Laing Art Gallery Newcastle
Duration:
1 to 3 hours
Price range:
Free
Suitable for:
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
1 Quietest Times
Visit Tuesday to Friday mornings before midday for a calmer experience, especially outside school holidays. Weekends coinciding with new exhibition openings can be particularly busy.
2 Top Spot for Tots
Make a beeline for the dedicated Under 5s Space on the ground floor – it's a safe, engaging area perfect for the youngest visitors. Check for specific toddler events often run during term time.
3 Activity Trail Alert
Always ask at the Welcome Desk what free family trails or activity sheets are currently available. They often change with exhibitions and aren't always obviously advertised.
INSIDER TIP
Ask nicely at the Welcome Desk if they have any Laing Art Gallery stickers for the kids – sometimes they have a stash behind the counter!
About Laing Art Gallery Newcastle
Explore a world of art at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle. Home to an impressive collection of British oil paintings, watercolours, ceramics, silver, and glassware, it offers a journey through art history.
While appealing to adults, the gallery actively welcomes families with dedicated children’s areas like the ‘Under 5s Space’, family-friendly trails, and art materials available to encourage creativity.
Look out for temporary exhibitions that often include interactive elements or themes engaging for younger audiences, plus regular family workshops and events during holidays.
It’s a great free introduction to art in a welcoming environment.
Suggested Family Itinerary Perfect for Kids
Make the most of your visit with this suggested timeline. Adjust based on your family's interests and pace.
Arrival & Art Detectives
Head to reception to pick up any available family trails or activity sheets to kickstart your art adventure.
Northern Spirit Exploration
Explore the Northern Spirit gallery, chatting about the local scenes and historical paintings. Can you spot any familiar landmarks?
Interactive Art Hunt
Use the gallery's activity sheets or play your own 'I Spy' game, searching for specific colours, shapes, animals, or funny faces in the artworks.
Café Refuel
Take a break at the gallery's café for lunch or a snack. They offer kids' options and space to relax.
Temporary Exhibition Wonder
Discover the current temporary exhibition (check suitability and if booking is needed beforehand) or delve into the fascinating 'Art on Tyneside' collection.
Creative Sketching Time
Find a quiet spot in front of an inspiring painting or sculpture and spend some time sketching together in notebooks.
Gift Shop Treasures
Browse the gallery shop for art-inspired souvenirs, books, postcards, or pocket-money treats to remember your visit.
Pro Tips for Families:
- Check the Laing's website for special family workshops or drop-in craft events, especially during school holidays – book ahead if required.
- Bring your own sketch pads and pencils to encourage creative responses to the art anywhere in the gallery.
- The gallery is pushchair friendly with lift access, but a smaller buggy or carrier can be easier to navigate during busy periods.
- Focus on one or two gallery rooms rather than trying to see everything – let the kids lead the way to what catches their eye.
Opening hours
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays.
Entry prices
Entry is free to the gallery, shop and cafe, but an admission charge applies to some exhibitions.
How to get to Laing Art Gallery
By Metro:
Just a 5-minute walk from Monument Metro Station.
-
From Grey Street exit: Walk to Blackett St, continue to New Bridge St, cross John Dobson St – the gallery is opposite.
-
From Blackett Street exit: Walk along Blackett St to New Bridge St, cross at John Dobson St.
Children (under 11) travel free with a paying adult. Save on fares with Pop Pay As You Go via the Pop app.
By Train:
Arrive at Newcastle Central Station, then take one Metro stop to Monument.
Book trains with Lumo, Northern Rail, Trainline, or National Rail.
By Bus:
Nearby routes: 1, 21, 28, 31, 308, X1, X10, X34, X45, X77.
-
Pilgrim Street stop: 3 mins walk
-
Haymarket stop: 10 mins walk
Under 21s travel for just £1 on most public transport.
By Car / Taxi / Coach:
Nearest drop-offs: John Dobson Street and Oxford Street.
Nearby parking:
-
Saville Place Car Park (NE1 8AG)
-
NCP John Dobson Street (NE1 8HL)
-
Oxford Street Car Park (NE1 8QH)
Blue badge bays available beside the gallery.
Facilities
Contact Details & Directions
Laing Art Gallery,
New Bridge Street West,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE1 8AG
Tel: 01912781611
Email: info@laingartgallery.org.uk
Explore More Days Out
Karting North East
Hadrian’s Wall – Housesteads Roman Fort
Bill Quay Community Farm
Wet ‘n’ Wild
Reviews
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
