Updated in September 2026, this Life Science Centre guide covers ticket prices, opening hours, parking, transport, accessibility and what to see.
The Life Science Centre, run by the charity Centre for Life, is an interactive science attraction in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. As of September 2026, standard admission costs £15.00 with a voluntary Gift Aid donation.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Mon–Fri 10am–3pm; Sat–Sun 10am–5pm (varies during school holidays) |
| Ticket prices | Adult £15.00 (£13.60 without donation); child (3+) same price; under-3s free |
| Address | Life Science Centre, Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EP |
| Nearest transport/parking | 2–5 minute walk from Newcastle Central Station; Times Square Car Park from £1.80 |
| Typical time needed | 3–4 hours |
The Life Science Centre opening hours
The science centre opens Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm, with a recommended last entry of 1pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm, with a recommended last entry of 3pm.
The official website notes that hours vary during North East school holidays, so it is worth checking the opening times page shortly before visiting, particularly for weekday trips.
The Life Science Centre ticket prices
Standard admission is £15.00 for both adults and children aged 3 and over, including a voluntary Gift Aid-style donation of at least 10%; visitors who prefer not to donate pay £13.60. Children aged 2 and under go free.
Visitors with a disability can bring a carer free of charge with proof of eligibility.
The Life Science Centre is not currently part of a bundled multi-attraction city pass; it is an independent educational charity with its own ticketing.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in September 2026.
How to get to the Life Science Centre
The science centre stands in Times Square, in central Newcastle, close to the western edge of the city centre.
It is a 2–5 minute walk from Newcastle Central train and Metro station, and buses stop directly outside on Westmorland Road. During school holidays, up to three children aged 11 and under travel free on buses with a fare-paying adult; on the Metro and Shields Ferry, this concession applies every day.
Parking at the Life Science Centre
Times Square Car Park, owned and operated by Centre for Life, is a short walk from the entrance and open 24 hours a day.
Rates start at £1.80 for up to one hour, rising to £15.50 for up to 24 hours; weekly and monthly passes are also available. Parking can be pre-booked online alongside science centre tickets, with bookings valid for up to a 5-hour stay.
How long to spend at the Life Science Centre
Most visitors spend 3 to 4 hours exploring the science centre’s various zones and shows.
Individual highlights range from 10-minute planetarium shows to the hour-long Space Zone, so families often treat it as a half-day out, with time added for the café or gift shop.
Accessibility at the Life Science Centre
The science centre has level access throughout, with lifts and ramps to all floors and a Changing Places toilet on the ground floor.
Wheelchairs can be loaned for the duration of a visit, and wheelchair spaces are available in the Planetarium and Science Theatre, both fitted with induction loops. Sensory bags and ear defenders can be hired for a £10 refundable deposit, and monthly Relaxed Sunday Sessions offer a dedicated quiet time for autistic visitors and others with sensory needs.
Inside the Life Science Centre
The centre is home to the North’s largest planetarium, hosting a changing programme of dome shows, including Life: The Greatest Story (age 7+) and Little Bear for under-7s.
Space Zone is the largest single area, worth setting aside about an hour, while the Wow Zone and Lightbox each offer around 45 minutes of hands-on exhibits.
Brain Zone and Experiment Zone (both recommended for age 7+) focus on optical illusions and hands-on experiments using real tools, while the Making Studios run a changing programme of craft activities.
Younger children have their own dedicated Play Zone, and Hello World offers interactive displays suitable for all ages.
As of September 2026, The Great Dinosaur Escape, a collection of animatronic dinosaurs, is on display for a limited time, alongside the daily Fossil Live Science Show.
Practical visitor tips
| Focus | Tip |
|---|---|
| Timing | Book from 2pm onwards for a quieter visit, as mornings tend to be busiest. |
| Crowds | School holidays bring the biggest crowds, especially at weekends. |
| Layout | Zones are spread across two floors, so picking a few priority zones in advance helps with a shorter visit. |
| Entry process | Timed ticket slots can be booked online in advance; some afternoon slots are kept for walk-ups. |
| On-site logistics | Bring a packed lunch if preferred — free bottle and food warming facilities are available. |
Frequently asked questions about the Life Science Centre
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Life Science Centre suitable for children? | Yes. It has dedicated zones for under-7s and children pay the same standard ticket price as adults. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | Booking online is recommended, though some afternoon slots are kept for walk-up visitors. |
| Is the Life Science Centre open on Sundays? | Yes. Sunday hours run from 10am to 5pm. |
| Is the Life Science Centre wheelchair accessible? | Yes. It has level access throughout, with lifts, ramps and loanable wheelchairs. |
| Is there parking at the Life Science Centre? | Yes. Times Square Car Park is a short walk away, with rates from £1.80 an hour. |
Things to do near the Life Science Centre
- Newcastle Cathedral — a Church of England cathedral with free entry, about a 10-minute walk away.
- Newcastle Castle — the medieval keep that gave the city its name, about a 10-minute walk away.
- Discovery Museum — a free museum on Tyneside’s industrial history, a 5-minute walk away.
- Seven Stories — the National Centre for Children’s Books, a short bus or taxi ride away in Ouseburn.
- Grainger Market — a historic covered market with independent stalls, about a 10-minute walk away.
Alternative attractions
- Kielder Observatory — about 1 hour 30 minutes away, one of England’s best stargazing sites.
- National Science and Media Museum, Bradford — about 2 hours away, covering photography, film and television alongside science.
- Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh — about 2 hours away, an interactive attraction on the story of planet Earth.
- Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, Halifax — about 2 hours away, a hands-on museum for younger children.
- Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham — about 2 hours away, housed in a former steelworks.
More North-East England travel
Other North-East England travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Get the right times, prices and transport information for Tynemouth Priory and Castle.
- How to visit the Angel of the North with children.
- A practical guide to Corbridge Roman Town.
- What to expect when visiting Chesters Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall.
- Planning a visit to Housesteads Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall.
