Seven Stories – The Centre for Children's Books, Newcastle upon Tyne
Museum in Newcastle upon Tyne
Tucked inside a restored Victorian mill on the edge of the Ouseburn Valley, Seven Stories is one of the best places to visit in Newcastle upon Tyne if you love children's books and the art of storytelling. Spread across seven floors, this national centre is dedicated entirely to children's literature, with colourful exhibitions, cosy reading corners and creative spaces where families can explore the worlds behind their favourite stories. Its name plays on the idea that there are only seven stories in the world, but thousands of ways to tell them, and Seven Stories is all about celebrating those thousand ways.
Opened in 2005, the museum holds original manuscripts and artwork from the 1930s onwards, giving you a rare chance to see the scribbles, sketches and drafts behind classic children's books. Exhibitions change regularly, and there is a rolling programme of story times, workshops and events led by enthusiastic staff and visiting authors, making this a great place to visit on a walking tour of Newcastle upon Tyne if you want to balance history and bridges with something more imaginative and family-focused. A bookshop, coffee shop and café on site make it easy to turn your visit into a relaxed half day out.
History and Significance of Seven Stories
Seven Stories opened its doors in 2005 in a converted Victorian mill, part of the wider regeneration of the Ouseburn Valley as a creative and cultural quarter. Choosing an old industrial building for a centre dedicated to children’s books was deliberate: it reflects both Newcastle’s working heritage and its ongoing reinvention as a place of ideas, art and storytelling. The tall, narrow floors lend themselves perfectly to a layered experience, with each level revealing a different themed space.
As the National Centre for Children’s Books, Seven Stories plays a unique role in preserving and celebrating the UK’s children’s literature heritage. Its collections of original manuscripts, illustrations and drafts from the 1930s onwards mean that classic and contemporary authors alike are represented not just by finished books, but by the creative process that led to them. For book lovers, seeing crossings-out, margin notes and early character sketches can be as exciting as meeting a favourite author in person.
Beyond preservation, Seven Stories is about inspiring new generations of readers and storytellers. By inviting children to play, read, draw and join in with interactive exhibitions, it makes books feel alive and approachable rather than intimidating. Teachers, librarians and families use the centre as a resource for nurturing a love of reading, and visiting authors and illustrators often collaborate on events and displays. In this way, Seven Stories has become a national reference point for children’s literature, rooted firmly in a distinctive corner of Newcastle.
Things to See and Do in Seven Stories
The experience at Seven Stories changes regularly, but you can always expect a mix of immersive exhibitions, reading spaces and creative activity areas. Galleries might focus on a particular author, illustrator, theme or period, using original artwork, manuscripts and props to bring stories off the page. Children can crawl into story dens, dress up, follow trails and interact with installations, while adults enjoy spotting familiar book covers and learning how much work goes into each finished picture book or novel.
One of the highlights is the chance to see original manuscripts and illustrations up close. Carefully displayed pages reveal how favourite characters evolved, how plotlines changed from draft to draft, and how text and image are woven together. This can be particularly inspiring for older children and teenagers who enjoy writing or drawing themselves, showing that even the most polished books began as messy, hand-written ideas. Staff are usually on hand to answer questions and point out details that might otherwise be missed.
Alongside the exhibitions, Seven Stories hosts a full programme of events, from regular story times and craft sessions to author talks, themed holiday activities and special weekend happenings. The on-site bookshop is a treasure trove of children’s literature, from board books to teen fiction and beautifully illustrated classics, while the café and coffee shop provide a place to refuel and flick through your new purchases. It is the sort of place where a planned quick visit often stretches into several happy hours.
How to Get to Seven Stories
If you are travelling from further afield, Newcastle International Airport is the closest major gateway, with domestic and European flights and a direct Metro link into the city centre. 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 Jesmond and then continue by bus or taxi towards the Ouseburn area where Seven Stories is located.
By train, you will arrive at Newcastle Central Station, a key stop on the East Coast Main Line with frequent services from London, Edinburgh and other major cities.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From the station, Seven Stories is around a 20-25 minute walk through the city and down into the Ouseburn Valley, or a short bus or taxi ride if you prefer to save little legs for exploring inside the museum. Local buses run regularly between the city centre and Ouseburn, making it straightforward to visit without a car.
If you decide to drive, follow signs into Newcastle and then towards Ouseburn or Byker, where you will find a mix of on-street parking and small car parks within walking distance of Seven Stories. Roads in this area can be a little tight and busy at peak times, so it is worth checking maps and parking options in advance, then taking your time strolling through the valley to the museum.
Practical Tips on Visiting Seven Stories
- Suggested tips: Check the current exhibitions and event schedule before you go, and try to arrive close to opening time so you can explore the galleries before they get too busy.
- Best time to visit: Weekdays outside school holidays are often quieter, while weekends and holidays have a livelier buzz with more scheduled activities and family events.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: 10am-5pm Tue-Sat, to 4pm Sun
- Official website: http://www.sevenstories.org.uk/
- How long to spend: Allow at least 2-3 hours to enjoy the exhibitions, reading corners, activities and a relaxed stop in the café and bookshop.
- Accessibility: The building has lifts and step-free routes to most areas, but as it is a converted Victorian mill there may be some quirks; check detailed access information if you have specific mobility needs or are visiting with a buggy.
- Facilities: On site you will find toilets, baby-changing facilities, a café, coffee shop and a well-stocked bookshop, making it easy to spend a good chunk of the day here with children.
- Photography tip: Look for colourful backdrops, book-themed sets and cosy nooks that make perfect family snapshots, but always follow any signage about where photography is restricted, especially near original artworks.
- Guided tours: Most visits are self-guided, though staff often run informal story sessions and activities; keep an eye on the day’s schedule for anything you would like to join.
- Nearby food options: Beyond the on-site café, the Ouseburn Valley has a good mix of pubs, bakeries and independent cafés, while Newcastle city centre is close enough for more dining choices before or after your visit.
Where to Stay close to Seven Stories
Staying near Seven Stories puts you within easy reach of both the creative Ouseburn Valley and Newcastle city centre. A comfortable option not too far away is Holiday Inn Newcastle Jesmond, which offers modern rooms and good access by bus or taxi to Ouseburn as well as the rest of the city. If you prefer to stay closer to the centre while still being a short ride or longer walk from Seven Stories, Hampton by Hilton Newcastle is handy for Central Station and city attractions. For a more boutique feel with easy access to both the Quayside and Ouseburn, Malmaison Newcastle places you right on the river, with a pleasant walk or quick taxi ride to the museum.
Is Seven Stories Worth Visiting
If you have children, love children’s books or simply enjoy imaginative spaces, Seven Stories is very much worth adding to your Newcastle itinerary. It offers a rare blend of national-level collections and a genuinely welcoming, playful atmosphere, so it never feels like a dry museum visit. The changing exhibitions, hands-on activities and cosy reading spots make it easy to spend a few hours here, and many families find it becomes a standout memory of their time in the city, especially when combined with a wander around the characterful Ouseburn Valley outside.
What Other Travellers Say...
Seven Stories The National Centre for Children's Books sits in a converted seven‑storey Victorian warehouse at 30 Lime St, Newcastle upon Tyne, and combines a large first‑floor bookshop and café with multi‑floor galleries and themed play areas celebrating children's authors and characters. Visitors praise rotating exhibitions (recently featuring Judith Kerr and Mog), giant character displays and hiding/play spaces for kids, and a well stocked shop, while noting that some gallery rooms can be closed for ticketed activities, events can book out, and the single lift, many doors and occasional housekeeping or café service issues (including nut products on sale) can affect visits with prams or very young children.
FAQs for Visiting Seven Stories
Nearby Attractions to Seven Stories
- Ouseburn Valley: A creative, riverside neighbourhood of studios, venues and pubs that makes a great area to explore before or after your museum visit.
- Victoria Tunnel: Take a guided underground tour of this 19th-century coal waggonway and WWII air-raid shelter running beneath the city.
- The Quayside: Stroll along the River Tyne for views of the bridges, historic buildings and a lively mix of bars and cafés.
- Great North Museum Hancock: Discover natural history, Ancient Egypt and an excellent Hadrian's Wall gallery near the university.
- Discovery Museum: Learn about Tyneside's maritime, technological and social history, all under the roof of a grand former Co-operative building.
The Seven Stories – The Centre for Children's Books appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Newcastle upon Tyne!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
10am-5pm Tue-Sat, to 4pm Sun
Free
Nearby Attractions
- Victoria Tunnel (0.0) km
Tunnel - Biscuit Factory (0.4) km
Gallery - BALTIC – Centre for Contemporary Art (0.7) km
Gallery - Sage Gateshead (1.0) km
Arts Venue - Laing Art Gallery (1.1) km
Gallery - The Tyne Bridges (1.2) km
Bridge - Bessie Surtees House (1.2) km
Historic Building - Theatre Royal (1.3) km
Theatre - St Nicholas Cathedral (1.3) km
Cathedral - Pons Aelius (1.3) km
Roman Site
