Seven Stories - The National Centre for Children's Books
Seven Stories - The National Centre for Children's Books
Seven Stories - The National Centre for Children's Books
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Seven Stories is the National home of Children's Books. There is no other place like it in the UK. Everything we do celebrates children's books, their creators and their readers. Many of the best loved books for children are written by British authors and illustrators, changing the lives of those who read and enjoy them. We select original artwork and manuscripts - from first scribbles to finished books - to create our innovative exhibitions and popular events. Seven Stories' unique exhibitions, lively events and playful activities bring children's books to life - every day for everyone - making us a place to remember.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Poodlelis2 contributionsA great day outSuch an amazing find! It really has something for everyone if you love books. My children thoroughly enjoyed their visit. Staff were friendly, warm and informative. The whole lay out is brilliant. Highly recommended.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 22 February 2024
- Adam TYork, United Kingdom902 contributionsReally cute museumOur toddler loves books so this museum was a no brainer on our trip to Newcastle. Naturally the space is very child friendly, even for toddlers that can’t understand most of the exhibitions. He had plenty of things to explore and space to run around to burn off some energy. After wandering around the exhibits, we sat for a coffee in the bookshop which was also really nice. It’s definitely worth a visit, particularly since it’s free (for everything apart from the events etc), and we’d definitely come back with him when he’s a bit older.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 24 May 2024
- Adeythom89 contributionsIf you love children’s books, this is for you!Seven Stories is amazing - although it’s very much designed with children in mind, as you’d expect (lots of books and soft toys to interact with, comfy seats to sit and read), there’s a lot there for adults who are interested in children’s books, too. The Judith Kerr original art from The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Goodbye Mog are worth the visit in their own right, but there’s more art, a great coffee shop and a pretty good children’s bookshop. Great!Visited August 2024Travelled soloWritten 15 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
363 reviews
Excellent
193
Very good
75
Average
40
Poor
29
Terrible
26
Mark
United Kingdom47 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We visited with our 4 year old daughter and paid £22 entry fee. It took a good while to pay - entry was incredibly slow and the queue wasn’t that long.
We arrived just in time for the pre-schoolers’ story time on 7th floor. The lady who read the stories was very enthusiastic and made the stories come to life.
We then made our way down the stories. It was disappointing. Just displays of art linked to children’s books. The displays were ok for what they were but some were tired. There were scrappy pieces of paper and (not well maintained) stationery for them to draw with. Some of the displays had been scribbled on and graffitied. There were piles of books in small holders dotted around. I’m not sure whether the intention is for people to read these to their children but it’s certainly not the environment to do that.
I just didn’t get it. I’m not sure what the place is for or what we were supposed to get out of it.
It certainly was not worth £22 to wander around looking at sketches, drawings and piles of books.
We arrived just in time for the pre-schoolers’ story time on 7th floor. The lady who read the stories was very enthusiastic and made the stories come to life.
We then made our way down the stories. It was disappointing. Just displays of art linked to children’s books. The displays were ok for what they were but some were tired. There were scrappy pieces of paper and (not well maintained) stationery for them to draw with. Some of the displays had been scribbled on and graffitied. There were piles of books in small holders dotted around. I’m not sure whether the intention is for people to read these to their children but it’s certainly not the environment to do that.
I just didn’t get it. I’m not sure what the place is for or what we were supposed to get out of it.
It certainly was not worth £22 to wander around looking at sketches, drawings and piles of books.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sp8333
Colne, UK86 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Really disappointed with the experience - would no doubt have enjoyed it more if my children were of the appropriate age. Visited with my sons aged 10 and 8 and it really was much too young for them. Story sessions, while lovely, were picture books aimed at much younger children. Activities on each of the various levels were also aimed at pre-school and Key Stage 1 aged children. This should definitely be advertised as the National Centre for Younger Children’s Books. Also, agree that it is expensive- only 5 of the 7 floors contain any activities, and actually we felt like we’d paid £25 admission to be given an opportunity to spend money in the cafe, coffee shop and book shop.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
upnorth1
newcastle7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Most likely our first and last trip. I had planned to visit for some time with my 5 year old and as it was a rainy summers day we made the 40 minute drive . Upon entering i explained we had never been before , i was expecting an explanation of what to find on each floor and what was available for my child to do while
We visited. I assumed as it was the summer holidays there would be lots of extra childrens activities. I was told about 2 payable events that day but nothing else . I asked how much the zoolab experience was he said £9.50 but i agreed as my child loves, bugs/animals . No sooner had i said yes £19 was charged to my card and no details given about the event apart from the start time The gentleman had failed to tell me adults had to pay. This budget friendly day was expensive already.
The zoolab event was underwhelming and very expensive . It was a storytelling session where a bug/small animal was brought out every so often and placed on the Childs hand for a few second's while the man held it. It was not the animal encounter i was expecting . I really don't know why accompanying adults had to pay to sit and watch when they did not take part, just supervise their child. I paid £19 for a 45minute session. I felt i had wasted my money.
There didn't seem to be any extra activities on for the children. Apart from a few colouring pictures which you couldn't colour in as all the pencils were blunt or broken .
The reading section on floor 3 didn't have many books and what there was was torn & battered .
The attic room was closed aswell as other sections , the cafe downstairs was closed.
We did use the cafe on entrance level where i was unimpressed with the selection of food and service was slow .
On a plus point my son was happy with the 2 books i purchased for £15 , that i full well knew would be cheaper else where.
Sad to say i was upset at what i felt was a wasted day and wasted money.
We visited. I assumed as it was the summer holidays there would be lots of extra childrens activities. I was told about 2 payable events that day but nothing else . I asked how much the zoolab experience was he said £9.50 but i agreed as my child loves, bugs/animals . No sooner had i said yes £19 was charged to my card and no details given about the event apart from the start time The gentleman had failed to tell me adults had to pay. This budget friendly day was expensive already.
The zoolab event was underwhelming and very expensive . It was a storytelling session where a bug/small animal was brought out every so often and placed on the Childs hand for a few second's while the man held it. It was not the animal encounter i was expecting . I really don't know why accompanying adults had to pay to sit and watch when they did not take part, just supervise their child. I paid £19 for a 45minute session. I felt i had wasted my money.
There didn't seem to be any extra activities on for the children. Apart from a few colouring pictures which you couldn't colour in as all the pencils were blunt or broken .
The reading section on floor 3 didn't have many books and what there was was torn & battered .
The attic room was closed aswell as other sections , the cafe downstairs was closed.
We did use the cafe on entrance level where i was unimpressed with the selection of food and service was slow .
On a plus point my son was happy with the 2 books i purchased for £15 , that i full well knew would be cheaper else where.
Sad to say i was upset at what i felt was a wasted day and wasted money.
Written 2 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruthadie09
Newton Aycliffe, UK88 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Went with my 6 year old. Enterance is free for the actual centre, it comprises of about 5 floors of different themes, their is one floor that was most suited to younger kids and was stuffed to the rafters with toddlers, babies and kids up to about 7, the rest of the place was practically empty, the upper floors are slightly better for older kids, but doubt much to keep a child past 10 amused. Their are spaces all over for you to read with you kids, but most of the books were again aimed at younger children, I think the 4th floor was based on Narnia etc and I think a couple of books for kids slightly older. Surprised they haven’t done a floor dedicated for teenagers or kids aged 9+, We gave up on the busy floor very quickly, lots of pushchairs everywhere, would be miles better if they had a pushchair store downstairs, so people can leave them locked up if they wanted to. Couldn’t use the lift as that was always full with pushchairs and seeing as everything is spread over floors it’s a pain. (Stairs obviously available, but sadly grown adults struggle with the idea of single file on a narrow stairway)
The better part of the museem is the ‘live book readings’, these are paid for events and cost £2 for a normal event or £7 for a special event (Halloween being the current event), the £2 shows take about 20 mins, the £7 are about an hour and are classed as immersive. If you have a blue Peter badge it’s free! They have lots going on during the day, so plan around what you want to see.
We didn’t get chance to stay for the story time, and the sessions/stories on offer was something we had read previously so decided to give it a miss. Honestly that’s probably the best part of the place. We probably should have checked online for what was being read.
Think we will try again, but maybe on a normal weekend as opposed to school holidays.
If you do go, ouseburn farm is also a decent shout, 2 mins walk down the hill and free entry!
The better part of the museem is the ‘live book readings’, these are paid for events and cost £2 for a normal event or £7 for a special event (Halloween being the current event), the £2 shows take about 20 mins, the £7 are about an hour and are classed as immersive. If you have a blue Peter badge it’s free! They have lots going on during the day, so plan around what you want to see.
We didn’t get chance to stay for the story time, and the sessions/stories on offer was something we had read previously so decided to give it a miss. Honestly that’s probably the best part of the place. We probably should have checked online for what was being read.
Think we will try again, but maybe on a normal weekend as opposed to school holidays.
If you do go, ouseburn farm is also a decent shout, 2 mins walk down the hill and free entry!
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clare J
3 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Visited February 2020 with my 3 year old and 1 year old granddaughters and I would highly recommend it here for a couple of hours out with young children. The story telling in the attic was a particular favourite of my youngest granddaughter and she really got herself involved. There are lots of different rooms to explore dressing up, crafts etc great for little imaginations.
My only complaint is because this was our first visit I didn’t purchase a yearly ticket as we will be back.
My only complaint is because this was our first visit I didn’t purchase a yearly ticket as we will be back.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Clare,
Thank you so, so much for taking the time to leave such a positive review about your recent visit to Seven Stories. And a big thank you for recommending us. We are full of smiles and sporting little flushed cheeks of happiness. We are delighted to hear that your granddaughter loved our story times. They're one of our favorite things to get involved with too. You're never too old to have a story read to you!
And you can upgrade your day pass to an annual pass Clare. If you a) still have your receipt or b) gave details at reception and return within 30 days of that initial visit, we'll take the cost of the day visit off the price of an annual pass.
Thank you again for your lovely comments and we hope to see you and your family here again soon.
Best Wishes,
Cathy.
Visitor Services and Customer Relations Coordinator.
Written 8 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Caroline R
2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
I visited here with my 10-year-old daughter, an avid reader, however there was nothing suitable to inspire her age group. I felt the museum was just full of empty space with a bit of dressing up. I had hoped to see some of the archives on display but now know that they are not generally available for public perusal. It could’ve been so good but the exhibitions were all aimed at preschool age. I had wanted to go here for years but I won’t be recommending it to anyone with children over five or six.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mat Tobin
1 contribution
Jul 2021
We arrived early in the morning to Seven Stories and were fortunate to find a parking space nearby (phone and ask the team there and they'll make some useful suggestions). We stayed for about 2-3 hours which was just right and took both our boys (6&8).
The first thing that struck both of us was the welcome we received from the staff and the quality of interactive element in two of the rooms. We went on the 'Once There Was Magic' tour which was led by a 'witch' who guided the boys through a series of rooms in which they had to unravel of mystery in order to get back to their world. Both boys were utterly hooked as were the adults too. It was an immersive and well-paced experience.
We then took a tour around the other interactive gallery which is more at your own pace. There was plenty to look at and explore for all ages: shadow puppets of The Gruffalo for the 6 year old and story crafting for the 8 year old. For the adults, there was original art and notes from illustrators and authors.
A lovely, small bookshop awaited us at the end within a cafe (which served very good coffee). Cannot recommend enough.
The first thing that struck both of us was the welcome we received from the staff and the quality of interactive element in two of the rooms. We went on the 'Once There Was Magic' tour which was led by a 'witch' who guided the boys through a series of rooms in which they had to unravel of mystery in order to get back to their world. Both boys were utterly hooked as were the adults too. It was an immersive and well-paced experience.
We then took a tour around the other interactive gallery which is more at your own pace. There was plenty to look at and explore for all ages: shadow puppets of The Gruffalo for the 6 year old and story crafting for the 8 year old. For the adults, there was original art and notes from illustrators and authors.
A lovely, small bookshop awaited us at the end within a cafe (which served very good coffee). Cannot recommend enough.
Written 31 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mathew_Tobin
Thank you so much for taking the time to review us.
We only opened up properly on the 24th July, so to receive five wonderful booky stars before the month is out is a dream come true. We are beaming, and a little pink in the cheeks.
We have an incredible front of house team who do everything from barista coffees, to baking cakes to book recommends to running reception and performing as wizards. It's lovely to hear that they took great care of you and your family.
Our Once There was Magic exhibition is quite different to anything we've done before, with it's crystal maze type challenges and your very own wizard to guide you through. So glad you enjoyed the experience and found time to explore our free exhibition on level 4, browse the bookshop and slurp some coffee.
Thank you again for the feedback.
Best wishes,
Cathy Brumby
Programme Manager
Written 6 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue13books
3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Visited today with 6yr old, 3 Yr old and a 15 Yr old.... We all found things to live about this place, Mum wanted to stay longer to read all the finer detail, some of the children wanted more time dressing up, using the shadow puppets, trying on some of the Queen's Knickers ...
Mostly we wanted another magical story interactive story session up in the attic.
Lawrence was amazing as he helped us live every moment of Winnie the Witch Trying to find the perfect friend to live with.The children & adults loved it
Mostly we wanted another magical story interactive story session up in the attic.
Lawrence was amazing as he helped us live every moment of Winnie the Witch Trying to find the perfect friend to live with.The children & adults loved it
Written 18 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie B
2 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Really fantastic party put on today for my little girl’s first birthday. Very reasonably priced, amazing decorations and food buffet, super friendly staff and Laurence was brilliant with the kids and gave an animated story telling performance which the babies loved. We were beyond impressed!
We come often for the story telling sessions which are free for under 1s. Have also been to the baby social which is a great free activity. Coffees and cakes always lovely. Has been a wonderful place to spend my maternity leave and we are so lucky to have this place in Newcastle.
We come often for the story telling sessions which are free for under 1s. Have also been to the baby social which is a great free activity. Coffees and cakes always lovely. Has been a wonderful place to spend my maternity leave and we are so lucky to have this place in Newcastle.
Written 25 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Timbo011
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK133 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We have wanted to visit for ages but was rather disappointed.
We had booked mosaic making but this was cancelled the day before due to staff shortages which is fair enough but went along anyway for access to books to read.
Books were rather hard to come by and poor in range.
Storytelling which was only £2 per child was engaging and interactive and the kids enjoyed the dressing up rooms.
Both the cafe and Attic were closed and the Mog the cat room had very few pencils and stencils to colour in and it was the same in another room.
So all in all rather disappointing though I fully appreciate this is a charity but I still expected better from the National Book centre.
We had booked mosaic making but this was cancelled the day before due to staff shortages which is fair enough but went along anyway for access to books to read.
Books were rather hard to come by and poor in range.
Storytelling which was only £2 per child was engaging and interactive and the kids enjoyed the dressing up rooms.
Both the cafe and Attic were closed and the Mog the cat room had very few pencils and stencils to colour in and it was the same in another room.
So all in all rather disappointing though I fully appreciate this is a charity but I still expected better from the National Book centre.
Written 1 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the centre within walking distance from the train station?
Written 4 February 2018
Not really. It is a long walk along the Quayside. Some steep inclines. Newcastle taxis are cheap so it is probably better just to take a taxi from the railway station
Written 12 February 2018
I am looking to bring my 11month who is walking and very curious of the world. She is a right bookworm too. Just wondering if there are activities for her to be included in too? Or am I wasting my time.
Thank you
Written 1 August 2017
I am looking to bring my 11month who is walking and very curious of the world. She is a right bookworm too. Just wondering if there are activities for her to be included in too? Or am I wasting my time.
Thank you
Written 1 August 2017
I'm so sorry I've only just seen your question! I hope you did visit but if you didn't then I certainly recommend you take her. There is plenty for her to do and in particular there is one room which has dressing up clothes and a raised sort of round sofa/bed thing with cushions and you can choose books from the boxes to read in there. There's plenty more for her to get involved in too though. Lots of things to spin and touch and hold. Last time I went I took my granddaughter who was 15 months and she loved it. We went onto the top floor and got involved in story-time where the organisers read a story and the children had to keep finding the things mentioned in the story and put them on the parachute. :)
Written 21 October 2017
As Tony says, it is indeed a lovely walk along the river. You can also get the Metro to Manors and walk along New Bridge Street then down on to Stepney Bank. If you follow the road down and round to the right at the bottom you'll see Seven Stories ahead of you on the left. It takes 10-15 minutes.
Written 27 March 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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