Frequently asked questions

It’s Rocket Science is a ticketed free event, which includes entry to the premium viewing area and exhibition.
During the opening weekend (Friday 22 – Sunday 24 June) all visitors to the museum have a ticket to enter the museum. From Monday 25 June all visitors are welcome, but only ticket holders will get premium access to Stephenson’s Rocket. 

1. Why do I need to pre-book?
To ensure you have the best experience possible, we limit the number of visitors entering the Rocket premium viewing area and exhibition at any one time. All visitors are pre-booked into 30 minute time slots throughout the day. This does mean spaces are limited so we strongly suggest that you reserve tickets as early as possible for your preferred date and time. 

2. What time do I need to arrive for my timed ticket?
You should aim to arrive 10 minutes prior to the half hour slot you have booked.  We expect this exhibition to be popular, please allow a short amount of time for queuing. 

3. What happens if I am running late?
Don’t worry, we will be able to admit your party at any time up to ten minutes after the start time printed on your ticket, for example, if you are booked into the 10.00 – 10.30 timeslot you will be allowed to enter the exhibition up to 10.10.  Your ticket is only valid for the date and time purchased. If you miss your timeslot your ticket is no longer valid.

4. Do I need to print my ticket?
Discovery Museum does not print or send out tickets for online purchases. Please ensure you bring your e-ticket, either printed or on an electronic device, to the museum entrance to gain admittance.

5. Does my visit have a time limitation? 
Yes, Rocket premium viewing area and exhibition tickets are valid for a 30 minute time slot.  Once you have completed your visit to 'Rocket returns to Tyneside' you will be able to explore the other galleries and exhibitions within Discovery Museum at your leisure.   For visitors who have booked tickets for any session from 4pm onwards, we strongly recommend that if you are wanting to visit the other galleries and exhibitions within the museum you to do this prior to entering the Rocket returns to Tyneside session you are booked to attend as the museum will close at 6pm (or 8pm on Friday 22 June ONLY).

6. What if I miss our slot?
We will do our best to accommodate your group on a later slot if availability allows but we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

7. Do we all need to arrive at the same time?
Yes.  All of the people for your booking should assemble together so that you can be admitted into the exhibition as one party. 

8. How far in advance can I book tickets?
Subject to availability, tickets are available to book until midnight of the prior day, for example, if you are wanting to book tickets for Saturday 3 August you have until midnight of Friday 2 August to make your booking.

9. Can I book in person or over the phone?
If you are unable to make a booking online, advance bookings can be requested by emailing discoverymuseum@twmuseums.org.uk or by telephoning 0191 2326789.  Tickets are subject to availability and are not confirmed until you have received a confirmation from us.  Due to the volume of visitors we are expecting we are unable to accept advance bookings in person in the museum.

10. What if I want to spend longer looking at Rocket than the allocated 30 minutes?
We’ll be offering a series of 1 hour enthusiast spots for visitors who would like to take their time in the exhibition.

11. What adaptations can you offer for people who have an Autistic Spectrum Condition? 
We’ll be offering a series of relaxed sessions for visitors with special educational needs or disabilities.  

12. Can I book more than 8 tickets? 
Yes. If you are a group wishing to book, so that we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure your visit is an enjoyable one please email learning@discoverymuseum.org.uk.  
Group size maximum for this exhibition is 30.

13. Can I transfer my ticket over? 
Tickets are non-transferable. 

14. Can I change the time of my tickets?  
Tickets are only valid for the specified date and time of the exhibition as indicated on the ticket and once booked cannot be changed.

15. I’ve booked tickets but I have booked tickets for the wrong age groups?
That’s fine, providing the total number of visitors doesn’t exceed the number you have booked for.  We just ask for the intended visitors’ ages so that we can report back to our funders which visitors have engaged with us. 

16. Can I take photographs? 
Visitors are welcome to bring hand-held cameras and video equipment to create images and footage for their own personal, non-commercial use. We regret that tripods and monopods are not permitted within the exhibition and viewing areas.

17. Is there somewhere to leave bags during our visit?
Visitors to the exhibition are requested to travel light, if possible e.g., avoid travelling with buggies, back packs and big bags.  For security reasons, bag searches may be in operation and visitors may be required to leave bags and belongings outside of the exhibition area.
Unfortunately, there are no cloakroom facilities but there are a limited number of storage lockers available.

18. Is there a carpark on site?
There is limited parking on Blandford Square and the closest multi-storey is Grainger Town car park on Waterloo Street. Find out more about Newcastle City Council car parks here.

19. Information for visitors to the exhibition during term time
Between 10am and 3.15pm throughout the period Monday 25 June - Friday 20 July and then Monday 3 - Friday 7 September we will be welcoming pre-booked school groups to visit the exhibition.