Venue Description

Life is an amazing science centre in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne where one ticket gets you everything, making for a great value day out! With hands-on exhibitions and a changing programme of activities throughout the year, there’s always something new to experience. Highlights include: Wow Zone. Get hands-on with thrilling and interactive exhibits. Explore how to bend beams of light, see yourself in an infrared camera, and operate the 6-metre-tall ‘Big Machine!’. The biggest planetarium in the north. Using Digistar 7 technology – Life's planetarium system is the most advanced in the region, with state-of-the-art projectors to provide ultra-rich visuals and a truly immersive experience. Space Zone. Here you can explore inside a mock-up model of part of the International Space Station and watch shows on the Sphere, a digital globe displaying Earth, Moon and planetary satellite imagery. Making Studios. Where you can create, explore and tinker. Live theatre shows. Join our science explainers for amazing live science shows full of exciting demos. – Experiment Zone. Grab a lab coat and do experiments using real tools and materials. Work on your own, in a team, or enlist the help of a friendly science explainer. Just for under 7s. Nurture your young explorers in our newly reimagined Play Zone, a fascinating world where little ones can take the lead and set their imaginations free. There are extra pop-up play areas designed especially for our youngest visitors and discovery backpacks to help carers and younger visitors make the most of their visit Some age restrictions apply. See website for details From November to January, Life hosts an outdoor ice rink in Times Square, just outside the Science Centre (Separate prices apply)

Accessibility

Life Science Centre is wheelchair accessible throughout, and all levels can be reached via lifts. There is also an access ramp to the upper level. Times Square Café and Life Café are fully accessible, and the Life team can advise on suitable alternatives for visitors with allergies and dietary requirements. A packed lunch area is available for visitors who bring their own food. The cafes, planetarium and Science Theatre all have wheelchair spaces available. In the Making Studios, adjustable tables can be altered to suit visitors’ needs. Carers are entitled to free admission when accompanying disabled visitors (1 carer per disabled visitor). Guide and assistance dogs are welcome, and all Life print is available in large print format upon request. Life has accessible toilets on all floors, as well as changing places toilet near the main entrance, which is fitted with a hoist, hand rails and an adjustable height changing bench. An induction loop is fitted at science centre reception, in the Science Theatre and the planetarium. Ear defenders for adults and children are available to hire from reception. Visitors can also hire a sensory bag which contains a range of fidgets to support their visit. To help visitors prepare for a trip to Life Science Centre, a visual story can be found on Life’s website, below.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: http://www.life.org.uk/accessibility

Awards List

Life Science Centre is a Quality Assured Visitor Attraction and has achieved Equality Standard Gold Award. This nationally-acknowledged award is given to organisations who can demonstrate excellence in how they approach equality and diversity with employees, customers and stakeholders. In March 2021, North East Autism Society awarded Life Science Centre 'Gold Standard for Autism Acceptance. In June 2022, Life won one of only two international Mariano Gago Awards in recognition of its innovative work with autistic communities, in particular its partnership with North East Autism Society. In March 2023, Life won the Gold Award for Accessibility and Inclusion at the North East Tourism Awards. In April 2023, Life was awarded the Bronze Deaf-friendly Standard by the National Deaf Children's Society.

Toilets

Life has accessible toilets on all floors, as well as changing places toilet near the main entrance, which is fitted with a hoist, hand rails and an adjustable height changing bench. All accessible toilets are wide enough and easily reached by wheelchair users. Please feel free to ask at Reception if you have any queries.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.