England Guide
The Northeast
Seven Stories
Opening time: Mon– Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 11am–5pm
Price: £5
Address: 30 Lime St, Ouseburn Valley
Telephone: 0845/271 0777
Website: www.sevenstories.org.uk
Once at the heart of Newcastle's industry, the old Victorian mills and warehouses in the Ouseburn Valley are gradually being given a new lease of life by innovative arts and media businesses such as the excellent Seven Stories. This national centre for children's literature spreads across seven floors of a beautifully converted riverside mill, showcasing a unique collection of original manuscripts, documents and artwork – including Philip Pullman's early books, manuscripts by Michael Rosen, material from Nina Bawden, the drawings from Noel Streatfield's Ballet Shoes, and illustrations from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, among much else. Changing exhibitions explore every facet of children's literature, with plenty of interactive events thrown in; weekends and school holidays see the most activities. There's also a café and an excellent children's bookshop.