Seven Stories, The Centre for Children's Books

Is Seven Stories, The Centre for Children's Books open?

Seven Stories Bookshop and cafe are open for visitors to browse the shelves of children's books, gifts and cards as well as enjoy a takeaway hot drink or snack from the cafe. The cafe has now opened an outdoor seating area which is available from Thursday - Sunday, 11am - 4pm.

The visitors centre and exhibitions remain closed and hope to reopen from 17 May.

Why not discover Seven Stories' online exhibitions instead?

As before, the magic of Seven Stories will go on with a host of online events, book recommendations and resources to support families at this time.

Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children's Books has a brand new exhibition 'Where Stories Come From' - but you're not able to see it in person just yet as the exhibitions remain closed for the time being.

However, you're invited to discover Where Stories Come From online with a brilliant range of resources, recommended books and short videos from the Ouseburn-based museum. Once Seven Stories reopens its exhibition spaces, visitors of all ages will be taken on a journey through these plots, each brought to life with unique items from Seven Stories’ superb collection including the typewriter used by Enid Blyton to create her hugely popular adventures, original illustrations from The Queen's Knickers by Nicholas Allan as well as a notebook containing the first-ever draft of The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson.

Seven Stories have also digitised three of their previous, popular exhibitions so that you can enjoy the stunning artwork, interesting facts and carefully curated exhibitions from anywhere in the world! Here are three exhibitions showcasing some of the best in the Seven Stories archive collection.

• Twists and Tails - the Story of Angelina Ballerina (online exhibition) Celebrate Katharine Holabird and Helen Craig’s best–selling series through manuscripts and illustrations from our our Angelina Ballerina Collection.

• Tiger, Mog and Pink Rabbit - A Judith Kerr Retrospective (online exhibition) One of Seven Stories' most popular exhibitions, Judith Kerr's delightful illustrations and incredible childhood history has been on tour across the UK. Browse early illustrations, letters and artwork from our collection.

• Mystery, Magic and Midnight Feasts - The Many Adventures of Enid Blyton (online exhibition) One of the most prolific authors of all time, Enid Blyton (1897-1968) wrote between 600 and 700 books - so many that even she wasn't sure of the exact number! She wrote stories full of fantasy, she wrote school story, adventure and mystery. Explore our Enid Blyton exhibition online.

Some people say there are only seven stories in the world but a thousand different ways of telling them. Seven Stories is about the thousand ways.

Seven Stories is The National Centre for Children's Books and can be found in the heart of Newcastle's cultural quarter, Ouseburn. The book-lover's paradise is committed to preserving British literature heritage for children and future generations and is guaranteed to spark creativity and imagination in all ages.

The literary museum is a great day out for the whole family in Newcastle where visitors can explore the amazing world of children's books in a number of original exhibitions which display rough drafts, unique manuscripts and original artwork by some of the most prolific authors and illustrators in Britain.

Explore your own creativity through writing, illustration and crafts or uncover a world of storytelling with dressing up and dramatic fun in the Seven Stories theatre. Visit for the day and get hands on with crafts, rediscover your favourite stories or attend an event designed to bring out your inner storyteller. Browse Seven Stories' independent children's bookshop and stop for a Cafe with a great selection of home-cooked food.

Find Seven Stories tucked under the Byker Bridge in Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley, the perfect storybook setting and a brilliant place to explore.

Seven Stories is closed on Mondays during term time.

Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children's Books accessibility: Seven Stories aim to ensure all visitors have a comfortable and engaging experience at their venue. Provisions include free ear defenders on arrival to ensure a more comfortable experience, hearing loops, a fully accessible toilet with height adjustable changing bench, height adjustable wash basin, shower and a hoist and changing bed. Visitors can also take advantage of monthly Early Bird Openings for visitors with an autistic spectrum condition, Sensory Story times and relaxed performances.