Discovery Museum Newcastle

The Discovery Museum in Newcastle is one of the city’s prime attractions. The Discovery Museum presents Tyneside’s rich history of science, technology and industry through a fascinating series of exhibits.

Turbinia, once the world’s fastest ship

Exhibits

The Discovery Museum occupies three floors of the former Co-operative Wholesale Society building.

The central exhibit is the 30 meter-long Turbinia, the fastest ship in the world at the turn of the twentieth century.  Local Tyneside engineer Sir Charles Parsons designed the vessel in 1894. It was the first ship to be powered by steam turbines. Another North East invention is honoured with a replica of the first incandescent light bulb by Joseph Swan (1828-1914). Swan’s house in Gateshead was the first in the world to be lit by light bulbs.

Shipbuilding

There’s also a fascinating section dedicated to Tyne shipbuilding, an interactive science maze for kids, and a “Story of Newcastle” section. This gives the low-down on the city’s history, from Pons Aelius (Newcastle’s Roman name) through to Cheryl Cole now just Cheryl.

Play Tyne, which costs 1 GBP, is a special play area for the under 7’s. It focuses on the role of water in the development of Tyneside and the way water is used now.

Inside the museum

The Discovery Museum includes many wall panels as well as hands-on exhibits that are popular with kids. Teachers can also download two worksheets for the museum from the website below.

Access – Getting There

Discovery Museum (discoverymuseum.org.uk)

Blandford Square
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4JA
Tel: 0191 232 6789
Hours: Monday to Friday: 10 am – 4 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm
Bank Holiday Mondays: 10 am – 4 pm
Admission: Free

The Discovery Museum is a short walk from both Newcastle Central Station on Neville Street and the Metro. Altogether, it is less than 10 minutes on foot from Newcastle Station to the museum.

Turbinia

The second-floor Turbinia Cafe serves a range of hot and cold meals, sandwiches, and also drinks.

The Turbinia was once the fastest ship in the world © Discovery Museum

Map

Newcastle Map

Accommodation – Where to Stay in Newcastle

The 4-star Vermont Hotel is an elegant, classic hotel with views of Newcastle Castle and the River Tyne. Offers luxury amenities and fine dining.

The Maldron Hotel Newcastle, also with 4-stars, is centrally located with modern rooms, great for business and leisure travelers alike.

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Newcastle is a stylish boutique hotel in a former Edwardian warehouse with unique character and an excellent wine selection.

The Crowne Plaza Newcastle in the Stephenson Quarter is an upscale hotel with a spa, pool, and dining options, close to the Quayside.

The 4-star Grey Street Hotel is a chic property with contemporary decor located in the vibrant center of Newcastle’s cultural district.

Find a complete list of accommodation in Newcastle.

Entrance © Discovery Museum

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