Brick History & North East Landmarks | New Lego Exhibitions at Life Science Centre, Newcastle | A Review

*This is a collaborative post

Newcastle's Life Science Centre is one of our favourite indoor places to visit in our city. It is fantastic for little ones (we recommend checking out their pre-school days) but also an excellent day out for older children who can often be tricky to entertain. Harry, Heidi and Jack are always very excited when I mention we are going to visit. 

The centre features regularly changing exhibits and over the years we've enjoyed everything from Doctor Who to Animals Inside Out. This season, Life hosts two very special Lego exhibitions - Brick History and North East Lego Landmarks. Both exhibitions continue until 14th May.

The Lego exhibitions had only been open for a couple of weeks on the day of our visit. We arrived mid-morning and the queue was huge (for those who know Life, it was all the way downstairs to the packed lunch area) and it took around 10-15 minutes for us to get to to the front. I was worried that this was going to impact on our visit and that perhaps we wouldn't be able to get up close to the models. I didn't need to worry though as the actual exhibitions weren't too busy at all. I guess this is because there is so much to do around the centre so the areas never seem over-crowded.

Brick History Lego Exhibition at Life Science Centre, Newcastle

'Brick History is a journey into over 50 of the most pivotal moments in world history - recreated in Lego bricks.'

I really didn't know what to expect from this exhibition and wondered if it might be a little bit boring. I mean it's just a few Lego models isn't it? I did think that the kids might dash around and not be particularly bothered but OMG I was completely wrong. We all LOVED this exhibition. We carefully visited every model and marvelled at the detail and technique involved in creating each piece.

The topics covered were so varied too - from the extinction of Dinosaurs to Slavery and the invention of the mobile phone. Every model we looked at raised questions and discussion from our children which is exactly what you want when visiting a Science centre. Take a look at our video below and you can clearly see how much fun the kids are having:

There is lots of space to view the models. We visited at peak time on a Saturday and could see everything without any issue. There was never any pressure to move on or move out of the way. In the centre of the exhibition is a giant Lego and Duplo table where children can create their own Lego models and there's even a display case for them to keep them safe when they're done which is a nice touch. Here are a few of our favourite models from the exhibition - there are over 50 to see and this is just a tiny sample:

North East Landmarks Lego Exhibition at Life Science Centre, Newcastle

Towards the back of Brick History, you'll find a special area dedicated to North East Landmarks which has been created by local Lego builder Steve Mayes. I loved walking around this exhibition and we had fun spotting all of our favourite North East landmarks. Our favourites were probably the Baltic, the Angel of the North and how Tynemouth Pool could look when it's restored. Steve is a talented guy! Here are a few of our favourite photos from the exhibition: 

Everything else at Life Science Centre (you can spend a full day here)

Life Science Centre is open from 10am-6pm (11am-6pm on a Sunday) and you can easily spend a full day here. There is so much for children of all ages (and their grown ups) to enjoy and it's all hands on fun and learning (but shhhh don't tell the kids that). From the Brain Zone that lets you understand what's going on inside your brain to a 4D motion ride, young explorers zone, science theatre, the North East's biggest planetarium and much more. Our favourite area is the experiment zone (over 7s only) where you get the chance to wear a lab coat and conduct real life experiments. If you visit before 26th February, you can take a spin on Life's outdoor ice rink too (extra charges apply).

Food at Life Science Centre, Newcastle

We nearly always dine in the cafe as it is such good value. During this visit, I ordered toad in the hole and a mini one for Jack, Heidi and Harry ordered a 5 piece lunch box and Steve went for a freshly made sandwich, crisps and a chocolate bar (naughty). Along with drinks, our total lunch bill was just £25 - incredible! If you'd prefer to bring a packed lunch, there are lockers and an area downstairs where you can tuck in. Perfect for families on a budget.

Admission to Life Science Centre, Newcastle

Everything at Life Science Centre is included with admission (excluding food, drinks and ice skating) and you can buy a day ticket and come and go as you please throughout the day. The Discovery Museum and Lane 7 are very close by if you fancy combining your visit with another North East attraction. Tickets are simply purchased at reception on the day of your visit.

Family Day Ticket : £25
Adult Day Ticket : £10
Child Day Ticket (5-17 years) : £7
Child Day Ticket (4 years and under) :  £3
Concessions : £9

In my opinion, an annual pass is definitely worth considering. The Lego exhibition is being replaced with DinoJaws in May which is the chance to come face to face with realistic, moving dinosaurs and there are lots of special events planned throughout the year including chocolate heaven at Easter. An annual pass costs £85 for a family of 4 (under 4's are free and other options are available).

If you didn't watch our video tour above, here's another chance to join us on a guided tour around the Lego exhibitions:

We think that a visit to the Lego exhibitions, and the Life Science Centre as a whole is definitely worth a trip. If you fancy a little bit of fun, Here Come The Hoopers spotted a surprise in the North East Landmarks which adds an extra bit of extra interest. The Lego exhibitions continue until 14th May 2017 so catch them while you can!

Life.org.uk

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