You are on Introduction to the Life Science Centre. Skip to the next section.

Introduction to the Life Science Centre

• Life is an amazing science centre in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne where one ticket gets you everything, making for a great value day out.
• With hands-on exhibitions and a changing programme of activities throughout the year, there’s always something new to experience.
• Highlights include:
• Wow Zone. Get hands-on with thrilling and interactive exhibits. Explore how to bend beams of light, see yourself in an infrared camera, and operate the 6-metre-tall ‘Big Machine’.
• The biggest planetarium in the north. Using Digistar 7 technology – Life's planetarium system is the most advanced in the region, with state-of-the-art projectors to provide ultra-rich visuals and a truly immersive experience. The planetarium is accessible via ramp and has space for wheelchair access.
• Space Zone. Here you can explore inside a mock-up model of part of the International Space Station and watch shows on the Sphere, a digital globe displaying Earth, Moon and planetary satellite imagery.
• Making Studios. Where you can create, explore and tinker. In the Making Studios you’ll find adjustable tables, which can be altered to suit the needs of your party.
• Live theatre shows. Join our science explainers for amazing live science shows full of exciting demos. The Science Theatre has space for wheelchair access.
• Experiment Zone. Grab a lab coat and do experiments using real tools and materials. Work on your own, in a team, or enlist the help of a friendly science explainer.
• Just for under 7s. Play Zone is a fascinating world where younger visitors can create make believe meals and entertain in the mini- kitchen and café and learn to recycle everything (it’s never too early to save the planet). There are extra pop-up play areas designed especially for our youngest visitors and discovery backpacks to help carers and younger visitors make the most of their visit.
• There are 2 types of sensory pack available.
• A sensory bag is available from the main reception desk, these sensory bags have a £10.00 refundable deposit.
• Sensory boxes are available throughout the different labs.
• Sensory equipment in the sensory bags and packs includes, ear defenders, sunglasses, fidget toys, and a visual story.
• Some age restrictions apply. See website for details.
• From November to February, Life hosts an outdoor ice rink in Times Square, just outside the Science Centre (separate prices apply).

You are on Opening Hours. Skip to the next section.

Opening Hours

• For information about the opening hours please click here.

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

Location

• There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
• The nearest National Rail station is Newcastle.
• The nearest Metro Station is Newcastle Central.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The venue does not have its own car park.

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• Public Car Parks View
  • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • The name of the car park is Times Square Car Park.
  • The car park is located on Railway Street.
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
• On Street Blue Badge Parking View
  • On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.
• On Street Standard Parking View
  • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop off point.
• Comments View
  • The Times Square car park has a height restriction of 215cm and contains 15+ designated parking bays.

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building on Times Square.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 124cm.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 124cm.

You are on Outside Access (Times Square Café and Shop Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Times Square Café and Shop Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front right of the building, on Times Square.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 116cm.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 116cm.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The desk/counter is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
• There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
• The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
• The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
• The lighting levels are good.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The type of system is a portable loop.
• The hearing assistance system is signed.
• Staff are trained to use the system.
• The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
• The hearing assistance system was tested on 17/02/2025.
• The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

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• Comments View
  • There are security gates next to the reception to enter the exhibitions.
  • There is an 82cm wide gate for wheelchair and pushchair access.
  • There are two 50cm wide turnstile gates.
  • A wider access point is available on request via the exhibitions area exit.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

Inside Access

• There is level access to the service(s).
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The system is a fixed loop.
• Staff are trained to use the system.
• The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
• This venue does play background music.
• Music is played in certain exhibits during certain activities.
• Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
• The lighting levels are moderate to good.

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• Comments View
  • The venue contains a science theatre and planetarium.
  • Each have induction hearing assistance available.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Life Café). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Life Café)

• The following information is for the café.
• The café is located to the left hand side of the building as you enter via the main entrance.
• Full table service is not available.
• Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
• Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
• There is not a lowered section at the counter.
• Some tables are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs are permanently fixed.
• No chairs have armrests.
• The nearest table is approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
• The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 73cm (2ft 5in).
• The distance between the floor and the highest table is 106cm (3ft 6in).
• The standard height for tables is 73cm.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Takeaway cups are not available.
• Takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• Menus are wall only.
• Menus are not available in Braille.
• Menus are not available in large print.
• Picture menus are not available.
• Menus are clearly written.
• Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
• The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

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• Comments View
  • The Life team can advise on suitable alternatives for visitors with allergies and dietary requirements.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Times Square Café Bar). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Times Square Café Bar)

• The following information is for the café.
• The café is located at the front right of the building as you enter.
• The bar does not serve food.
• Full table service is not available.
• Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
• Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
• There is not a lowered section at the counter.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• No chairs have armrests.
• The nearest table is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Times Square café and shop entrance.
• The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 73cm (2ft 5in).
• The distance between the floor and the highest table is 113cm (3ft 8in).
• The standard height for tables is 73cm.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Takeaway cups are not available.
• Takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• Children are welcomed in the bar area.
• Menus are wall only.
• Menus are not available in Braille.
• Menus are not available in large print.
• Picture menus are not available.
• Menus are clearly written.
• Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
• The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

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• Comments View
  • The Life team can advise on suitable alternatives for visitors with allergies and dietary requirements.
  • There are picnic tables located just outside.

You are on Museum. Skip to the next section.

Museum

• Exhibits cannot be audio described.
• Tactile signage for exhibits is available.
• The availability of tactile signage depends on exhibition.
• Braille signage for exhibits is available.
• The availability of Braille signage depends on exhibition.
• Touch tours are not available.
• Video tours are not available.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system is a fixed loop.
• Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
• Concessions are available.
• There is a wheelchair to borrow.
• To borrow the wheelchair, a member of staff at reception.

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• Comments View
  • The majority of the exhibits are interactive and are positioned at a suitable height for wheelchair users.
  • A majority of interactive exhibits have height adjustable tables.
  • There are wheelchair suitable spaces in demonstration and talk areas.

You are on Level Change (Planetarium). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Planetarium)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is located leading to the planetarium entrance.
• The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• The ramp does have handrails.
• The handrails are on both sides.

You are on Theatre (Planetarium). Skip to the next section.

Theatre (Planetarium)

• There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
• Designated seating is located in at the rear of the planetarium.
• Wheelchairs are left with you.
• A companion may sit with you.
• Companions sit beside you.
• It is 100m (109yd 1ft) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
• This venue does not provide audio described performances.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system is a fixed loop.
• Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
• A deposit is not required for the hearing assistance system.
• The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are all rows.
• The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
• There is a wheelchair to borrow.
• To borrow a wheelchair, contact a member of staff.
• Concessions are available.
• Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.

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• Comments View
  • Additional designated seating can be made available in the back row as chairs here can be moved.

You are on Theatre (Science Theatre). Skip to the next section.

Theatre (Science Theatre)

• There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
• Designated seating is located in at the front of the theatre.
• Wheelchairs are left with you.
• A companion may sit with you.
• Companions sit beside you.
• It is 75m (82yd 1in) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
• This venue does not provide audio described performances.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system is a fixed loop.
• Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
• A deposit is not required for the hearing assistance system.
• The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are all rows.
• The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
• There is a wheelchair to borrow.
• To borrow a wheelchair, contact a member of staff.
• Concessions are available.
• Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.

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• Comments View
  • The main seating is accessed by steps with handrails on the wall.
  • Access to the designated seating is on request by asking a member of staff to open the fire door at the front of the theatre.

You are on Level Change (Experiment Zone). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Experiment Zone)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is located to the rear right of the ground floor, leading to the experiment zone.
• The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• The ramp does have handrails.
• The handrails are on both sides.
• There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
• The step(s) is/are located to the centre of the ground floor, leading to the experiment zone.
• There is/are 9 step(s) to the area/service.
• The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
• The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
• The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
• The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• There is a lift to access this area/service.
• The lift does bypass the step(s).
• The lift does bypass the ramp/slope.

You are on Lift (Experiment Zone). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Experiment Zone)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located to the centre of the ground floor.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are ground to experiment zone.
• Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
• The lift is approximately 39m (42yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 113cm x 132cm (3ft 8in x 4ft 4in).
• There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• The lift does have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

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• Comments View
  • This lift accesses a small level change on the ground floor and overcomes the ramp or steps to the experiment zone.

You are on Other Floors (Front Staircase). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Front Staircase)

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • There is a landing.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Other Floors (Main Staircase). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Main Staircase)

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, M, 1.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • There is a landing.
  • The lighting levels are good.

You are on Level Change (Ground Floor to First Floor). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Ground Floor to First Floor)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is located to the right hand side of the building as you enter via the main entrance.
• The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• The ramp does have handrails.
• The handrails are on both sides.

You are on Lift (Main Lift). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Main Lift)

• The lift is located in the Life Café area.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
• Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
• The lift is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 98cm (3ft 3in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 160cm (4ft 7in x 5ft 3in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is good.

You are on Lift (Lower Ground Floor to Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Lower Ground Floor to Ground Floor)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located ahead as you enter the building.
• The lift is a platform lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G.
• Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
• The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
• Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 95cm x 140cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 7in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does not have an audible announcer.
• The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does not have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

You are on Parent and Baby Room. Skip to the next section.

Parent and Baby Room

• There is a parent and baby room for public use.
• The parent and baby room is located on the ground floor, to the left as you enter the Life Café area.
• The parent and baby room is approximately 30m from the main entrance.
• There is step-free access to the parent and baby room.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
• There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
• The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
• The baby change table is not height adjustable.
• The height of the baby change table once extended is 91cm (2ft 12in).
• There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
• There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
• The height of the wash basin is 82cm.
• The wash basin tap type is lever.
• There is a/are chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
• There is not a chair with armrests on both sides.
• There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• The lighting levels are good.

You are on Changing Places (Transfer Both Sides). Skip to the next section.

Changing Places (Transfer Both Sides)

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• Location and access View
  • The facility is located to the left as you enter the building via the main entrance.
  • The facility is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access into the facility.
• Dimensions and features View
  • You do not need a key for the facility.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The width of the door is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the facility are 334cm x 192cm (10ft 11in x 6ft 4in).
  • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
  • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
  • The length of the facility changing bench is 170cm (5ft 7in).
  • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
  • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
  • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
  • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
  • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 177cm (5ft 10in).
  • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 131cm (4ft 4in).
  • Wall mounted grab rails are not available for the toilet.
  • Dropdown rails are provided for the toilet.
  • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The type of wash basin is fixed.
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
  • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • Disposal facilities are available.
  • A privacy screen is not available.
  • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
  • The facility has a non-slip floor.
  • A functioning emergency alarm is not available.
  • It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from the floor).

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Life Café - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Life Café - Left Hand Transfer)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • There is pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter the Life Café.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The door may be difficult to open.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 200cm (5ft 3in x 6ft 7in).
  • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
  • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
  • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • There is a mirror.
  • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 80cm (2ft 7in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • There is a medium colour contrast between the external door and wall.
  • There is a medium visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
  • There is a low colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Comments View
  • There is a similar facility located next to this one with a right hand transfer space.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Transfer Both Sides). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Transfer Both Sides)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • There is pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main lift.
  • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the lift.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The door may be difficult to open.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 206cm x 211cm (6ft 9in x 6ft 11in).
  • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
  • The lateral transfer space on the left is 100cm.
  • The lateral transfer space on the right is 69cm.
  • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • The tap type is push.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
  • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
  • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • There is a mirror.
  • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • There is a medium colour contrast between the external door and wall.
  • There is a medium visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • There is a low colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
  • There is a low colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Baby Change Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located in this facility.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
• Comments View
  • There is a similar facility on the first floor.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Life Café). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Life Café)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
  • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, to the left as you enter the Life Café area.
  • The female and male toilets are approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
  • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.
• Comments View
  • There are additional female and male standard toilets available in the foyer to the left as you enter via the main entrance and on the first floor.

You are on Autistic Visitors. Skip to the next section.

Autistic Visitors

• Ear defenders are available to hire for the duration of your visit for a £10.00 refundable deposit. You are also welcome to bring your own from home.
• Visitor numbers are capped to prevent overcrowding. Life Science Centre is usually a little quieter in the afternoon after 2.00pm.
• Sunday is relaxed, when lighting levels are dimmed and noise is reduced and the number of visitors is reduced to 400.
• Sensory bags are available to hire from science centre reception which include ear defenders, sunglasses, a range of fidgets and a copy of our visual story (£10.00 refundable deposit, subject to availability).
• Parts of the Life Science Centre have low lighting and are quite dark.
• To help visitors prepare for a trip to Life Science Centre, a visual story can be found on Life’s website – click here
• In 2023, Life won Gold in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award category at the North East Tourism Awards 2023. To find out more click here.

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Additional Info

• Documents are not available in Braille.
• Documents can be requested in large print.
• A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
• A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.

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  • Staff receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • The Making Studios has adjustable tables which can be altered to suit visitors’ needs.
  • A packed lunch area is available for visitors who prefer to bring their own food.
  • Telephone Bookings Line: 0191 243 8223.