Life Science Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne
Explore hands-on science, immersive planetarium shows, and family-friendly fun at Newcastle’s interactive Life Science Centre.
The Life Science Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne is an interactive science museum located in the heart of the city at Times Square. Celebrating over 25 years, it offers hands-on exhibits, live science shows, a planetarium, and family-friendly activities that inspire curiosity and learning. Open daily with varied hours depending on term times, it’s a hub for science exploration and discovery for all ages.
A brief summary to Life Science Centre
- Life Science Centre International Centre for Life Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EP, GB
- +441912438210
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-3 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-3 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-3 pm
- Thursday 10 am-3 pm
- Friday 10 am-3 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays during term time after 2pm to avoid school groups and enjoy a quieter experience.
- Book tickets online in advance to secure entry and take advantage of discounts.
- Check for seasonal events like the outdoor ice rink during winter for added festive fun.
- Allow 3 to 4 hours to fully explore exhibitions, shows, and interactive zones.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
From Newcastle Central Station, it is a 5 to 10-minute walk to the Life Science Centre. The station is well connected with frequent regional and national services, making train travel a convenient option.
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Bus
Numerous local bus routes stop near Times Square, close to the Life Science Centre. Bus travel times vary depending on starting point but typically range from 10 to 30 minutes within Newcastle city centre.
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Car
Public car parks are available within walking distance of the centre. Parking fees apply and can be high during peak times, so it is advisable to check availability and prices in advance.
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Walking
If staying nearby in central Newcastle, walking to the Life Science Centre is easy and pleasant, with well-maintained pedestrian routes and accessible pathways.
Life Science Centre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Life Science Centre
A Hub of Interactive Science and Discovery
The Life Science Centre is a vibrant science museum situated in Newcastle upon Tyne’s Times Square. It has been inspiring curiosity and scientific exploration for over 25 years. This centre stands out for its hands-on approach, encouraging visitors to engage directly with exhibits through interactive displays and experiments. From young children to adults, the centre offers a rich variety of activities designed to make science accessible and fun.Exhibitions and Immersive Experiences
Inside, visitors can explore several themed zones including the Play Zone for younger children, and the Making Studios where creativity and science meet. One of the highlights is the Space Zone featuring a domed planetarium that provides immersive astronomy shows. The centre hosts a rotating programme of exhibitions and live science shows, covering topics from dinosaurs and weather to aerodynamics and chain reactions, ensuring there is always something new to discover.Community and Educational Impact
Beyond being a museum, the Life Science Centre is part of the Centre for Life, a science village that includes cutting-edge research facilities. It plays a vital role in the community by offering workshops, events, and educational programmes that connect visitors with real scientists and current scientific research. This integration of research and public engagement makes it a unique institution in the UK.Seasonal Attractions and Special Events
During the winter months, the centre hosts an outdoor ice rink in Times Square, adding a festive attraction to the city’s calendar. Special themed events and late-night openings, such as Halloween specials, provide additional entertainment options. These seasonal activities complement the year-round exhibitions and make the centre a dynamic place to visit at any time.Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
The centre is designed to be accessible to all visitors, with facilities catering to wheelchair users and families. It offers amenities including a café, gift shop, and information boards to enhance the visitor experience. Located just a short walk from Newcastle Central Station, it is easily reachable by public transport, with nearby parking options available.Planning Your Visit
Opening hours vary with the academic calendar but generally run from 10:00 to 17:00 daily, with shorter weekday hours during term time. Visitors are advised to check the latest opening times and book tickets in advance for popular events. Typical visits last between two to four hours, allowing ample time to experience the exhibits and live presentations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
New Bridge Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of New Bridge Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, home to captivating museums and lively local attractions.
11 Waterloo St
0.2 km
Historic industrial heritage meets contemporary urban design on Newcastle's transforming Waterloo Street.
Richard Grainger Memorial Fountain
0.2 km
Historic granite fountain honoring Richard Grainger’s transformative 19th-century urban vision in Newcastle’s iconic Grainger Town.
Newcastle city walls
0.4 km
Medieval stone fortifications protecting a border town from Scottish invasion, now a historic monument woven into Newcastle's urban landscape.
St John the Baptist Church
0.5 km
Medieval sanctuary with eight centuries of history, treasured stained glass, and architectural gems hidden in Newcastle's city centre.
Durham Tower
0.5 km
Medieval stone sentinel guarding Newcastle's ancient western walls since the 13th century.
Oriental Garden
0.5 km
Experience the serene beauty of the Oriental Garden in Newcastle upon Tyne, a peaceful escape filled with lush greenery and vibrant flora.
Herber Tower
0.5 km
A well-preserved 13th-century drum tower from Newcastle’s medieval town walls, once a guild meeting place and now a quiet monument in the city centre.
Blackfriars Medieval Friary
0.6 km
Medieval Dominican friary where kings once stayed, now a living centre of craft, culture, and cuisine.
Morden Tower
0.6 km
A medieval drum tower turned iconic poetry venue, Morden Tower blends Newcastle’s rich history with vibrant cultural legacy.
The Black Gate
0.7 km
Medieval fortress gateway where Newcastle's story began, now fully accessible with rich exhibitions.
Newcastle Keep
0.7 km
Climb 99 steps through four centuries of medieval power and emerge onto rooftop views that define Newcastle.
Castle Wall Well
0.7 km
A medieval well marking Newcastle's 13th-century defensive walls and urban heritage.
The High Level Bridge
0.7 km
A pioneering double-deck Victorian bridge uniting rail and road across the River Tyne, symbolizing Newcastle’s industrial heritage.
Grey St
0.8 km
Newcastle's finest street—a sweeping curve of neoclassical elegance and cultural heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Aidan and St Cuthbert Stonework
0.3 km
Intricate stone carvings celebrating St Aidan and St Cuthbert’s enduring legacy in Newcastle’s rich Christian heritage.
St. Mary's Cathedral
0.3 km
A majestic neo-Gothic cathedral crowned by a soaring spire, embodying Newcastle’s rich Catholic heritage and architectural splendor.
Discovery Museum
0.4 km
Explore Tyneside’s rich heritage and innovation at Newcastle’s interactive Discovery Museum, home to the iconic Turbinia steam ship.
A Hadrian's Wall Milecastle Plaque
0.4 km
Discover the Roman frontier’s footprint in Newcastle at the Hadrian's Wall Milecastle Plaque on historic Westgate Road.
Tyne Theatre & Opera House
0.4 km
Discover Newcastle’s Victorian treasure with rare stage machinery and vibrant performances in a beautifully preserved Grade I listed theatre.
The Bodega
0.4 km
Discover The Bodega in Newcastle upon Tyne, where lively ambiance, great food, and a wide selection of drinks create the ultimate pub experience.
W Walls
0.4 km
Explore the enduring medieval West Walls of Newcastle, a stone fortress section that reveals the city’s historic defenses and rich heritage.
Lit & Phil Library
0.5 km
Discover Newcastle’s historic Lit & Phil Library, a grand neoclassical haven with over 200,000 books and a vibrant cultural scene.
Black Friars Postern Gate Plaque
0.6 km
Explore the Black Friars Postern Gate Plaque in Newcastle upon Tyne, a historical landmark reflecting the city's rich medieval heritage and architectural beauty.
Bigg Market
0.6 km
Historic medieval market turned vibrant nightlife hub with over 30 listed buildings in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.
The Gate
0.6 km
Newcastle’s vibrant leisure complex blending dining, nightlife, cinema, and gaming under one roof in the city centre.
Grainger St
0.6 km
Historic heart of Newcastle with elegant architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant urban culture.
Long Stairs
0.6 km
Historic medieval stairway linking Newcastle’s Quayside to the city centre, rich in legends and scenic views.
YuMe World
0.7 km
Step into a high-energy arcade world in Newcastle’s city centre, where cutting-edge games, VR thrills and prize challenges await players of all ages.
Castle Garth
0.7 km
Explore the medieval heart of Newcastle with panoramic views from the iconic Castle Keep and historic Black Gate at Castle Garth.
Essential places to dine
Rumba Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine and vibrant Latin nightlife in the heart of Newcastle at Rumba Casa Latina.
Pinocchio Ristorante
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors with handmade pasta and stone-baked pizzas in a lively, welcoming Newcastle setting.
Super Natural Newcastle
0.5 km
Discover vibrant vegan dining and creative cocktails in the heart of Newcastle’s historic Grainger Street at Super Natural Newcastle.
Fujiyama Teppanyaki Japanese Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience fresh Japanese teppanyaki cooked live with flair and flavor in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Blackfriars Restaurant
0.5 km
Dine in a 13th-century friary refectory with modern British food, local brews, and a warm, bustling atmosphere in the heart of Newcastle.
Quay 7 Restaurant & Bar
0.5 km
Classic British dining with stunning river views on Newcastle’s vibrant Quayside, perfect for relaxed meals and scenic drinks.
The French Quarter
0.6 km
Experience authentic French cuisine and an exceptional wine selection in a chic bistro nestled within Newcastle’s historic Westgate Road arches.
Gino D'Acampo Restaurant Quayside Newcastle
0.6 km
Authentic Italian dining with stunning River Tyne views in a bright, stylish riverside setting on Newcastle’s vibrant Quayside.
Kafeneon
0.7 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and warm Mediterranean hospitality in the vibrant heart of Newcastle’s Bigg Market.
Turtle Bay Newcastle
0.7 km
Experience bold Caribbean flavours, reggae vibes, and 2-for-1 cocktails in the heart of Newcastle’s vibrant city centre.
The Quayside - JD Wetherspoon
0.7 km
Historic riverside pub in Dove’s Warehouse serving good-value breakfasts, meals and a broad drinks list in a roomy, accessible setting on Newcastle’s Quayside.
Hibou Blanc
0.7 km
Elegant French-British cuisine and refined hospitality in Newcastle's historic Bigg Market.
House of Tides
0.7 km
Michelin-starred fine dining in a historic 16th-century merchant’s house on Newcastle’s scenic quayside, blending rustic charm with modern British cuisine.
Zaap Thai Street Food Newcastle
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere of Thai street food right in the heart of Newcastle’s city center.
Kaltur Wine Bar & Restaurant High Bridge
0.7 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and fine wines in a cozy, lively wine bar setting at Newcastle’s historic High Bridge.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Newcastle Gifts
0.3 km
Discover authentic Geordie souvenirs, local art, and NUFC treasures at this charming Neville Street gem opposite Central Station—your perfect Toon memento stop.
Flip Vintage American Clothing
0.4 km
Newcastle’s premier vintage store since 1978, offering authentic American vintage clothing with quality, character, and style.
Living Essential
0.6 km
Grainger Street's go-to for stylish, affordable homewares that make city living cozy and practical in Newcastle's heart.
Phillips & Wilde
0.7 km
Discover exquisite gift baskets and gourmet hampers in Newcastle's iconic Grainger Market – perfect for festive cheer, corporate gifts, or personal indulgences amid vibrant market buzz.
Earl and Coco
0.7 km
Quirky treasures and artisan delights await in this hidden gem of Newcastle's Grainger Town, where every find tells a story.
Tian's Gifts
0.7 km
Discover unique handcrafted gifts and charming treasures at Tian's Gifts, nestled in Newcastle’s historic Grainger Market.
Analog
0.7 km
Curated vintage and second‑hand clothing tucked into Alley 3 of Newcastle’s Grainger Market — small stall, big finds.
Garms Newcastle
0.7 km
Small, curated vintage clothing shop on Grainger Street, blending durable classics with street-ready retro finds.
Retro , Vintage Clothing Newcastle.
0.7 km
Discover timeless style and unique vintage finds at Retro Newcastle, your go-to boutique for retro clothing in the heart of the city.
Vintagera.co.uk
0.7 km
Discover exquisite handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and bespoke framing in the heart of Newcastle’s vibrant Grainger Market.
Box it up gifts
0.7 km
Discover unique souvenirs and locally crafted gifts at Box It Up Gifts in Newcastle upon Tyne, a must-visit for every traveler.
Little Bazaar
0.7 km
A cosy, hand-curated gift stall in Grainger Market for crystals, dreamcatchers and small bohemian keepsakes.
Soul Rebel (Newcastle)
0.7 km
Discover a unique fusion of stylish apparel and holistic wellness at Soul Rebel, Newcastle's premier destination for fashion and self-care.
Geordie Gifts
0.7 km
Discover authentic Geordie culture through unique gifts in the heart of Newcastle’s historic Grainger Market.
UpSide Down Presents
0.8 km
A vibrant, independent gift shop under Newcastle’s railway arch, packed with Geordie souvenirs, original cards, and quirky presents for every occasion.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Dog & Parrot
0.2 km
A vibrant Newcastle pub where live music, punk vibes, and friendly faces create an unforgettable night out.
The Mad House
0.3 km
Dive into Newcastle’s quirkiest cocktail bar where mad creativity meets bold flavors and unforgettable fun at The Mad House.
Jalou
0.4 km
Experience Newcastle’s chic cocktail haven where Parisian glamour meets hip hop beats and creative mixology.
Slug & Lettuce - Central Newcastle
0.5 km
Newcastle's go-to for endless cocktails, bottomless brunches, and non-stop party vibes on Grainger Street – where every hour is happy hour.
Revolution Newcastle Upon Tyne
0.5 km
Experience vibrant nightlife and handcrafted cocktails in Newcastle’s stunning former bank with soaring ceilings and marble pillars.
ChachaBuchi
0.6 km
Rustic glamour meets vibrant nightlife in Newcastle’s chic cocktail bar with alpine-inspired cuisine and lively entertainment.
MOJO
0.6 km
MOJO Newcastle: Rock 'n' roll cocktails, American comfort food, and lively entertainment in The Gate’s vibrant nightlife hub.
All Seeing Eye.
0.6 km
Discover Newcastle's speakeasy secret: art deco cocktails behind a hidden door on Groat Market, blending historic intrigue with masterful mixology.
Blackie Boy
0.6 km
Historic Newcastle bar with cosy vibes, free jukebox anthems, cheap drinks deals, and late-night energy in Groat Market's lively heart.
The WonderBar
0.6 km
A lively Newcastle venue combining interactive darts, live music, great food, and sports viewing under one vibrant roof.
The Mushroom Bar
0.7 km
A compact, budget-friendly club-bar on Grainger Street that keeps late-night DJs, drink deals and a party crowd at its heart.
Duke Of Northumberland (The Clock)
0.7 km
A welcoming Geordie pub in Newcastle city center, offering traditional fare, seasonal ales, and lively weekend music nights in a cozy setting.
Mother Mercy
0.7 km
Newcastle's speakeasy secret: inventive cocktails via roulette wheel in a historic Cloth Market hideaway, blending mixology mastery with intimate Mediterranean chic.
Colonel Porter's Emporium
0.7 km
Newcastle's 1920s explorer's paradise: botanical gardens, vintage cocktails, live music, and hidden discos in historic Milburn House.
All Bar One Newcastle
0.8 km
Stylish Grey Street bar serving coffee by day and cocktails by night, with tapas and wines in Newcastle's buzzing heart.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Digital
0.1 km
Experience cutting-edge nightlife with superior sound and vibrant energy at Digital, Newcastle’s premier clubbing destination in Times Square.
Warehouse Night Club(SR44)
0.2 km
Experience Newcastle’s vibrant underground gay nightclub scene at Warehouse Night Club (SR44), where eclectic music and lively parties come alive.
Powerhouse
0.2 km
Newcastle’s iconic four-floor nightclub blending rich LGBTQ+ history with vibrant, inclusive nightlife and dynamic music scenes.
The Social Club
0.6 km
Experience Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife at The Social Club, where music, cocktails, and dancing come alive until the early hours.
Bohemia Newcastle
0.6 km
Neon-lit cocktail bar and compact club with graffiti murals, a mezzanine dance space and a sheltered courtyard terrace for late-night socialising.
Sinners
0.6 km
Dive into sinfully themed nights at this affordable Newcastle nightclub, where red lights, bold art, and cheap drinks fuel the city's unbeatable party spirit.
TROPICANA NEWCASTLE
0.6 km
Experience Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife at Tropicana, a lively nightclub blending cocktail sophistication with energetic club beats in the city’s heart.
Loca Loca | Newcastle
0.6 km
A compact, neon-lit nightclub on Groat Market serving late-night dance, chart and urban sets in an intimate city-centre setting.
TheCUT Newcastle
0.6 km
Discover Newcastle’s vibrant alternative nightclub with themed indie, rock, and disco nights in a cozy, unpretentious setting.
Tup Tup Palace
0.6 km
Experience Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife in style at Tup Tup Palace, a luxurious club blending exotic décor with pulsating beats until the early hours.
Cosmic Ballroom
0.6 km
Newcastle's longest-running underground club: two floors of electronic beats, guest DJs, and non-stop dancing till dawn in an intimate Stowell Street hideaway.
Popworld - Newcastle
0.6 km
A neon-soaked pop party on Newcastle’s Bigg Market—cheap drinks, nostalgic anthems and a packed dancefloor for late-night revelry.
Flares - Newcastle
0.7 km
Newcastle's ultimate retro disco den: neon grooves, cheesy anthems, and non-stop dancing from 70s to 00s in the heart of the nightlife scene.
Greys Club
0.7 km
Experience Newcastle’s iconic nightlife at Greys Club, where vibrant music, a stylish terrace, and lively crowds create unforgettable late-night memories.
SOHO ROOMS | Newcastle
0.7 km
Four floors of late‑night music and cocktails in the heart of Newcastle’s city‑centre party district, favoured by students and night owls.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Educational
- Unique
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly