universal Credit.
You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or need help with your living costs. You could be:
To claim Universal Credit, you must usually:
These are the current eligibility criteria published by GOV.UK.
The person receiving Universal Credit can book a ticket for themselves and up to five other people, meaning a maximum of six tickets.
Proof of Universal Credit may be required at reception when you visit.
If requested, you can show:
You should have received a Universal Credit payment within the last month to be eligible for the offer.
We accept printed or digital copies, including documents shown on your phone. You may also be asked to show photographic ID.
Our team understands that not everyone is comfortable discussing their benefits. If proof is requested, your information will be checked discreetly and respectfully at reception.
For more information about Universal Credit and eligibility, visit GOV.UK – Universal Credit eligibility.
Food and drink can be purchased from Times Square Café Bar. Alternatively, you are more than welcome to bring your own packed lunch.
A visit to Life wouldn’t be complete without exploring our selection of science kits, toys, books, souvenirs and gifts to suit all ages and budgets
Life is located in Times Square, just a two minute walk form Newcastle Central train and Metro station.
View our science centre map to get a feel for what to expect.
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 20 people or more, it’s best to book in advance.
We welcome all our visitors and work hard to make sure our facilities are accessible to everyone.
Have a question about the science centre? Our team would be happy to help.
