Seven Stories – Centre for Children’s Books

Seven Stories – Centre for Children's Books

Seven Stories is a short distance out of Newcastle city centre in the vibrant area of Ouseburn. It has easy access for public transport users and there is plenty of paid car parking just a short walk away. Seven Stories is the National Centre for Children’s Books with 7 stories (that’s where the name comes from) dedicated to children’s literature.

What is there to do at Seven Stories?

Seven Stories hosts regular exhibitions of famous books and authors such as Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee which is currently on Level 5 of the building. Visitors can dress up as the characters from David McKee books or curl up in the comfy seats and read one of his books which are dotted around the room.

The Attic at the very top of the building is such a cosy location. It’s usually where events and storytelling take place. It’s a large open space with lots of room to sit and listen to your favourite tales. The studio is on the lower level of the building and is home to a range of arts and crafts and sensory toys. It overlooks Sea Song Sang, a Seven Stories storytelling boat that is moored on the River Ouseburn below and is said to drift off at night time to collect children’s dreams and stories.

Seven Stories has an amazing gift shop and independent bookshop with a small cafe in the corner. It’s jam-packed with book-related gifts and a huge range of children’s books that can be purchased. Seven Stories is a unique day out but is probably best suited for children aged 3 to 7 years. It’s better to visit when there is an exhibition or event on as otherwise, Seven Stories can be quite a short day out. There staff at Seven Stories are really what makes the place, they’re always super friendly, helpful and very enthusiastic in their roles.

Further Information

Is there food and drink available?

There’s a main restaurant in Seven Stories but it does often have a queue as it’s quite small, they offer a small range of food such as paninis, soup and children’s lunchboxes. There is a small area downstairs near the Studio where guests can eat their own picnics but this is usually busy with school visitors during term time. The gift shop area also has a small cafe where small snacks and hot drinks can be purchased.

What are the main things to do?

Various exhibitions, interactive displays, storytelling and dressing up, restaurant, cafe, toilets with baby changing, well-stocked gift shop, sensory toys, arts and crafts, wooden toys and books to read throughout the building.

What are the ticket prices?

An adult ticket is £7.70, £6.60 for a child aged 4-16. 1-3 years £2.50, under 1 free. Other pricing options are available.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.