The Discovery Museum
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
It’s free to get in to Discovery Museum, which is a massive space showcasing the best of Tyneside’s heritage over three floors and extensive galleries crammed with inventions, world-firsts, model ships and interactive activities for curious kids – and adults! Telling the story of Newcastle and its people from Roman times through to the present day Discovery Museum champions the spirit of the north east area. With events on all year. Closed on Bank Holidays.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,721 reviews
Excellent
1,035
Very good
522
Average
124
Poor
24
Terrible
16
MerseysideTinkerbell
Merseyside, UK4,682 contributions
Sep 2020
We booked to a time slot for the red arrows flight simulator and paid online but you did need to book an entry due to covid restrictions and limited numbers in places. We did actually arrive early and they said that as there was not many booked in that we could come in and start around the museum and make our way back to the red arrows flight simulator at our alloted time, it was only about 20 mins or so early, they said had they not got people booked for the simulator they would of been able to let us go into that when we arrived but they couldnt. We said we were very appreciative that they had allowed us in early as we had tried to work out a time as we had booked to go around the castle and this hadnt taken us as long as we had anticipated so were at a loose end. It is quite a large and versatile museum to look around and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We also really enjoyed the red arrows simulator too having seen then many times perform at various air shows since a child, it was quite something to experience what it is like for the pilot.
Written November 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello
Thank you very much for your review, and your cooperation at this very challenging time. I'm really glad you enjoyed the museum.
Carolyn Ball
Museum Manager
Written July 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
becnhugh
Wickford, UK281 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
Spent 3 hours here on a rainy September day. We are 3 adults and enjoyed the history side of the exhibits as well as the interactive ones too. Liked that there was a picnic area inside to be able to eat your own food. Also had a coffee and piece of cake in the cafe which was tasty and the sort of price you would expect to pay in a tourist type place. As entry was free (donations requested) I didn’t mind paying a bit extra for our snack.
Written September 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mandy003
Pantai Tengah, Malaysia174 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
I saw the other reviews and decided it was worth a look. We were met by a friendly guide who explained the layout of the museum and the various exhibits. He even gave us a paper map of Newcastle where everywhere else had run out!
Lots to see, well laid out and something for everyone. Lots of buttons to press for the small and not so small visitors. The cafe was good for a break too.
Lots to see, well laid out and something for everyone. Lots of buttons to press for the small and not so small visitors. The cafe was good for a break too.
Written November 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steven B
Tyne and Wear, UK23 contributions
May 2022
Have been today for the first time. It was very informative and I did learn a lot about Newcastle and it's history. You can tell a lot of effort has gone into the museum over the years. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, especially in the armed forces exhibit.
It was nice to see how Newcastle had changed through history and how many contributions into science and engineering have come from local historical figures. Our little one (2 and a half) loved the science maze.
The museum is free with a suggested donation of £5 which can be paid via a contactless card reader near the main entrance. There were also a few school trips while we were there. This is a really good facility for local schools to have on their doorsteps. That being said and I take into account that this is free to enter, but I felt a lot of the interactive activities were not operating. They were either broken or not available (I assume due to COVID). I just feel the interactive exhibits need a bit of TLC, which would have made our visit better. We came out feeling just that little bit disappointed that we were not able to fully experience the exhibits on offer.
There is pay parking outside the museum, but all the spaces were gone by the time we got there. I think they were probably taken up by people working in the city. We parked across the main road opposite the museum in the Grainger Town car park (accessed via Waterloo Street). The entrance and exit is very tight, especially for larger cars.
We spent about 2 hours in the museum and we did enjoy it, however having been I don't think I will return.
It was nice to see how Newcastle had changed through history and how many contributions into science and engineering have come from local historical figures. Our little one (2 and a half) loved the science maze.
The museum is free with a suggested donation of £5 which can be paid via a contactless card reader near the main entrance. There were also a few school trips while we were there. This is a really good facility for local schools to have on their doorsteps. That being said and I take into account that this is free to enter, but I felt a lot of the interactive activities were not operating. They were either broken or not available (I assume due to COVID). I just feel the interactive exhibits need a bit of TLC, which would have made our visit better. We came out feeling just that little bit disappointed that we were not able to fully experience the exhibits on offer.
There is pay parking outside the museum, but all the spaces were gone by the time we got there. I think they were probably taken up by people working in the city. We parked across the main road opposite the museum in the Grainger Town car park (accessed via Waterloo Street). The entrance and exit is very tight, especially for larger cars.
We spent about 2 hours in the museum and we did enjoy it, however having been I don't think I will return.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sheila C
Harlow, UK103 contributions
Aug 2022
There are some interesting rooms here with a variety of things to see and lots of interactive things for children. But as we went round, several things had signs saying ‘out of order’, which became a bit tedious after a while. I tried 3 different hand sanitiser machines, but only one had anything in it. Even the main lift was out of order which then saw lots of parents trying to get pushchairs and the like up the stairs.
We had coffee, but £3 for a disposable cup of okayish coffee is extortionate.
We had coffee, but £3 for a disposable cup of okayish coffee is extortionate.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steamy66
Grangemouth, UK138 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
It would seem all pictures supplied by Newcastle Council for tourists are woefully out of date as they show Azuma train outside and apparently it has been gone for almost four years. That said I love tanks so it’s replacement worked for me!!
Internally, very disjointed and confusing layout, chronology would be darn useful, Turbinia is an amazing sight but access would be cool, however the advertised ‘Rocket’ replica on all info stands is non-existent at this location. Keeping info up to date seems important to me.
Cafe unbelievably expensive for nothing stunning, very, very basic choices so as far as I am concerned I paid my donation at the cafe.
Internally, very disjointed and confusing layout, chronology would be darn useful, Turbinia is an amazing sight but access would be cool, however the advertised ‘Rocket’ replica on all info stands is non-existent at this location. Keeping info up to date seems important to me.
Cafe unbelievably expensive for nothing stunning, very, very basic choices so as far as I am concerned I paid my donation at the cafe.
Written May 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LauraDaveJames
Solihull, UK3,735 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
The museum is about a 15 minute walk from the centre of Newcastle. It is free to enter.
Most of the exhibits in the museum have been aimed at children.
A number of the exhibits have loud commentaries which are triggered by PIR sensors. This can result in some rooms with 4 or 5 commentaries loudly playing at the same time.
It’s okay if you’re in the area or taking children.
Most of the exhibits in the museum have been aimed at children.
A number of the exhibits have loud commentaries which are triggered by PIR sensors. This can result in some rooms with 4 or 5 commentaries loudly playing at the same time.
It’s okay if you’re in the area or taking children.
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brucestewart
Livingston, UK9,288 contributions
Mar 2022
I previously visited the museum a few years ago for a short period along with my wife. We were in Newcastle again for another short break and one afternoon my wife told me she'd like to go shopping on her own. Great I thought, I can go back to the Discovery Museum and spend a couple of hours looking the many exhibits without her hurrying me along.
I really enjoyed having the freedom to study the wide ranging collection of exhibits in detail and could have spent more time there but unfortunately had to leave at closing time.
I really enjoyed having the freedom to study the wide ranging collection of exhibits in detail and could have spent more time there but unfortunately had to leave at closing time.
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bensT9107YL
Swadlincote, UK263 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
This excellent free museum is within easy reach of the Central Station - only a 5-10 minute walk and near the centre for Life.
We had a train to catch so our time was limited and we got there for opening. We were warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic member of staff who explained the museum layout.
My parents were brought up in Newcastle and were keen to show my children more about the story of the city. The museum has several areas which tell this story very well.
The only disappointment was that the story of the 20th century was closed due to technical reasons which was the bit that my parents were most keen to show the girls. I’m still rating it as excellent as the museum is free and there is so much to see and learn.
I think the displays have been well designed to get across not only factual history but also the cultural feel of the area - most of the stories feature a personal aspect which I think helps bring things to life really well.
Obviously Covid has probably affected how some of the interactive artefacts can be used but there seemed to be something for most age groups.
We used the cafe for a quick cuppa and snack and it was enjoyed by all. The toilets and other facilities used were all clean and well maintained.
I hope to visit again when we have more time.
We had a train to catch so our time was limited and we got there for opening. We were warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic member of staff who explained the museum layout.
My parents were brought up in Newcastle and were keen to show my children more about the story of the city. The museum has several areas which tell this story very well.
The only disappointment was that the story of the 20th century was closed due to technical reasons which was the bit that my parents were most keen to show the girls. I’m still rating it as excellent as the museum is free and there is so much to see and learn.
I think the displays have been well designed to get across not only factual history but also the cultural feel of the area - most of the stories feature a personal aspect which I think helps bring things to life really well.
Obviously Covid has probably affected how some of the interactive artefacts can be used but there seemed to be something for most age groups.
We used the cafe for a quick cuppa and snack and it was enjoyed by all. The toilets and other facilities used were all clean and well maintained.
I hope to visit again when we have more time.
Written January 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
king3434
Edinburgh, UK45 contributions
Feb 2020
I'm very jealous that Newcastle has such fantastic museums that remain without an entrance fee. This museum is surely the best of the lot and caters for families looking for entertaining and adults looking for educating. The history gallery was brilliant and took us an hour to walk round. We particularly liked the 20th century sections and the TARDIS room! The museum has such pride in it's city and that comes through in the exhibits.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello
Thank you so much for your review. This is music to our ears! Great to hear that you came twice and picked up on our love for our city and people.
I do hope the next time you're in Newcastle you come again.
Carolyn Ball
Museum Manager
Written March 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is the museum suitable for a 2 year old is there plenty for them to do?
a family man
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK37 contributions
It was LEGO tables as well as interactive displays
Hi I would like to know if there are any human remains like bones and organs in the discovery museum newcastle
arabesque-gifts
newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom28 contributions
Hi no not as far as I know, sorry.
Do you have more than one type of pressure cooker?
Pam G
Fort William, UK59 contributions
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The Discovery Museum (Newcastle upon Tyne) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Discovery Museum
- The Discovery Museum is open:
- Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near The Discovery Museum:
- (0.09 mi) Holiday Inn Express Newcastle City Centre, an IHG Hotel
- (0.19 mi) PREMIER SUITES Newcastle
- (0.13 mi) Cute, cosy, well equipped apartment on the 5th floor
- (0.14 mi) Centralofts, City Centre
- (0.12 mi) A 4 bed apartment in Newcastle city center Victorian house on two floors
- Restaurants near The Discovery Museum:
- (0.03 mi) Turbinia Cafe
- (0.06 mi) Vegano
- (0.16 mi) Rumba Casa Latina
- (0.15 mi) Moulin Rouge Cafe and Grill
- (0.18 mi) Yathai