Seven Stories

Visit Seven Stories, the national home of children’s books and the first gallery and archive in the UK that celebrates the magical world of children’s books.
Step inside and discover how books spark the imagination and creativity, with exhibitions, special events and wonderful activities for all ages, bringing children’s books to life.
Don't miss out on the interactive, immersive storytelling sessions which bring your beloved stories to life and the sensory sessions for the little ones.
Check out the workshops to get your creative flair own, writing, illustrating and more.

Seven Stories is a charity like no other, offering families a great day out where visitors can discover the fantastic, magical world of children's literature and books, a place where stories are brought vivaciously to life. Seven Stories, the national centre for children's books, preserves literature and is committed to children's heritage, particularly for after the 1990s, which saw most of Britain’s most iconic and influential literature being bought by international collectors. So bring your favourite story to life as you explore characters, literature, illustrations and more through fun interactive exhibitions, activities and special events.

If you're looking for things to do in Tyne and Wear, you'll have an absolutely unforgettable day out with the kids at Seven Stories, Newcastle, which is located in a seven-storied, former Victorian warehouse - making the storytelling even more vivacious, rich in history and drama. The little ones have a blast with all the interactive displays where they can explore their creative side, get involved in the displays and meet their favourite characters. Even parents have a wonderful time as they often love seeing the beloved titles from their childhood in action, bringing back delightful memories.

Seven Stories has a rich collection of all sorts of material that relates to kid's books, not just the finished text, but they have manuscripts, notes and everything else that goes into the making of a book. The impressive collection boasts things like the dummy books, rough artwork, editors notes, draft manuscripts, correspondence, proofs, and anything else that helps us to explore the ways in which books are created. Currently, the Seven Stories Collection includes the special material, texts and more by over 250 authors and illustrators, people and artists like Enid Blyton, Robert Westall, Philip Pullman, Judith Kerr, Kaye Webb and Edward Ardizzone, among others.

The exhibitions at Seven Stories museum are created and curated from original artwork and manuscripts, with something to appeal to everyone, from your little kiddies, to schools, families, future authors, illustrators, and bookworms. Don't miss out on exhibitions like Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee, Maisy's Bathtime and Other Small Stories, plus workshops like The Gruffalo Story Workshop, festive seasonal events like Funnybones Trick-or-Treat Cabaret, plus afternoon tea with your favourite characters like Afternoon Tea with Meg and Mog. What makes Seven Stories magical is that they celebrate the past work of children favourites, while showcasing its past, present and future glories in innovative and interesting ways, bringing it before a brand new audience.

If you're looking for things to do in newcastle with kids, then it only makes sense to take a trip to the this magnificent Story Museum where you and the family can delight in the Seven Stories magic by attending in-person, or even digital events, and perusing the extensive bookshop, featuring a large and splendid range of children’s books, all the way from baby and toddler picture books to young adult novels. Browse the selection of limited edition prints which are available to purchase, plus don’t forget to take a selfie with the Tiger from The Tiger Who Came to Tea on your way out.

Get immersive with the interactive Story time sessions, running several times a day, that are led by a Story Catcher, which children adore. These make for profound experiences for children and young people as they get really stuck in to their favourite stories in inventive, creative ways. For under 4s, check out The Story Station, where they can delve into seven of their most loved stories, accompanied by sensory boxes brimming with props and activities that encourage movement, laughter, and singing. For more historical interactive, exhibitions, check out the Discovery Museum, for all the best science and local history of Newcastle.

For the little ones with a creative flair, the Studio provides many chances to paint, write and simply doodle. They can explore their creativity through writing, illustration and crafts as they uncover a magical world of storytelling, of course, with dressing up in the Seven Stories theatre for dramatic fun. For more artistic days out, check out the Laing Art Gallery for great exhibitions, events and more.

What to know before you go

Seven Stories opening times are Thursday to Sunday 11am to 1.30pm and 2pm to 4pm.
When you're feeling peckish, head to the coffee shop where there are some delicious cakes, sweets, snacks and drinks, perfect for a little recharge. Plus, there is a Cafe on Level 2 offering food, perfect for the little ones. Make use of the outdoor seating on a lovely day, too.
There are toilets, plus accessible toilets are on Level 1, 2 and 7. baby change facilities are available on Level 1, 2 and 7.
As this is a listed building, with old, unique features, there is only one lift for visitors, so there may be a waiting time to use it. Pushchairs are admitted on street level only. The site is mostly wheelchair accessible.
Seven Stories welcomes Guide Dogs into the building but no other animals are allowed in.

Getting there

Seven Stories is located at 30 Lime Street ,Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle Upon Tyne.
If travelling via public transport, Newcastle upon Tyne is the nearest station, from here you can either get a cab or the bus, or the Metro. Get the bus 22 from Clayton Street, getting off at Tanner's Arms and walking from there.
If travelling via car, from the north travel via the via A167. From the south, travel via A1(M) and A194(M).
There is parking available, although there are a limited number of spaces at Seven Stories. Check out the Arches Car Park, too as there are more spaces there. under Byker Bridge at the bottom of Stepney Bank, next to The Ship pub. Alternatively, look here for NCP parking nearby the site.