
Seven Stories Newcastle
The UK's national centre for children's literature, housed in a Victorian warehouse, offering free galleries and interactive storytelling.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for toddlers

Seven Stories Newcastle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for toddlers

Highlights
Must-see attractions
The UK's national centre for children's literature, housed in a Victorian warehouse, offering free galleries and interactive storytelling.
"An amazing place for lovers of children's literature, plenty of space for children to explore and create."

🎯 Book Paid Activities Early
Popular storytimes & workshops fill up fast! Check the schedule and book ahead online.
🚶♀️ Explore Ouseburn Valley
Combine your visit with a stroll through this creative quarter.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 392 reviews
Type
Book Store
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Judith Kerr Exhibitions
Galleries
Immerse yourself in the beloved worlds of 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea' and 'Mog'.

Interactive Storytelling
Event Spaces
Engage with live performances and craft workshops that bring children's books to life.

The Bookshop & Cafe
Ground Floor
Browse a vast collection of children's literature and enjoy refreshments in a welcoming atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Paid Activities
Ouseburn Valley Location
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Paid Activities Early
Popular storytimes & workshops fill up fast! Check the schedule and book ahead online.
🚶♀️ Explore Ouseburn Valley
Combine your visit with a stroll through this creative quarter.
☕ Relax in the Cafe
Friendly staff and good refreshments make it a great spot to refuel.
📚 Free Entry, Donate if you can
Enjoy the galleries and bookshop for free, but consider a donation to support their work.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Paid Activities Early
Popular storytimes & workshops fill up fast! Check the schedule and book ahead online.
🚶♀️ Explore Ouseburn Valley
Combine your visit with a stroll through this creative quarter.
☕ Relax in the Cafe
Friendly staff and good refreshments make it a great spot to refuel.
📚 Free Entry, Donate if you can
Enjoy the galleries and bookshop for free, but consider a donation to support their work.
🧸 Interactive Play Areas
Kids can hide, play, and interact with giant book characters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Seven Stories as a magical and inspiring destination for children and adults alike, praising its free entry to galleries, engaging exhibitions like Judith Kerr's, and interactive storytelling sessions. Some reviewers noted that certain areas were closed or required paid entry, leading to disappointment, and suggested more free activities during peak times.
"I went here with a friend and a 12 month and 14 month old.
Gallery: lovely nostalgic sketches for adults. Not much to do for babies-2 year olds.
Dress up, colouring in, role play for older kids. Themed story areas. My little one liked the lit up arch on the 4th floor the most- would be nice to introduce a young ones story themed sensory area maybe?
We turned up and the story time event was fully booked along with the craft sessions. Maybe should have some space for walk-ins?
The gallery spaces desperately needed the floors cleaning and dusting.
Cafe: not suitable for nut allergies. It sells peanut Graze products. There were peanuts all over the table and it was only wiped clean. You’d think they wouldn’t sell nuts in a children’s centre where millions of kids have nut allergies?
Sold sandwiches and cake. Friend said cake was very good. FYI about £4 for a hot chocolate.
The high chair straps were broken.
Toilets: 1 baby change in women’s, 1 in men. We queued.
Accessibility: due to the nature of the building there is only one lift and we had to wait quite a while for it on each floor. There are also a lot of doors which is hard with a pram.
It’s brilliant to promote reading for children and we’re lucky to have this venue in the north east. But I think it would be nicer with an older child if you could get booked onto an event, sit and read stories, colour in, role play etc. Otherwise there’s not much to do for a 0-2 year old."
L H
"Beautiful place, very warm and welcoming. We visited for a hot drink, but they were unable to serve us because they were behind on orders. I was disappointed but totally understood. Will go back.
The shop is really good and had some great stock."
Suzanne Nicolson
"Really enjoyed the Judith kerr exhibitions. Having seen the tiger one in York a few years ago, I loved the new mog one. Excellent bookshop too."
Charlotte Whiteing
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Seven Stories is located in the Ouseburn Valley. You can reach it by public transport, including the #ToonTour hop-on hop-off bus (Stop 9). It's also accessible via the Baltic lift for scenic views. Driving and parking information can be found on their website.
Yes! Seven Stories is very toddler-friendly, with free entry and specific activities like 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea' storytime. The interactive spaces are great for little ones to explore.
Opening hours can vary, especially for specific events. It's best to check the official Seven Stories website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and event schedules.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at Seven Stories, there are several car parks in the Ouseburn Valley area. Consider public transport or the hop-on hop-off bus to simplify your visit.
Seven Stories is generally pushchair-friendly, with lifts available to access different floors. However, it's always a good idea to check with the venue directly if you have specific accessibility concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to Seven Stories, including access to the galleries and bookshop, is free. However, many of the special storytelling sessions and workshops have a separate charge.
The cost for storytelling sessions can vary, with some priced around £2 per child. It's recommended to check the Seven Stories website for current pricing and to book tickets in advance, as these events can sell out.
While general entry is free, booking is highly recommended for paid activities like storytelling sessions and workshops to guarantee your spot.
Seven Stories offers free general admission. For paid events, check their website for any potential family ticket deals or concessions. It's also worth noting that donations are welcomed to support their work.
Absolutely! You can enjoy exploring the bookshop, browsing the exhibitions, and using the play areas without booking a paid session.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Seven Stories is designed for children of all ages, from toddlers to older kids. The interactive exhibits and storytelling sessions cater to a wide range of developmental stages.
Exhibitions often focus on beloved children's authors and illustrators, such as Judith Kerr ('The Tiger Who Came to Tea', 'Mog') and Julia Donaldson. They showcase original artwork and manuscripts.
Yes, Seven Stories offers a variety of activities including interactive storytelling, craft workshops, dressing up, and play areas. Some activities are included with entry, while others require booking.
Seven Stories aims to be accessible, with lifts available to access different floors. It's advisable to contact them directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.
Definitely! Adults can appreciate the history of children's literature, the original artwork, and the nostalgic charm of the exhibitions. It's a great place for adults to share their childhood favorites with younger generations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Seven Stories has a cafe on the first floor offering refreshments and snacks. It's a great spot to relax after exploring the exhibitions.
While there's a cafe available, it's generally best to check Seven Stories' policy on bringing outside food. Some visitors mention enjoying ice cream from nearby vendors.
The cafe typically offers a selection of drinks, cakes, and light meals. Reviews mention friendly staff and good refreshments.
The Ouseburn Valley has several pubs and cafes that are family-friendly, offering more dining choices if needed.
Prices at the cafe are generally considered reasonable for a visitor attraction.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use inside Seven Stories, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions within certain exhibitions or during events.
The interactive displays, giant book characters, and the unique architecture of the Victorian warehouse offer great photo opportunities. The Judith Kerr exhibitions are particularly popular for photos.
While there aren't typically costumed characters roaming, the giant book character displays provide excellent photo opportunities. You might also find photo booths or craft activities that encourage creative shots.
Seven Stories is located in the Ouseburn Valley, and while it's not a viewpoint itself, the surrounding area and the nearby Baltic lift offer great photographic perspectives of the valley and the city.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial, as some areas may be dimly lit to enhance the exhibition atmosphere. A smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing memories.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit