Biscuit Factory, Newcastle upon Tyne

Gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne

thebiscuitfactory / thebiscuitfactory

Tucked into Newcastle's cultural quarter just northeast of the city centre, The Biscuit Factory is one of the best places to visit in Newcastle upon Tyne if you love contemporary art with a strong sense of place. Opened in 2002 in a converted Victorian biscuit warehouse, it is now the largest commercial art, craft and design gallery in the UK, showcasing work from more than 200 artists each season across painting, sculpture, glassware, jewellery, furniture and design-led homewares, many with a distinctly North East flavour.

Spread over two main gallery floors, the building's industrial bones give a characterful backdrop to sleek, light-filled exhibition spaces, with four major shows a year ensuring there is always something new to discover. You can browse at your own pace, sit with a coffee on the rooftop terrace and, if something really grabs you, take it home; it is a highlight of any walking tour of Newcastle upon Tyne that explores the creative side of the city beyond its bridges and historic castle.

History and Significance of the Biscuit Factory
Things to See and Do in the Biscuit Factory
How to Get to the Biscuit Factory
Practical Tips on Visiting the Biscuit Factory
Where to Stay close to the Biscuit Factory
Is the Biscuit Factory Worth Visiting
FAQs for Visiting Biscuit Factory
Nearby Attractions to the Biscuit Factory

History and Significance of the Biscuit Factory

The Biscuit Factory began life in the 19th century as a working Victorian warehouse, part of Newcastle's industrial landscape when manufacturing and trade dominated the city. Constructed around 1870, it was used for biscuit production under various names, eventually becoming known as the Newcastle upon Tyne Biscuit Manufacturers, which is where today's gallery takes its name. That industrial heritage still shows in the building's brickwork, large windows and generous floorplates, all of which lend themselves perfectly to spacious galleries.

After periods of decline and underuse, the warehouse underwent a major renovation before reopening as a contemporary art gallery in 2002. The transformation from biscuit factory to art hub mirrors the wider shift in Newcastle's economy and identity, from heavy industry to culture, design and creative industries. Rather than smoothing away its past, the conversion celebrates the building's robust structure, turning former workspaces into calm, airy rooms that are ideal for showing large-scale works and curated group shows.

As the largest commercial gallery of its kind in the UK, The Biscuit Factory occupies a distinctive niche. It represents around 200 to 250 artists each season, providing an important platform for both established names and emerging talent, particularly from the North East. For visitors, this means the chance not only to view high-quality contemporary art but also to support artists directly by purchasing original pieces, limited-edition prints or crafted objects that carry a genuine connection to the region.

Things to See and Do in the Biscuit Factory

The main draw at The Biscuit Factory is the constantly changing exhibitions, with four major shows a year and new work arriving each season. As you move through the galleries you will find a rich mix of mediums: oil and acrylic paintings, original prints, photography, ceramics, glass, textiles, jewellery and bespoke furniture. The curation typically balances bold statement pieces with quieter works, so you can alternate between eye-catching centrepieces and more intimate discoveries as you walk around.

Because it is a commercial gallery, everything on display is available to buy, from smaller prints and ceramics to larger canvases and sculptural pieces. Even if you are not planning to make a purchase, the prices and labels give an interesting insight into the contemporary art market, and staff are usually on hand to answer questions about artists, commissions, shipping and payment plans. For local visitors, it is a place to return to regularly; for travellers, it offers a rare opportunity to take home something more original than a standard souvenir.

Beyond the art, the building itself is a pleasure to explore. High ceilings, exposed beams and big windows provide plenty of natural light, while the layout encourages slow wandering rather than rushing from room to room. The on-site café and rooftop terrace are popular spots to pause with brunch, coffee or cake while you look over your shortlist of favourite works. With free entry, generous opening hours and a relaxed, approachable atmosphere, this spot is one of the things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne that works just as well for a quick browse as for a leisurely afternoon.

How to Get to the Biscuit Factory

If you are travelling from outside the region, Newcastle International Airport is your main gateway, with regular domestic and European flights and a direct Metro line into the city centre in around 25 minutes. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Newcastle upon Tyne on Booking.com. From the airport, you can ride the Metro to Central Station, Monument or Manors and then walk or take a short taxi ride to the gallery.

By train, you will arrive at Newcastle Central Station, a major stop on the East Coast Main Line with fast services from London, Edinburgh, York, Leeds and other cities.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From the station, The Biscuit Factory is roughly a 15-20 minute walk via the city centre and over towards the Ouseburn and Shieldfield area, or an easy hop by taxi or local bus if you prefer to save your energy for exploring the gallery itself.

If you choose to drive, follow signs into Newcastle city centre and then towards the Ouseburn or cultural quarter, looking for Stoddart Street and the gallery's own signage. The Biscuit Factory offers free parking and is only about five minutes from the city centre by car, making it a convenient stop either as part of a day in Newcastle or on a wider North East road trip.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Biscuit Factory

Suggested tips: Take one slow lap just to see what catches your eye, then go back for a second circuit to look more closely at favourites and check prices and artist details.
Best time to visit: Weekdays and early mornings tend to be quieter, while weekends can be livelier but still relaxed; visiting shortly after a new exhibition launch ensures you see the freshest selection.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, to 6pm Sat, 11am-5pm Sun
Official website: https://www.thebiscuitfactory.com/
How long to spend: Allow 1-2 hours for a regular visit, and longer if you plan to linger over brunch or take time choosing a piece of art to buy.
Accessibility: The gallery has ramp and lift access between floors, with wide spaces that are generally easy to navigate for wheelchairs and buggies; if you have specific access needs, check the latest details before visiting.
Facilities: Expect free parking, toilets, a café and rooftop terrace, as well as a shop-style area where you can arrange purchases, framing and delivery.
Photography tip: Look for shots that contrast contemporary artworks with the building’s Victorian features, and if you plan to photograph art directly, always check and follow the gallery’s photography guidelines.
Guided tours: Most visits are self-guided, but keep an eye out for exhibition previews, artist talks or special events, which can give extra insight into particular shows or makers.
Nearby food options: The on-site café is an excellent choice for brunch or coffee, and you are also within walking distance of pubs, bakeries and restaurants in Ouseburn and the city centre.

Where to Stay close to the Biscuit Factory

Staying near The Biscuit Factory puts you in an ideal position to enjoy both the creative vibe of Ouseburn and the wider attractions of central Newcastle. For a stylish riverside base within walking distance, Malmaison Newcastle is a strong choice, combining characterful rooms with easy access to the Quayside and a short taxi ride to the gallery. If you prefer something closer to Jesmond and its bars, cafés and leafy streets, Holiday Inn Newcastle Jesmond offers modern comfort and straightforward routes to The Biscuit Factory by car, bus or on foot. For a contemporary city-centre option that keeps both the gallery and the main sights within easy reach, INNSiDE by Meliá Newcastle provides sleek rooms and river views a short stroll from the cultural quarter.

Is the Biscuit Factory Worth Visiting

If you enjoy contemporary art, craft and design, The Biscuit Factory is absolutely worth adding to your Newcastle itinerary. It offers the rare combination of high-quality, frequently refreshed exhibitions, a beautiful historic building and the opportunity to support artists directly by buying work you love. Even if you are just browsing, the free entry, relaxed atmosphere and good café make it an easy, low-pressure place to spend time, and its focus on North East makers gives you a strong sense of the region's creative pulse.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (1,569)

The Biscuit Factory, at 16 Stoddart St, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1AN, is a two‑storey art and crafts gallery housed in a large former warehouse with exposed brick and stripped floors; visitors praise its varied, often unique local artworks, an adjoining shop and event listings, and a cafe serving flavorful dishes with friendly staff, though parking can be difficult and disabled bays may be occupied at times.

Gordon Smith

2 months ago

"Parking is extremely difficult. On my visit I came with a lad in a wheelchair and two cars (neither had blue badges) were parked across where thedisability bay is situated. There were no alternative spaces nearby. Once inside though the Biscuit Factory is a delight of exhibits by local artists. It's a lovely building to wander around. The cafe has a diverse menu and all our ordered meals were lovely. 5 stars for the gallery and cafe but a star off for parking..."

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Mo Salehan

6 months ago

"Lovely place to go for some nice arts as well as food. I had Imam Bayeldi which was their special that day and it was gorgeous, very tasty and fullof flavour. Staff were friendly too. Then looking at some arts which I think are work of local artist and they are lovely and very interesting...."

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Zach

2 months ago

"Lovely gallery and shop space with a cafe. Stopped in for just under an hour. Didn't visit the cafe this time as came early in the day and not longhad breakfast, but enjoyed viewing the books and artwork, as well as checking the upcoming events. Parked a short walk from the location thinking we wouldn't get parked, but there was some spaces left...."

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FAQs for Visiting Biscuit Factory

No, admission is free for all visitors, and you are welcome to browse the galleries without any obligation to buy.

For regular visits you usually do not need to book; simply turn up during opening hours, though special events or private functions may occasionally affect access to certain spaces.

Yes, almost everything on display is for sale, from paintings and prints to ceramics, jewellery and furniture, and staff can help with payment options, framing and delivery if needed.

Children are welcome, and the open, spacious galleries can be enjoyable for families, though it is very much a working commercial gallery, so supervision is important around fragile works.

Yes, the gallery offers free parking on site, which is particularly handy if you are visiting by car or planning to take larger purchases home with you.

Nearby Attractions to the Biscuit Factory

Ouseburn Valley: A creative neighbourhood of studios, music venues, pubs and independent businesses that pairs perfectly with a gallery visit.
Seven Stories National Centre for Childrens Books: A multi-floor museum dedicated to children’s literature, ideal if you are exploring Newcastle with younger visitors.
The Quayside: Head down to the River Tyne for bridge views, historic buildings and a lively strip of bars, cafés and restaurants.
Laing Art Gallery: Explore 18th-20th century British paintings, watercolours and decorative arts in a handsome Grade II listed building in the city centre.
Great North Museum Hancock: Discover natural history, Ancient Egypt and an excellent Hadrian's Wall gallery a short distance away near the university quarter.

The Biscuit Factory appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Newcastle upon Tyne!

Moira & Andy

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