bbc newcastle children's tours

Here Come The Hoopers | A North East family of four.

BBC Studio Tour Newcastle

Wow the Easter holidays have really gone in a flash. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Two lovely Bank Holidays in May to enjoy just around the corner!   Over Easter we enjoyed lots of London fun, but we also managed to do some pretty cool stuff closer to home. The BBC Studio Tour Newcastle is one local experience which comes highly recommended.

Booking a tour is straightforward through the BBC website. Two types of tours are offered at BBC Newcastle.  The Children’s one, which we booked on, and an adults only tour. During school holidays, additional children’s tours are put on to accomodate the extra demand.  School and group visits are welcomed too. In fact, Imogen enjoyed this tour last year in Year 3 on a class visit.

According to the website, the BBC Studio is known as ‘The Pink Palace’ to the locals. I hadn’t heard this term before but i can see why it is massive and very very pink!  TV shows Look North and Sunday Politics are filmed here as well as being the base for BBC Radio Newcastle.. The BBC Studio is really easy to find located on Barack Road, Newcastle just up from St James’ Park. Handy to note that parking is plentiful and there are plenty of buses running along this road if coming on public transport.

Barrack Road Newcastle

Arriving at the BBC Studio at 1.30pm we were met by our tour guides Simon and Richmal. Names ticked off and back stage laminates issued we were all set to take on the tour after a short housekeeping speil.   Around 30 people were on the tour.  A mix of adults and children ranging from ages 6-12.   Abigail was the youngest on the tour.  Taking around 1 hour and half there was only one toilet stop right at the start.  During the tour, there are a few stops for a little sit down but the pace is fast and fairly tiring.  Smaller children might struggle to keep up and for this reason children the guideline of age 6 and over is advised. As it is a working studio there was to be no wandering off like Charlie Bucket and his Grandpa Joe.  We needed to stay together as a group at all times.

As a warm up before the tour started, some games revolving around Horrible Histories were played. Abigail shot her hand up when asking for volunteers.  Going head to head with another boy to solve a picture puzzle of Queen Elizabeth.  Slow and steady won the race for her!

Abigail was given an Eye Spy spotting sheet to work on as we headed through the studios.

Look North Studio

I’ll not spoil all of the tour for you in case you fancy going along, but the highlight for me was the Look North studio.  It was so interesting to see where the nightly news is filmed.  You soon realise what a small and very hot space it is when the camera lights are on.   Only two camera men in the room are with the newsreaders as it’s broadcast.  I had always though there would be loads of people in there!  Abigail had fun sitting on the newsreaders chair and I think she quite fancies Carol Malia’s job.

CBBC Studio

As you wind your way around the studios you are taken into various control and affect rooms. Parts of the sets from dramas that are filmed at the centre like the Dumping Ground, Wolfblood and Hetty Feather also feature. I wasn’t familiar with Wolfblood but one of the kids on the tour was really into it and was asking the guides lots of questions.  We watched a clip of the show on the TV, then the kids had a turn acting the parts in the mocked up set.  Abigail was happy to pose for a photo! Kids also had a go at playing Diddy Dick and Dom which was amusing.

Lights, Camera, Action

On the final part of the tour we were led to a sound affect studio.  This was our chance to put all of the things we had learned together.  The older children had fun acting out a radio drama from a script.   We had a go making some sound affects.  Old film scrunched up made a good rainfall sound and a feather pillow worked well for a flapping bird.  Who knew?

Abigail’s confidence was high at this point, having a good go at the role of sports commentator.  She struggled a little to read some of the big words but had fun nonetheless. Watching the footage back was a great touch so she could see herself on the screen.

It was soon time to say goodbye to our guides.  We had a fantastic afternoon at BBC Newcastle Studios finding out what goes on behind the scenes.

For more details about booking onto the tours visit  http://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tours/newcastle

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6 responses to “BBC Studio Tour Newcastle”

I never knew you could do this! It looks brilliant! In my younger boyband stalking years (oh dear!) I used to go and watch CD:UK being filmed quite a bit and it was so interesting. I always had to stop myself reading along with the autocue!

Interesting read I am kind sittings smiling as I live can see the bbc building from the bottom of street. It look interesting for kids I might suggested to my neephew

Ah it looks like a fab day out – I think my three would love to explore!

Thanks so much for the amazing review, we are so glad that you enjoyed your visit! We have some new games and sets for the summer so keep an eye on our website and social media for updates @bbcshowsandtours

This looks like so much fun – my three would love it x

It was great they would enjoy it I’m sure!! If they love the telly as much as we do!

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Tuesday 18 April 2017

Bbc newcastle children's tour review.

34 comments

Great review, I'll share this on my north east Friday shares

Thank you so much Nyomi xx

What a fun way of showing children how tv shows are made!

It really was so interesting xx

I had no idea you could visit the BBC studios anywhere so this is really cool x

I had no idea either but they do them at studios all over the country, they are so inexpensive too xx

I had no idea this was even in Newcastle I love the fact you can actually have a go at presenting the news what a fab day out!

They have them all over the country, I have driven past this studio so many times but had no idea you could go on a tour. xx

What a great experience. I think mine are a little young for this but when they are older it would be fab!

It really is, I will be taking my younger children when they are a bit older xx

This looks like so much fun! Forget the kids, I'd love to sit behind the news desk!

I know I wish that I had of had a chance to myself! xx

Awesome! I'm not 6-12 but I think I'd find a behind the scenes tour like that fascinating!

They do adult tours too, where you learn lots of things and have a go at presenting too if you wish xx

It sounds like a great tour for tweens and that they really interacted with the children too!

It is brilliant for children, the children on our tour had great fun getting involved xx

Oh this looks fab. I wish we were closer!

They have them all over the country, they might do a one near you xx

Good to know the kids enjoyed the tour. Looks like a fun tour.

It was really interesting xx

My children would also be the wrong age for the children's tour, although I love Horrible Histories! I think the BBC are missing a trick. They should do tours for teenagers as they might encourage them to go into a broadcasting career.

They really should do. They have an adults tour which I think teens might be aloud on which I think would be better suited to older children and teens xx

Those prices seem really good value. I never knew they did tours of their studios around the UK. When my son is old enough I'd love to return to the UK to go on one.

I had no idea they offered tours either and it is really good value xx

I would love to do something like this.....love that they have a tardis too

You should see if they do them near you, it was really interesting. The Tardis greeted you at the entrance which was a nice surprise xx

Looks like fun! I would love to have similar tour myself.

This would be great to experience with the kids. I am so jealous right now!

It is brilliant for children, they really get the children involved in everything xx

What a great experience, little man would love this tour! :)

It really was great, he would love it as they get the children involved throughout xx

Aw Joe would just love this, I do love a behind the scenes tour x

It was the first time I had been on a tour and it was a lot different then I expected xx

Thank you for commenting I read and reply to every single one.

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About BBC Newcastle Tour

The BBC Newcastle Tour in Tyne and Wear is a fun-filled day out for the whole family, offering an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the world of broadcasting. From the moment you arrive at the iconic Broadcasting Centre in Newcastle, you'll be greeted by the friendly and knowledgeable staff who are excited to show you around the state-of-the-art facilities.

One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to meet the friendly staff behind the shows. Visitors can ask questions and learn about the various roles and responsibilities that go into producing a successful broadcast. It's a unique opportunity for children and adults alike to gain insight into the exciting and fast-paced world of media.

The tour takes place at the iconic Broadcasting Centre in Newcastle, where visitors can explore the state-of-the-art studios and meet the friendly staff behind some of the UK's most popular radio and TV shows. From the moment you arrive, you'll be greeted by the welcoming team and shown around the impressive building.

the BBC Newcastle Tour in Tyne and Wear is an exciting and family-friendly experience that offers something for everyone. From the behind-the-scenes look at the world of broadcasting to the friendly staff and delicious food options, it's clear that every aspect of the experience has been carefully considered. So why not book your tickets today and discover the exciting world of media for yourself?

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How much does it cost?

Adults £11.00

Children £8.00

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BBC Newcastle Tour FAQ’s

Do they have baby facilities.

Families with young children will appreciate the baby facilities available on-site. There are changing facilities and high chairs in the café, making it easy to care for the little ones while enjoying the tour.

I’m Hungry! Can I get food at BBC Newcastle Tour?

The café offers a range of delicious snacks and meals, with options for vegetarians and those with gluten sensitivities. It's the perfect place to take a break and refuel before continuing with the tour.

Does BBC Newcastle Tour have a gift shop?

For those looking for a memento of their visit, the on-site gift shop is the perfect stop. The shop offers a range of souvenirs, from key rings and fridge magnets to t-shirts and hoodies.

How are the facilities at the attraction?

We have one toilet stop on each tour which includes disabled facilities.

Is BBC Newcastle Tour fully accessible?

The tour is fully accessible, with lifts and ramps available throughout the building. Staff are on hand to assist with any additional needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience. The tour is stroller-friendly, making it easy for families with young children to join in on the fun.

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BBC Newcastle, Barrack Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE2 4NS

Simply head towards the city centre and look out for the iconic Broadcasting Centre building. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available nearby. Alternatively, you can take public transport, with buses and trains stopping just a short walk away.

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