Exploring the Great North Museum: Hancock

If you're planning a trip to Newcastle upon Tyne, one place you definitely shouldn’t skip is the Great North Museum: Hancock. This museum offers a fascinating mix of natural history, archaeology, and human cultures, making it a perfect spot for families, solo travelers, and history buffs alike. Best of all? Entry is free, so it's a great value addition to your Newcastle itinerary.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: where it is, how to get there, when to visit, what to see, and useful travel tips to make your visit smooth and memorable.

📍 Where Is the Great North Museum: Hancock?

Address: Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT
The museum is located on the Newcastle University campus, just north of the city centre.
Nearest Metro Station: Haymarket Metro Station — about a 5-minute walk away.
By Rail: Newcastle Central Station is just a couple of stops away on the Tyne & Wear Metro.
By Coach / Car:
There’s a coach drop-off point on Claremont Road (B1318).
No public car parking is available on site.
Limited Blue Badge parking is available — call ahead if needed.
Cycling: There is bike rack space outside the main entrance.

Opening Hours & Entry Information

Opening Times:
Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Last Entry: 15 minutes before closing time.
Entry Fee: Free – donations are welcome.
Relaxed Early Opening:
During school holidays, on Tuesdays from 9–10 AM, the museum offers a quieter, sensory-friendly session.
Booking is required, but entry remains free (donations encouraged).

What You Can See Inside — Must-See Galleries & Collections

The Great North Museum: Hancock is rich with variety. Here are some of the standout galleries and exhibits that make it special:

Living Planet Gallery
A showcase of wildlife and habitats, from polar regions to tropical forests.
Life-size animals — including an African elephant model — and natural history displays.
Fossil Stories
Travel back in time through fossils and geological history.
Includes a full-size replica T. rex skeleton — a real highlight.
Hadrian’s Wall Gallery
Archaeological finds, history, and stories about the famous Roman frontier.
Ancient Civilisations
Egyptian Gallery: Home to mummies (including Bakt-en-Hor and Irtyru) and authentic artifacts.
Greek & Etruscan Art: Sculptures, pottery, and archaeological treasures.
Natural Northumbria
Focuses on the plants, animals, and landscapes of the North East of England.
World Cultures
Objects and art from across the globe: Pacific Islands, Africa, Asia, North America, and Europe.
Mouse House
A fun, interactive space for young children (especially under-5s).
Planetarium
Offers engaging shows about space — ideal for families.

Accessibility & Visitor Support

Entrances:
Accessible ramp on the left side of the building leads to the main entrance, which has power-assisted doors.
There’s also an external platform lift on the right side with level access.
Parking & Drop-off:
Limited Blue Badge parking bays at the front entrance (call ahead to check).
Drop-off area available via Claremont Road.
Inside the Museum:
Lifts (with Braille and voice indicators) and stairs to all floors.
Accessible toilets on each floor; ground-floor toilet has adult changing table.
Seating is available throughout on benches in key galleries.
Visual story guides are available to help orient visitors before the visit.
For planetarium shows, there’s an “Audio Universe” version for visitors with visual impairment, and a wheelchair-accessible space.
Ear defenders, magnifying sheets, and portable folding seats are available for loan.

When to Visit — Tips for Travelers

Best Time for a Quiet Visit:
Weekday afternoons (after 2:30 PM) are less busy, especially outside school group hours.
Sunday tends to be quieter.
For a calm environment, try relaxed early openings (Tuesdays, 9–10 AM during school holidays).
Duration:
Plan for approx 2–3 hours to explore the main galleries comfortably.
If you want to catch a planetarium show, allow extra time (check schedule at the Welcome Desk).
Pre-Visit:
Use visual story guides to prepare, especially if you're traveling with children or neurodiverse visitors.
Check in advance if there are any special events or planetarium shows on the day of your visit.

On-site Facilities: Café, Shop & Family Spaces

There is a café serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals.
The museum shop offers educational gifts, books, and souvenirs — great for design and nature lovers.
Family-Friendly Area:
The Mouse House for young children
Interactive exhibits in natural history and archaeology for older kids

Why the Great North Museum: Hancock Is Worth Visiting

Diverse Collections Under One Roof — You get natural history, archaeology, and world cultures in a single visit.
T-Rex & Mummies — It’s not every day you see a dinosaur and real mummies in one museum.
Free to Visit — High value for travelers — donation-based admission means more budget for other adventures.
Accessible & Inclusive — With ramps, lifts, sensory support, and adaptive planetarium options, it’s welcoming to a wide variety of visitors.
Perfect for Families — Kids love the interactive exhibits, and adults will enjoy the historical depth.