Life Science Centre, Newcastle > Reviews (3)

We have just returned from an enjoyable family afternoon out at The Centre for Life in Newcastle. This is a 68 million-pound development in the centre of Newcastle on the theme of science and biotechnology. Yhe place has been open for just over a year and this was our second visit. There are several sections to the Centre but the area we visited was the Life Interactive World. This is a visitor attraction which aims to explain the basics of DNA and evolution in a fun and interactive way.

There are several presentations to see, amongst them Jack’s Story - a 3D film of the developing embryo in the womb, The Big Brain Show - an audio visual show all about the workings of the brain (more interesting than it sounds since the whole auditorium ceiling looks like a brain and has millions of light in it representing the nerve impulses traveling throughout the brain) and a show with two actors entitled the Secret of Life Show.

The Secret of Life Show is a very humorous, entertaining and slick production which lasts about 10 – 15 minutes and integrates the live acting and audio visual displays superbly, while still getting the message across that the four basic building blocks of DNA are the things that link all life forms together.

My favourite however was the Crazy Motion Ride –a simulator which begins in the crowd at St James Park (the home of Newcastle United Football Club). An announcement over the tannoy informs one of the crowd that his wife is about to give birth and he needs to get to the hospital immediately. There then follows a superb simulated ride at breakneck speeds through the streets of Newcastle dodging pedestrians and oncoming traffic before arriving at the hospital. You really do feel as if you are in the taxi with this bloke as your seat hurls you left and right in superb synchronization to the film. The clarity of the film was astounding. I have been in several simulator rides both in this country and abroad and I can say that this was the sharpest and brightest film that I’ve ever seen, which just adds to the reality. The rest of the ride consists of insights in the future to the dangerous sports that the baby will aspire to including surfing and rock climbing. The ride ends with you taking a bungee jump from the Tyne Bridge and again you really feel that you’re there.

Another interesting exhibit was the Vortex – this is a simple walkway encased in a revolving cylinder painted with blank and white stripes. As you enter and walk through it your brain is convinced that you are actually rotating (which you are not). The effect is to make you extremely unstable and dizzy and is so fascinating that you will try it several times.

There are numerous other displays both to do with the workings of the brain and optical illusions and also the story of evolution. There are demonstrations on various subjects throughout the day and all are staffed by very knowledgeable and friendly ‘science explainers’ – you can get to look at 50000 year old insects encased in amber or handle fossils etc.

We had our four year old son and seven year old daughter with us and to be honest although some things were of interest to them the Center would be best suited to children from about age 9 upwards. An afternoon is about right to explore the Life Interactive World and their own literature recommends about three hours.

There is restaurant inside the Life Interactive World where meals seemed reasonably priced (£1.99 kid meals, adults main courses £3.80). We did notice several groups using the restaurant area for their own picnic so presumably the management don’t object to people bring their own food.

Admission price is ca £19.95 for a family of 4 and if you like what you’ve seen and want to come back at any time you can upgrade your tickets on the way out to an annual family pass for just £10 – a great deal especially for locals (remember there are a lot of school holidays to keep the kids entertained between now and this time next year!!)

Parking is available across the road from the Life Interactive World at a cost of 40p per hour it is about five minutes walk from the railway station (Newcastle Central). Have a look at their web site for further information www.centerforlife.co.uk