Seven Stories: A Guide to the National Centre for Children's Books
Free entry, world-class exhibitions, and one of Newcastle's best independent bookshops — Seven Stories in the Ouseburn is a must-visit for families living in Jesmond.
If you have children in Jesmond and haven't visited Seven Stories, you're missing one of the best family attractions in the North East — and it's a 15-minute walk from your front door. The UK's National Centre for Children's Books sits in a converted Victorian warehouse in the Ouseburn Valley, celebrating stories through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and one of the only independent children's bookshops in Newcastle.
Best of all: entry is free.
What Is Seven Stories?
Seven Stories is the national home for children's literature in the UK. The building — a seven-storey former bonded warehouse on Lime Street — houses a permanent collection of original manuscripts, illustrations, and artwork from Britain's best-loved children's authors and illustrators. Think Enid Blyton, Michael Morpurgo, Judith Kerr, David Almond, and dozens more.
But it's not a museum in the dusty sense. The exhibitions are designed to be touched, explored, and played with. Children climb, draw, dress up, and build — the emphasis is on making stories come alive rather than looking at things behind glass.
Current Exhibitions
The exhibition programme rotates, with a mix of long-running shows and shorter special events. As of spring 2026:
- Mog, the Forgetful Cat — an exhibition celebrating Judith Kerr's beloved character, with interactive elements for young children
- Judith Kerr's Kitchen — exploring the author's world through the lens of her cooking and domestic life
Check the What's On page for the latest, as exhibitions change several times a year.
Regular Activities
Seven Stories runs a packed programme of regular sessions alongside the exhibitions:
- Story Sprouts — early years storytelling (Mondays 1:30pm, Fridays 11am, term-time)
- Story Stompers — early years activity sessions (Mondays 11am, Fridays 1:30pm, term-time)
- Baby Book Social — for babies and carers (Mondays and Fridays 3pm, term-time)
- Bookworm Babies — a structured 6-week course for infants and parents
- Daily Storytimes — free drop-in sessions for all ages
Some sessions are free; others (workshops, performances, author events) are ticketed. Check the website or call the box office on 0300 330 1095 for details and booking.
Author Events
Seven Stories regularly hosts visiting authors for readings, signings, and interactive sessions. Recent visitors include Joseph Coelho and Naomi Barley. These events are usually ticketed and sell out — book early via the box office.
Best for: Check the What's On page before every school holiday — Seven Stories programmes special activities for half-terms and summer breaks.
The Bookshop
One of the only independent children's bookshops in Newcastle, and worth visiting even if you don't have time for the exhibitions. The selection is curated and thoughtful — picture books, middle-grade fiction, YA, and a strong range of titles by the authors featured in the exhibitions. Good for birthday presents, stocking fillers, and treats after a visit upstairs.
The Coffee Shop
A relaxed cafe on the ground floor where parents can sit down while children decompress after the exhibitions. Not a destination cafe in its own right, but a welcome pit stop. Hot drinks, light bites, and cakes.
Practical Information
Address: 30 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ
Opening hours: Every day except Wednesdays during term-time, 10am–5pm. Hours may vary in school holidays (usually open daily). Check the website before visiting.
Admission: Free. Some workshops, performances, and author events are separately ticketed.
Age range: Primarily aimed at under-12s, but the exhibitions and bookshop appeal to all ages. Babies and toddlers are well catered for with dedicated sessions.
Getting There from Jesmond
On foot: Walk south from Jesmond Metro down Jesmond Road, turn left onto Stepney Bank and down into the Ouseburn Valley. About 15 minutes from Osborne Road. The last stretch is downhill and quite steep — bear this in mind with a pushchair on the return.
By Metro: Manors and Byker stations are both a 10-minute walk from Seven Stories. From Jesmond, change at Monument (2 stops on the Yellow line to Manors).
By car: Parking on Lime Street, plus the Arches Car Park (under Byker Bridge) and Ouseburn Central Car Park. Disabled parking available in all three areas. Free but spaces are limited — arrive early on weekends and school holidays.
While You're in the Ouseburn
Seven Stories sits in the heart of the Ouseburn Valley, which is worth exploring beyond the centre itself:
- The Cluny — music venue, pub, and restaurant a few doors down on Lime Street. Good for a post-visit pint or weekend brunch.
- The Cumberland Arms — traditional pub up the hill with a spectacular beer garden. Family-friendly during the day.
- Ouseburn Farm — a small city farm, free to visit, a short walk along the river.
- The Biscuit Factory — the UK's largest independent art gallery, also on the Ouseburn. Free entry.
- 36 Lime Street studios — artist studios and galleries that open for events like The Late Shows.
You can easily spend a half-day combining Seven Stories with the Ouseburn's other attractions — and still be back in Jesmond for dinner.
Best for: Combine Seven Stories with Ouseburn Farm and The Cluny for a full family half-day out — all within walking distance of each other and Jesmond.
Information verified via sevenstories.org.uk as of May 2026. Check the website for current exhibitions and session times before visiting.