Planning your visit

The Great North Museum: Hancock is open daily with FREE entry for a great value day out.

Last entry is 15 minutes before closing time. 

• Free entry for a great value day out. 
• Last entry is 15 minutes before closing time.
• Please note that opening times differ for the Mouse House.
• The Library is open Monday – Thursday, 10am – 2pm (except bank holidays). 
• On weekday mornings during term time the museum is often busy with school groups. If you would like a quieter experience, we recommend visiting after 2.30pm on weekdays or on Sundays. We also offer relaxed early openings on Tuesdays from 9-10am during school holidays. 

If you are planning to visit the Museum on Saturday 29 March 2025, please note that there will be road closures in place around the Newcastle United (NUFC) Carabao Cup victory parade route, you can find out more from the Newcastle Council website. Find out more about Newcastle United's open-top bus trophy parade route. 

• We are based on Newcastle University campus in the north of Newcastle city centre. Our address is: 

Great North Museum: Hancock 
Barras Bridge 
Newcastle upon Tyne 
NE2 4PT 

• There is no public car parking on site so we'd recommend using the Tyne & Wear Metro to travel to the museum. The nearest station is Haymarket. Find out more about travelling to the museum.

• Our café is open, serving hot and cold refreshments. 
• Our new café pod is open daily until 27 September 2025 and serves soft-serve ice cream, coffee, cold drinks, and snacks. It is located in front of the museum entrance.  
• During school holidays, we provide a dedicated packed lunch space. Please look out for signs in the Museum that will direct you to that day’s location or ask a member of staff. If you want to be certain that there is a packed lunch area available in the Museum during term time, please contact the Museum ahead of your visit on -Telephone: (0191) 208 6765.
• You are welcome to picnic on the Museum front lawn in good weather. We also have several picnic benches on the lawn.
• Please help us maintain hygiene and protect our collections by not eating or drinking in any other area of the museum. 
• Our shop is a great place to pick up a memento of your visit with a range of products from dinosaur soft toys to books covering a range of the subjects explored in the museum.
• The Planetarium is open. Shows include Cosmix, We Are Aliens! and Audio Universe. From £2.95 per person, please buy your Planetarium tickets at the Museum Shop. Occasionally, the Planetarium is booked for use by school groups. If you are planning a visit on a weekday during term time, please consider calling us in advance to check availability - Telephone: (0191) 208 6765.
• Find out more about our exhibitions and events.

• If you wish to bring a school or college group to the museum, please contact the Learning team who will be able to discuss your visit requirements directly with you. 
• Email: learning@greatnorthmuseum.org.uk.

Please click here for more information about accessibility at the Great North Museum: Hancock.

Please click here to find out what facilities we have available.

We love welcoming groups during the summer and there’s lots to do! Please click here to plan a summer holiday group visit to the Museum.

• Help us ensure art, culture and heritage continue to make a positive impact in our region.  
• Donate today. Thank you!

Need to find a toilet on the way to the Museum? Click here to visit the The Great British Public Toilet Map, a database of publicly-accessible toilets. 

If it would be helpful to find out about the spaces in the museum before you visit, you can watch our video tour, which will guide you through soundscapes, changes in lighting level, sensory and interactive opportunities.