The venue

This seven-storey converted Victorian granary in Newcastle's regenerated Ouseburn area spotlights storytelling, the only place in Britain dedicated to the celebration of children's writers and illustrators. At its core is a unique collection of manuscripts and artwork stretching back 70 years. It includes work by Philip Pullman, Edward Ardizzone, Michael Rosen and Quentin Blake. This light-filled space has an eye-catching modern frontage and staircase tower and features exhibitions, interactive activities, performances and books galore. Write your own book, create your own character, see how JK Rowling drafted a chapter.

Something for children

Pretty much everything. Sound, interactive games, words on walls, texts and pictures. In the "Incredible Journeys" exhibition, they can dress up as a character, explore the meaning of words and learn how writers get their inspiration. On each of the seven levels, there's an activity table with a "challenge". The basement Engine Room has paper, pens, props and clothes so that children can create characters and stories. Story-telling, poetry-reading, performances or "meet-the-author" sessions are held at weekends in the wooden-beamed Artist's Attic.

Something for adults

See artwork from your favourite books - Ruth Gervis's sketches for Noel Streatfield's Ballet Shoes, Pauline Baynes's rich work for CS Lewis's Narnia books or Diana Stanley's for The Borrowers by Mary Norton. Original manuscripts give a fascinating glimpse into the writers' creative processes. Philip Pullman's neatly written scripts have few corrections while JK Rowling's are a mass of crossings out and margin doodles. When complete, the Story Lab will allow you to use the computers to browse the digitised collection. There's also a Reading Den with big windows and colourful cushions.

Refreshments

The Cool Cat Café is light and bright with a simple but healthy menu. Soup, freshly made rolls, toasted ciabattas, quiche and salads also come in children's portions and there's a children's platter, with cakes and scones to finish. Service can be slow.

Admission and access

Open daily from 10am (11am on Sundays) to 5pm (6pm on Thursdays). Admission is £5 for adults, £4 for children or £15 for a family (two adults plus two children or one adult plus 3 children). It's fully accessible for wheelchair users, with disabled toilets and limited disabled parking plus a drop-off point. Some access to hearing loop and Braille facilities.