The Biscuit Factory: Newcastle’s Premier Independent Contemporary Art Gallery
Discover Newcastle’s largest independent contemporary art gallery set in a historic warehouse, blending creativity, culture, and community.
The Biscuit Factory, housed in a former Victorian warehouse in Newcastle’s Ouseburn cultural quarter, is the UK’s largest independent contemporary art gallery. Open daily with free entry, it showcases over 250 artists’ works across two floors, including paintings, sculpture, prints, jewellery, and design-led homewares. The venue also features artist studios, a popular rooftop café, and hosts workshops and events that celebrate creativity and community.
A brief summary to The Biscuit Factory
- 16 Stoddart St, Newcastle upon Tyne, Shieldfield, NE2 1AN, GB
- +441912611103
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and a more intimate art viewing experience.
- Enjoy a meal or coffee at The Factory Kitchen café and relax on the rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
- Check the gallery’s rotating exhibition schedule to catch new and special displays during your visit.
- Participate in artist-led workshops to learn creative techniques and engage with the local art community.
- If purchasing art, ask about the interest-free Own Art scheme available for UK residents.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
Take the Tyne and Wear Metro to Manors station, then enjoy a 10 to 15-minute walk through Newcastle’s cultural quarter to reach The Biscuit Factory.
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Bus
Several Stagecoach and Go North East bus routes stop nearby on Warwick Street, Portland Road, and New Bridge Street, with travel times from central Newcastle around 10 to 20 minutes; check local timetables for service frequency.
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Taxi
Taxis from central Newcastle or the metro station take approximately 5 minutes; fares vary but typically range between £5 and £10 depending on time and traffic.
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Walking
From Newcastle city center, a 20 to 30-minute walk along New Bridge Street and across a small footbridge leads to the gallery; terrain is urban and accessible for most visitors.
The Biscuit Factory location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Biscuit Factory
A Historic Warehouse Transformed into a Creative Hub
The Biscuit Factory is set within a beautifully preserved Victorian biscuit manufacturing warehouse on Stoddart Street in Newcastle upon Tyne. Since its establishment in 2002, this expansive space has been thoughtfully converted to maintain much of the building’s original industrial character, creating an inspiring environment for art display and creation. Its two floors of gallery space offer a unique blend of historic architecture and contemporary design, providing a striking backdrop for the diverse works exhibited.A Vast and Dynamic Art Collection
As the UK’s largest independent contemporary art, craft, and design gallery, The Biscuit Factory represents over 250 artists at any given time. The collection spans original paintings, sculptures, prints, ceramics, textiles, photography, jewellery, and design-led homewares. The gallery’s rotating exhibition schedule ensures fresh and engaging displays, featuring emerging and established artists from the North East, nationally, and internationally. This diversity makes it a vibrant marketplace for art lovers and collectors alike.Supporting Artists and Community Engagement
The gallery’s ethos centers on supporting local and national artists by providing a platform for their work and fostering emerging talent. It runs artist-led workshops in various mediums such as oil painting, ceramics, textile design, and sculpture, encouraging visitors to engage creatively and gain insight into artistic processes. The Biscuit Factory Foundation furthers this mission by nurturing careers of emerging artists, strengthening the cultural fabric of the region.The Factory Kitchen and Rooftop Terrace Experience
Beyond the galleries, The Biscuit Factory features The Factory Kitchen café on the first floor, renowned for its fresh, innovative brunch menu, homemade cakes, and quality coffee. The café’s partially covered rooftop terrace offers a relaxing spot with panoramic views, perfect for pausing amid your art exploration. This combination of art and culinary delight enhances the venue’s welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.A Versatile Venue for Events and Celebrations
The Biscuit Factory doubles as a unique event space, hosting weddings, parties, corporate hospitality, and cultural events. Its blend of historic charm and contemporary style makes it an exceptional setting for celebrations that value creativity and connection. The venue’s flexible spaces accommodate a range of functions, adding to its role as a cultural cornerstone in Newcastle.Accessibility and Visitor Information
Open daily from 10am to 5pm, The Biscuit Factory welcomes over 50,000 visitors annually with free entry to its galleries. Located in the Ouseburn Valley, it is accessible by foot, bus, taxi, and metro, with nearby stops and parking options. The gallery’s professional team offers assistance to art buyers, including interest-free purchase schemes for UK residents and shipping services for international visitors, making art acquisition accessible and straightforward.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Book stack
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21
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Fratello's
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SIX Rooftop at BALTIC
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The Broad Chare
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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37 Studios
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
