Great North Museum: Hancock costs nothing to walk into, which makes it easy to fit around the rest of a day. Families with babies and toddlers should head for the Mouse House, a gallery set aside for the youngest visitors and their families. The planetarium is the one part with its own ticket, bought at the Museum Shop.
The practical side is well thought out for small children: breastfeeding is welcome throughout, and there is a private breastfeeding area in the World Cultures gallery on the first floor if you would rather have somewhere quiet. Food is not allowed in the galleries, so plan breaks around the café or, in the school holidays, the dedicated packed lunch space.
The trade-off is getting there by car: there is no public parking on site, so you walk in from the nearest public car park on Claremont Road. The museum recommends the Tyne & Wear Metro instead, and you can drop passengers at the front entrance plaza or the lay-by on Claremont Road.
For children who find busy rooms hard, relaxed early openings run on Tuesday mornings during school holidays only, before the general public arrives; they are free but must be booked. The museum also runs occasional sleepover events for children aged 6 to 12, with dinner, breakfast and all activities included, and every two children must have an adult with them throughout.
Family FAQ
How much does Great North Museum: Hancock cost?
General admission is free.
What are the opening hours of Great North Museum: Hancock?
Monday to Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 11am-4pm.
Is there baby changing at Great North Museum: Hancock?
Changing facilities in the male and female toilets on the ground and first floors, plus the family toilet on the ground floor.
