Great North Museum: Hancock
Museum Natural history and regional archaeology museum in Newcastle
The Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle combines natural history, archaeology and regional collections - from Hadrian’s Wall finds to Egyptian artifacts - with family-friendly displays and live events.
The Great North Museum: Hancock is a natural history and ancient cultures museum in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, housed in the historic Hancock building originally opened in the 19th century. The site was extensively refurbished and reopened as the Great North Museum: Hancock in 2009.
The museum presents natural history displays of zoology, geology and palaeontology alongside galleries on ancient civilizations and regional archaeology. Exhibits include taxidermy, fossil specimens and object-based displays drawn from the Hancock collections, plus hands-on and family-friendly areas.
The original Hancock Museum dates to the late 19th century and was built to house the collections of the Natural History Society; the site has been expanded and reorganised over time. In 2009 the building reopened after a major redevelopment carried out in partnership with Newcastle University and Tyne & Wear Museums to create the current Great North Museum.
Situated close to Newcastle city centre and Newcastle University on Barras Bridge, the museum is within walking distance of the city’s central transport hubs and the Quayside. The site sits in an urban setting surrounded by university and civic buildings.
- Admission: Free general admission; special exhibitions and some events may carry a charge.
- Refurbishment and management: Reopened in 2009 after a major refurbishment and rebrand that brought the Hancock Museum together with university and regional museum partners.
What to See #
- Natural history collections: Contains long-established natural history holdings in zoology, geology and palaeontology drawn from the original Hancock Museum, with taxidermy, fossil and specimen displays used for educational exhibits.
- Ancient cultures and archaeology: Houses displays on ancient cultures and regional archaeology, including objects relating to Roman northern Britain and Egyptian and classical antiquities from the museum's historic collections.
- Gardens and temporary exhibition spaces: Includes a small outdoor wildlife garden and handling zones intended for families and school groups, plus temporary exhibition spaces for changing displays.
How to Get to Great North Museum: Hancock #
Great North Museum: Hancock is in Newcastle upon Tyne close to the city centre and Newcastle University. Take the Tyne & Wear Metro to Haymarket station (about a 5-10 minute walk) or arrive at Newcastle Central Station and walk around 10-15 minutes or take a short local bus; the museum is signposted from the city centre.
If driving, use city-centre roads and nearby public car parks, as on-street parking is restricted.
Tips for Visiting Great North Museum: Hancock #
- Visit on weekday mornings to avoid school and family groups that concentrate in late morning and early afternoon; galleries are much quieter for focused viewing before group programs start.
- Check the museum's events and planetarium schedule on arrival-special talks and shows are short, run at set times, and can be planned around so you don't miss them.
Best Time to Visit Great North Museum: Hancock #
Visit on a weekday outside school holiday periods to avoid peak educational groups and weekend crowds.
Weather & Climate near Great North Museum: Hancock #
Great North Museum: Hancock's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (621 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 61 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
