Families in Newcastle will be able to round off the school summer holidays with a special discounted offer at the Life Science Centre Newcastle, as part of celebrations marking its 25th anniversary.
The centre is opening its doors on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August for its “Fantastic Fiver” weekend, giving visitors of all ages the chance to explore its full range of science attractions for just £5 per person.
The initiative comes at a time when cost-of-living pressures remain a challenge for many households, and Life Science Centre Newcastle is keen to ensure families can still enjoy affordable days out together.
In addition to the £5 ticket, the centre is trialling a further discounted £3 ticket for those eligible for Universal Credit, which will also be available over the weekend.
Among the highlights on offer is a new 360° immersive dome show in the planetarium, Life: The Greatest Story. Written and produced in-house, the show is narrated by actor Alex Kingston, known for her roles in Doctor Who and ER and recently announced as a contestant on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. The production explores the origins of life on Earth while posing one of science’s greatest questions: does life exist beyond our planet?
Visitors can also experience the new Lightbox exhibition, which uses light, sound and water to create interactive displays including a six-metre-high mist tornado tower. Other popular features at Life Science Centre Newcastle include the Wow Zone, where families can experiment with pulley chairs and the Big Machine, and the Space Zone, which houses a replica of the International Space Station.
For younger children, the Play Zone provides a space designed for early years learning and discovery, while live science shows, experiments and hands-on making activities ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy. All activities are included in the ticket price, making the Fantastic Fiver weekend a wide-ranging and accessible experience.
Linda Conlon, Chief Executive of Life, said: “As part of our 25th Birthday celebrations, this special offer will help more families enjoy the science centre and we look forward to welcoming them for a great weekend of fun.”
The Fantastic Fiver offer reflects the centre’s broader mission to make science engaging and accessible. Since opening in 2000, the International Centre for Life – of which Life Science Centre Newcastle is at the heart – has established itself as a unique hub where scientists, clinicians, technologists and educators work alongside each other. Research and treatments carried out onsite with partners such as the NHS and Newcastle University have received international recognition, helping patients and advancing scientific knowledge.
Over the past 25 years, the site has not only been a centre for groundbreaking medical and scientific achievements, including pioneering fertility treatments, but also a space where the public can connect with science in engaging and memorable ways. Through the Life Science Centre, millions of visitors have been inspired to explore the natural world, question the universe and experience science as a hands-on part of everyday life.
The centre is located in Times Square, next to Newcastle Central Station, ensuring easy access by train, Metro and bus. It will be open for the Fantastic Fiver weekend from 10:00am to 5:00pm on both Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August. Tickets can be booked online via the Life Science Centre Newcastle website or purchased at reception on arrival. The offer cannot be combined with other promotions and does not apply to tickets already purchased.
After the event, Life Science Centre Newcastle will close for essential maintenance and staff training from 1 to 8 September, reopening with its usual programme the following week.
With a landmark anniversary, new exhibitions and a special offer for families, Life Science Centre Newcastle is highlighting its continued role as a place “where science lives and grows” while making science accessible to everyone.
