Great North Museum: Hancock

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Great North Museum: Hancock Newcastle University's award-winning museum of natural history, archaeology and world cultures. It is free admission for everyone. Free entry.
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The Great North Museum: Hancock opened in May 2009 and incorporates collections from the Hancock Museum, Newcastle University’s Museum of Antiquities and the Shefton Museum. Highlights of the museum include mummies from Ancient Egypt, a planetarium, a life-size replica T. rex dinosaur skeleton, a large-scale, interactive model of Hadrian's Wall, major new displays showing the wonder and diversity of the animal and plant kingdoms, spectacular objects from the Ancient Greeks and much more! The Museum also holds temporary exhibitions and a range of free events, from children's activities to lectures and evening events.

24/10/2026

The Greggs Ta-Pastry is here! 

This eight-metre embroidery tells the story of the sausage roll through the decades.

Stitched in medieval style, its six chapters chart the journey from humble beginnings, when founder John Gregg cycled around Newcastle on his trusty delivery bike. 

🗓️ Open 24 October 2026 to 17 January 2027
🎟️ Free entry, no booking required
📍Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle

21/10/2026

✨ New festive show for 2026 ✨

The dinosaurs are back, and this time they've brought some friends! Don't miss this family show where Christmas magic brings museum exhibits to life.

🦖 The Great Festive Dinosaur Show: Where the dinosaurs and exhibits come to life!
📍 Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle
📅 19–23 December & 28–31 December 2026
🎟️ £12 per person (ticket link in comments)

19/10/2026

We went behind the scenes as the Greggs Ta-Pastry was carefully unrolled and condition-checked, ready for its North East debut at the Great North Museum: Hancock.

The eight-metre-long embroidery chronicles the conquest of the British high street by Greggs' most treasured (and tasty) artefacts, inviting you to look closer at the legacy that lives behind your everyday favourites. Rendered in authentic medieval style complete with traditional border motifs and satirical Latin framing, the six chapters chart the Sausage Roll’s journey through decades of cultural change and quiet consistency.

🗓️ Open 24 October 2026 to 17 January 2027
🎟️ Free entry, no booking required
📍 Great North Museum: Hancock

02/10/2026

FREE, bookable October half term activities at the Great North Museum: Hancock! 📍 Save this post.

Mouse Tales: storytime for under 5s
Tuesday 27 October. Free but booking required. ✅
Join us for an interactive story, songs, playtime, and a special chance to handle a museum object.

Relaxed Mouse Tales with early museum entry
Tuesday 27 October. Free but booking required. ✅
A session aimed at families who may require a quieter environment to support their access needs.

Time Odyssey: A Family Adventure
Thursday 29 October. Free but booking required. ✅
Explore the museum physically and virtually as a family, completing challenges to help four ancient characters find their way home. Created by Art Explora and the British Museum.

Check the website (link in comments) for times and booking. Drop-in activities are also on this half term.

23/09/2026

Well, isn't this exciting 👀

21/09/2026

Calling all schools and home educators 🏛️

‘Hadrian's Wall Live’ is back. Four days of free virtual sessions for KS2 learners, exploring Hadrian's Wall and Roman life on the frontier, Tuesday 24 – Friday 27 November.

Learners will hear from engaging speakers on daily Roman life, inscriptions, language, hoards and the conservation of Hadrian's Wall.

Find out more and register using the link in the comments.

(This reel was filmed in the Hadrian’s Wall gallery at the Great North Museum: Hancock.)

15/09/2026

⌛Time's nearly up to catch this year's blockbuster exhibition, 'Treasure: Hidden, Lost, Found'. You've got until Sunday 20 September 2026 to visit.

15/09/2026

Christmas is coming and we’ve got a treat for you 🎁 Sign up to our mailing list before 20 September to receive priority booking and 20% off selected events!

Link in comments.

03/09/2026

What would you do if you found gold?

Newcastle University archaeology student Yara Souza struck gold on her first excavation, unearthing a rare piece of 9th century gold. The excavation took place following the chance discovery of a similar object by metal detectorist Alan Gray at the same location. 

That gold is now on display in the Treasure: Hidden, Lost, Found exhibition, which closes on Saturday 20 September. Catch it while you still can. 

This reel has been created from exhibition video footage produced by Roots and Wings.

Address

Barras Bridge
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE24PT

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+441912086765

Website

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