Seven Stories
The National Centre for Children's Books in Newcastle: free-entry galleries and an archive of British children's literature in a converted Victorian mill.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Seven Stories opened in 2005 in a converted Victorian granary and mill in the Ouseburn Valley in Newcastle upon Tyne. The seven-level building was adapted for about £6.5 million and has received national awards for its role in regenerating the area. It describes itself as the first museum in Britain devoted wholly to the art of British children's books.
The centre looks after a large archive of original manuscripts, illustrations, notebooks and letters by authors and illustrators. Its holdings include material related to Judith Kerr, Michael Morpurgo and the largest public collection of Enid Blyton typescripts, and the archive itself is stored in a separate building elsewhere on Tyneside.
The galleries show changing exhibitions drawn from the collection, and some have toured nationally. Alongside the exhibitions, the centre runs storytimes, workshops and performances for families, a specialist children's bookshop, a coffee shop with views over the Ouseburn, and programmes for schools and home-educators. Entry to the galleries is free, while some events must be paid for and booked.
The building is currently being upgraded. The centre stays open, but some spaces may be temporarily closed, so visitors are asked to check with the centre before travelling.
Highlights
- Archive of original children's book manuscripts and artwork
- Free-entry galleries with changing exhibitions
- Specialist children's bookshop
- Coffee shop with views over the Ouseburn
- Storytimes, workshops and performances
- Founded
- 2005
- Operated by
- Seven Stories (registered charity)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry to the exhibitions and galleries is free. Some storytimes, workshops and performances are optional paid events that can be booked online or through the box office.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
A single lift serves every floor; priority is given to visitors with access needs. Accessible toilets are on Level 1. Baby-changing facilities are on Levels 1 and 2. Disabled parking is available on Lime Street and in two nearby car parks. Guide dogs are welcome. The coffee shop and bookshop also welcome well-behaved dogs on leads.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Baby changing facilities
Aimed at families and children, with paid storytimes, workshops and performances, a specialist children's bookshop and a children's menu in the coffee shop. Baby-changing facilities are available on Levels 1 and 2.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Manors / Byker Metro stations · 10-min walk
Manors and Byker Metro stations are each about a 10-minute walk away. Newcastle Central Station has rail links to all major UK cities, and the centre is a short taxi ride from it.
By car
Parking available
Parking along Lime Street; more spaces in the Arches car park under Byker Bridge and in Ouseburn Central car park on Foundry Lane (NE6 1LH). Disabled parking in all three.
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Coffee shop open daily 10am to 5pm (closed Wednesdays in term time) serving light meals and snacks, with views over the Ouseburn. Specialist children's bookshop on site. Hot drinks may not be carried around the rest of the building.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | School visits, support for schools and home-educators, and community projects are offered. The collection can be consulted through access requests. |
Museums nearby
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
Laing Art Gallery
Bessie Surtees House
Newcastle Castle
Great North Museum: Hancock
Hatton Gallery
All 8 museums in Newcastle upon Tyne All museums in North East England
