Seven Stories

Want to keep the enthusiasm going for your children, even after your visit? Seven Stories has digitised some of its exhibitions and collections so that you can continue to enjoy the stunning artwork and interesting facts from home. From The Tiger Who Came to Tea to Angelina Ballerina, the digital collection showcases some crowd pleasing favourites from the museum’s collections. And best of all, it’s accessible wherever you are in the world.
 

What's on
With a number of permanent galleries, as well as different exhibitions popping up throughout the year, a trip to Seven Stories always offers something to excite and inspire. From storytelling and live performances to fancy dress and animal visits, there are plenty of events taking place in the museum. Want to find out what you’ll discover on your visit? Here are our top picks.

The Studio
Whether you’re a young artist, budding writer or creative thinker, you can draw, paint, write, make, doodle and build in the Studio.

Galleries
Spread over several floors, the museum’s galleries offer an ever-changing array of exhibitions. Explore the art of comics and even create your own in the Sebastian Walker Gallery. Go on a journey through the exciting story book world of bears in the Robert Westall Gallery. Enter an intergalactic sensory space, full of lights, colours and textures to discover alien tales in the Gillian Dickinson Gallery. The choice is yours!

Book Shop
Considered by The Bookseller’s Association to be one of the best independent bookshops in the country, you’ll be sure to find something to suit children of any age, from picture books for youngsters to novels for young adults.

Facilities
Since Seven Stories first opened in 2005 over 200,000 visitors have spent fun packed days enjoying the museums exhibitions. So, what should you expect on your visit? Read about the facilities on offer and other important information here.

Important info
Welcoming visitors throughout the year, Seven Stories is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm during the local school holidays. At all other times, the museum is closed on Mondays. On Sundays and bank holidays it opens from 10am to 4pm. Last admissions are always one hour before closing time.

Admission prices are well under £10 for adults, and less for children, with toddlers and one-year olds welcome for free. If you’re visiting with your family, you can get a Family ticket for a packaged price.

If you’re visiting with a baby, the museum has everything you need, including feeding and changing facilities, and a buggy park.

Have any questions ahead of your visit? You can contact the museum on 0300 330 1095 ext. 300.
 

Accessibility
Seven Stories aims to ensure all visitors have a comfortable and engaging experience. However, being housed in a seven storied Victorian warehouse has limitations. For example, the building has one visitor lift, which can mean a wait during busy periods, although those with access requirements will be given priority.

The museum has one disabled parking space and provides free ear defenders on arrival, hearing loops, a fully accessible toilet with height adjustable changing bench, height adjustable wash basin, shower and a hoist and changing bed. Visitors with an autistic spectrum condition, can also take advantage of monthly Early Bird Openings (first Saturday, 9am to 10am) which include Sensory Story times and relaxed performances.

If you have any special requirements before your visit, contact the museum on 0300 330 1095 ext. 300.

Near Seven Stories
If you’re planning a family day out, why not combine your trip to Seven Stories with a visit to Ouseburn Farm? At this city farm you’ll get the chance to find out about farming heritage and environmental issues, as well as meet a variety of animals, from sheep and cows to fish and reptiles.

Head northeast from Seven Stories, into the heart of Newcastle’s cultural quarter and you’ll arrive at the Biscuit Factory. Housed in a former Victorian warehouse, this contemporary art gallery has two floors of exciting displays of fine art, sculpture, original prints and jewellery, quality craftsmanship and beautifully designed homeware.

Eating and Drinking
Situated in the vibrant Ouseburn area, you’ll find plenty of food and drink options in and around the museum.

Want to make the most of your day at Seven Stories? Head to the Bookshop Coffee Shop on Level 2 for a selection of hot drinks and tasty snacks. Looking for something more substantial? Take a trip to the Café on Level 3 for a choice of sandwiches, wraps and soups, as well as a delicious range of cakes and buns. And all with a great view of the river. If you’d prefer to bring your own food, you’re welcomed to eat it in the packed lunch space, which is available in The Word Lab on Level 1.

If you want to explore the surrounding area you’ll find lots of eateries in the Ouseburn. Ernest is a bistro style café offering a menu packed with delicious homemade dishes, from steaks to salads. At the Biscuit Factory, you’ll find artisan, a modern restaurant serving British inspired menus, using the finest regional and seasonal ingredients.

If you want to take a family-friendly break and refuel before more storytelling, Seven Stories’ Café and Coffee Shop offer a range of teas and coffees, as well as plenty of cold drinks.

After you’re finished at the museum, you’ll find lots of places nearby where you can get a drink. One of the oldest pubs in the area, The Ship Inn is just around the corner from Seven Stories. This pub has a nice selection of ales, tasty fresh food and a great beer garden for late summer evenings. If you prefer a more modern minimalist interior, take a trip to The Tanner Arms. This classic boozer offers real ales, comfort food and a great atmosphere. If you’re also looking for some entertainment, The Cluny is a nearby intimate music venue and bar in former bottling plant, which hosts up-and-coming acts.

Getting to Seven Stories
You’ll find Seven Stories in a perfect storybook setting, tucked under the Byker Bridge in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley.

By car
If you’re driving to Seven Stories, be aware that parking is limited. There are some spaces under Byker Bridge and along Lime Street and a 57-space car park behind the museum on Foundry Lane. You’ll find additional parking a short walk away on Stepney Road, Ford Street, Albion Row and Spiller’s Car Park.

By bus
If you’re getting the bus from the centre of town to Seven Stories, you have the choice of the 22, 39 and 40, 12, 62 and 63 bus routes. The journey takes around 20 minutes, including a short walk. For more information, you can contact Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.

By train
Taking the train to Seven Stories? When you arrive at Newcastle Central Station you can head to the Metro. The nearest Metro stations are Manors and Byker - both are approximately 15-minutes’ walk away. Alternatively, hop in a taxi and you’ll arrive at the museum in under 20 minutes.