Name: Laing Art Gallery
Rating: 5.0

Laing Art Gallery

Laing Art Gallery, New Bridge Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

1-99 Years

Description

The Laing Art Gallery is a magnificent city-centre landmark that brings world-class art and local heritage to the heart of Tyneside. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Newcastle because it is a museum category attraction that balances high-end culture with dedicated spaces for young explorers to get creative. From grand oil paintings to a circus-themed play area, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for families to discover art at their own pace.

A day out here is excellent value, as general admission is completely free for everyone. While you can explore the permanent collections and the shop for nothing, the gallery often hosts major touring exhibitions which carry a separate charge.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines creative inspiration with a relaxing city-centre break, the Laing is a perfect choice. Its central location makes it an ideal educational day out that fits easily into a shopping trip or a visit to the nearby libraries. It is a space where children aren't just told to look at art, but are encouraged to make their own.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Exhibits: The gallery features a variety of interactive exhibits, including digital displays and tactile artworks designed to be touched and explored by all ages.
Educational Day Out: With a collection spanning from the 15th century to the present day, it offers a visual history lesson on British art and local industrial pride.
Sensory Play: The permanent "Playspace" provides a dedicated area for sensory play for children under 5, themed around the magic of the circus.
Creative Workshops: Regular Saturday art classes and holiday workshops allow older children (ages 10-15) to develop their own artistic skills under professional guidance.

Top 5 Highlights

The Playspace: This is the ultimate destination for parents with toddlers. It is a free, circus-themed area where little ones can hide in dens, dress up, and play safely while surrounded by colourful art.
Northern Spirit Gallery: This ground-floor space celebrates the makers of the North East. Kids love seeing the "Beilby Glass" and locally made pottery, showing them that world-famous things are created right on their doorstep.
Isabella and the Pot of Basil: One of the most famous paintings in the gallery by William Holman Hunt. It’s a great piece to use for "story-telling" with kids, as the dramatic scene always sparks imaginative questions.
The Marble Hall: The entrance itself is a highlight with its grand Edwardian architecture and stunning marble statues. It feels like stepping into a castle, which usually impresses younger visitors immediately.
Sublime Landscapes: Showing until December 2026, this exhibition features dramatic waterfalls and stormy seas. It is a fantastic way to talk to kids about the power of nature through art.

Facilities

Toilets: Located on the ground and first floors, including accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.
Buggy Parking: The gallery is fully accessible via a public passenger lift, and prams are welcome in all galleries.
Food & Drink: Café Laing on the ground floor offers high chairs, children's portions, and a selection of cakes and sandwiches.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Visit the Attic First: On busier days, start on the top floor and work your way down. The "Playspace" on the ground floor is hardest to leave, so save it for the end!
Quiet Mornings: Saturday mornings are great for the art classes, but if you want a quiet stroll, try visiting mid-week after 2:00 pm.
Free Drawing: Bring a sketchbook! The staff are very supportive of children sitting (safely) on the floor to sketch the paintings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? Absolutely. The free circus-themed Playspace is specifically designed for under-5s, and the wide galleries are easy to navigate with a buggy. It’s one of the most toddler-friendly cultural spots in the city centre.
How long does a visit take? A typical family visit takes around 2 hours. This gives you enough time to explore the permanent galleries, spend 30–45 minutes in the Playspace, and have a quick snack in the café.
Where is the best place to park? The Oxford Street Multi-storey Car Park is the most reliable option for families. It is just a short walk from the gallery and avoids the very busy bus-only lanes on John Dobson Street.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Newcastle? The Laing is one of the top cheap indoor activities in Newcastle. Because admission is free, it provides a warm, dry, and stimulating environment for kids to explore without any upfront cost.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

Parents frequently mention the "Playspace" as a life-saver for keeping toddlers entertained while older siblings look at the galleries.
The "free entry" status makes it a low-pressure visit; you can stay for 20 minutes or two hours without feeling you need to "get your money's worth."
The central location is perfect for a quick cultural "top-up" during a day in town.

What Visitors Don't Like

Some of the original gallery doors are very heavy and can be tricky to navigate if you are pushing a large double buggy alone.
The gallery is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays, which can be a disappointment for weekend travellers.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

Isabella and the Pot of Basil: The iconic Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece by William Holman Hunt.
The Destruction of Tyre: A dramatic, large-scale oil painting by John Martin that captures the imagination of older children.
The Last Ships Photography: A moving collection by Chris Killip documenting Tyneside’s shipbuilding history.
Maling Pottery: Brightly coloured and intricately patterned local ceramics found in the Northern Spirit gallery.
The Adoration of the Magi: A stunning 15th-century altarpiece that is one of the oldest items in the collection.
Thomas Bewick Vignettes: Tiny, incredibly detailed wood engravings that kids enjoy looking at with the provided magnifying glasses.
Pre-Raphaelite Tapestries: Part of the major 2026 "Art and Poetry" exhibition (starting October 2026).
The 100 Years of Collecting Display: A revolving showcase of various paintings and curiosities acquired by the gallery.
J.M.W. Turner Watercolours: Rare and delicate landscapes that show off incredible light and colour.
Tactile Artworks: Specifically commissioned pieces throughout the building that visitors are actively encouraged to touch.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Newcastle City Library: Right next door, this modern library has a fantastic children’s section and free events.
Northumberland Street: Just a 2-minute walk away, this is Newcastle’s main shopping hub for food and treats.
The Hatton Gallery: Located at Newcastle University, this nearby gallery offers even more art for families to explore.
Grainger Market: A historic indoor market 5 minutes away, perfect for a budget-friendly family lunch.

New for 2026:

Pre-Raphaelites: Art and Poetry: Opening in October 2026, this is the highlight of the year. It will be the first major exhibition to explore the deep link between art and poetry, featuring famous works by Rossetti and Burne-Jones.
Miniature Worlds: Running until February 2026, this exhibit features tiny landscapes including original watercolours by Beatrix Potter.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The Laing offers venue hire for private celebrations and anniversaries in stunning spaces like the Marble Hall or the Function Room (up to 60 guests). Contact Email: [email protected]

Monday — Saturday: 10am — 4.30pm
Closed: Sunday and Bank Holidays

Address: Laing Art Gallery, New Bridge Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Post Code: NE1 8AG

Council: Newcastle

County: Tyne and Wear

By Car: Use postcode NE1 8AG. The nearest parking is on-street meters behind the gallery on John Dobson Street or the Oxford Street Multi-storey Car Park.
By Metro: Monument Metro Station is just a 5-minute walk away.
By Bus: Buses stopping at Pilgrim Street (3-minute walk) or Haymarket (10-minute walk) are the best options.