Life Science Centre Newcastle upon Tyne

Life Science Centre Newcastle upon Tyne is a unique educational resource in the heart of Newcastle.

For over 25 years, Life has supported teachers by delivering activities that directly enhance the STEM curriculum, and delighted students with hands-on days out that inspire and educate.

Providing an itinerary that is tailored to the learner level and focus of your group, Life does all the planning for you – so everything is in place to create a great experience.

A typical school visit includes time in the award-winning science centre, plus a workshop – but you are welcome to choose what’s best for you and your class.

Life’s unique programme of workshops has been designed to reflect the current curriculum, taking place in fully equipped real labs or in the science centre and Making Studios.

Workshops cover Key Stages, 1, 2, 3, 4 and post-16, with topics ranging from coding and space to climate and electricity – there’s even a zombie apocalypse survival escape room.

Want Life to come to you? There’s a mobile planetarium that can be set up in your school to give students the chance to explore the moon, stars and planets. Just ask about outreach.

Over the winter months, Life is home to an outdoor ice rink which is very popular with school students and makes for a fantastic end of term treat. This can be combined with a visit to the science centre and workshop.

Our workshops and storytelling sessions are designed around current and relevant STEM themes, with links to the national curriculum.

Taking place in fully equipped labs and The Making Studios, they give students the chance to get hands-on with exciting experiences that can’t be replicated in the classroom.

A visit can also include time in our award-winning science centre, with interactive zones and activities adding an extra dimension to the day.

Our workshops help students make connections between what they learn in the classroom and the world beyond school, highlighting STEM careers, progression routes, and real-world role models.

All Key Stage 3 and 4 workshops meet Gatsby Benchmark 4, helping teachers link curriculum learning to careers without having to source and deliver additional content.

We endeavour to provide an educational visit that’s engaging, relevant and memorable.

Life has a LOtC quality badge, and won Gold for both Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and Accessible and Inclusive Tourism at the Destination North East England Tourism Awards.

There are many workshops to choose from. These are categorised on our workshops page by key stage and curriculum.

Key Stages

Key Stage 1 and Reception

Key Stage 2

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4 and post-16

Curriculum links (workshops are not limited to these)

Biology, Chemistry, Design and technology, Electricity, Engineering, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Space, Working scientifically

Group sizes vary by workshop, as do age ranges. Browse our workshops to see what’s on offer, and we will help you organise the ideal trip at the point of booking.

We provide online resources for children– these can be found here.

These were developed to be done either at home or school, so they are not all linked to the curriculum.

Groups are more than welcome to take pictures and/or videos in the science centre and workshops, we encourage you to share them with us to let us know what a great trip you’ve had.

We have a risk assessment available to download before your visit with all the info you will require.

To make a booking, or for more information, call (0191) 243 8223. The bookings team is available Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm. Alternatively, you can complete an online enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.

We allow a ratio of 1 adult to every 5 children for most groups. Additional adults over this ratio will be charged. In the case of SEN groups, we may offer further free adult support on request – please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Prices differ during the winter months while we have our outdoor ice rink. View our seasonal pricing.
Science Centre: £6.95 per pupil
Workshops: £110 per class (max 36)

Separate prices apply for Dissection, DNA, Genetic Engineering, Microbiology and PCR workshops.

School uniform or comfortable clothing with sensible shoes.

All our school staff have received first aid training,

Lunch: Life can provide lunch packages for your group, or students can bring their own. Storage for belongings and packed lunches will be provided on arrival.
Shop: Life has a gift shop with a selection of science kits, toys, books, souvenirs and gifts to suit all ages and budget. There are plenty of options under £10.

There are dining areas, toilets, and a changing places toilet. There is also a drop-off area at the back of the building for buses/minibuses.

Life is an award-winning accessible attraction, recently receiving Gold for Accessibility and Inclusion at the Destination North East England Tourism Awards.

We are committed to delivering inclusive, engaging learning experiences for every pupil who visits with their school, college or educational provision.

We also provide sensory equipment, BSL planetarium shows and tailored support to help make every school trip accessible, enjoyable and memorable.

Each workshop can be adapted to suit special educational needs, whether it’s for one student or a full class, accessible science is always a priority.

Our Schools Team have extensive experience delivering engaging sessions for visitors with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

This includes running our regular Sensory Science Clubs and working closely with visually impaired, hearing impaired and neurodivergent children, young people and adults to ensure activities are accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

For school visits, we are open Monday to Friday during term time, from 9am until 3pm.

There are teacher testimonials available at the bottom of our schools homepage and on many of the workshop pages.