21/08/2026
Why Seven Stories is free to enter.
A few years ago, we made a big decision. We knew that children in the North East face some of the country's toughest literacy challenges. And we knew that charging admission to our visitor centre created another barrier - however small - between families and story sharing opportunities.
So we made our visitor centre free entry.
Not because it was easy (it wasn't), but because we believe every child deserves access to books, imagination, and play.
Our galleries are filled with books to explore, interactive spaces designed to spark creativity, and exhibitions that celebrate the magic of storytelling. And we want to keep those doors open for everyone, always.
To support this initiative, we designed a paid programme of storytimes and special events that help us to ensure that we stay available to everyone who may need us in this tough economic climate. That's why, when you visit or book an event, you might see a little request for a donation. It's not pressure - it's just us being honest: keeping Seven Stories free and accessible takes community support.
If you can give, even a little, it makes a real difference. And if you can't? Come anyway. That's the whole point.
Free entry, every day (except Wednesdays in term time)
Donations welcome at the door, online, or when booking events.
https://sevenstories.org.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/
