Seven Stories, The Centre for Children's Books

There are three exhibitions to explore at Seven Stories, The National Museum for Children's Books.

Could there really be SEVEN STORIES in all the world? Exhibition

Some people believe there are only seven basic stories in all storytelling. Can it be true? Come on a journey with us to explore the seven basic plots and make up your own mind! See the original sketches of The Gruffalo, curl up for storytime with Mog, design your own amazing underpants and much, much more in our brilliant interactive exhibition.

Suitable for all ages.

Once There Was Magic

In this magical hour-long experience, you will journey through the Wild Woods where fiery portals offer a glimpse into the magical worlds of Cressida Cowell, J. K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Philip Pullman, and many more.

Suitable for ages 7+

Shifter of Shapes: exploring The Lost Spells by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris

The Lost Spells is a moving, joyful treasure of a book by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris, creators of The Lost Words. Seven Stories immersive exhibition experience invites visitors to step into nature, witnessing its power to amaze, console and bring joy.

Suitable for all ages.

Winnie and Wilbur Make Reading Magic

Fire your tot's imagination with our brilliant interactive Winnie the Witch and Wilbur room sponsored by Oxford University Press. Cook up a spell in the cauldron in Winnie’s kitchen, help draw Winnie’s house on our magical chalkboard wall and snuggle up to share a magical story.

Suitable for visitors aged 6 and under.

Find out more on the Seven Stories website.

We are the National Centre for Children’s Books – the only place in Britain dedicated to celebrating, sharing and protecting our rich literary heritage for children. Our Collection includes work by over 250 authors and illustrators including Enid Blyton, Philip Pullman, Robert Westall and Judith Kerr. You can find our Visitor Centre and Exhibitions in a beautiful listed building, over seven storeys, in Newcastle upon Tyne. We are open for the public, school visits and corporate hire. We also host events and workshops for children - and their grown-ups! We have a specialist children's bookshop and two cafes perfect for feeding the family, meeting friends or a change of scenery from your home desk. Our team also provides extensive online, schools and community programming - find out more in our Learning section.

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, 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.