Accessible Britain

115 Life Science Centre, Tyne and Wear
Address: Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EP Web: www.life.org.uk Tel: 0191 2438210 Hours:
Mon–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 11am–6pm; last admission 4pm Dates: closed 1 Jan, 25 & 26 Dec; reduced
hours on 24 Dec Entry: Prices vary throughout the year: check the website or phone for details
THE NORTHEAST AND YORKSHIRE
Sharing a modern, purpose-built site with a number of distinguished partner
organisations – including the Institute of Human Genetics and the Northeast England
Stem Cell Institute – the family-oriented Life Science Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne is
the biggest and best science discovery centre in the north of England.
There’s a strong emphasis on interactivity in the Curiosity Zone, a place that gives
you the chance to think like a scientist, not somewhere that tells you things scientists
have already found out! Younger visitors, meanwhile, will have fun in the hands-on
play area for under 7s. Beyond this, you can watch (and join in) a live science show
at the Life Theatre; take an adrenalin-fuelled adventure on a state-of-the-art motion
simulator (minimum height 4 feet); and enjoy a science-related film in the planetarium.
Keep an eye on the website for special events, like winter ice skating; all activities and
shows are included in the general admission price.
Blue Badge holders can call ahead to book a disabled parking space a few yards from
the main entrance, or use the adjacent Times Square multistorey car park (£1 per hour)
about a hundred yards away, where there are plenty of disabled bays and level access
to the Life Science Centre. Accessibility has been carefully thought through in the
centre itself, whose two floors are connected by lifts as well as a long, curved ramp that
provides a great overview of the whole exhibition space. The hands-on exhibits are
within easy reach of children and wheelchair users, and there’s plenty of space between
the displays, while the absence of walls means you can always see where you are in
relation to everything else. There are fully accessible toilets and an induction loop in the
Life Theatre and planetarium. The motion simulator has ramped access, but wheelchair
users must be able to transfer into a seat to use it.
FOOD & DRINK aa The Life Science Centre has two cafés: Times Square Café, overlooking
the square, serves soups, sandwiches, cakes and Starbucks coffee seven days a week,
while the Life Café opens at weekends and during school holidays with a range of childfriendly
lunch options. There’s also an indoor picnic area. Alternatively, the centre is
well placed for many excellent nearby restaurants, particularly down on the quayside,
a few minutes’ walk away.
116 Sage Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
Address: St Mary’s Square, Gateshead Quays NE8 2JR Web: www.sagegateshead.com Tel: 0191 4434661
Hours: show nights 9am–11pm, non-show nights 9am–10pm: check website for details Dates: closed
25–26 Dec & for occasional special events Entry: building free; prices vary depending on performance & seat
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