Hotels near the Seven Stories

Opened in 2005, Newcastle's Seven Stories is a centre for children's books which explores the heritage of the genre and offers a wealth of activities that emphasise the dynamic, creative process of reading and writing.

The centre aims to encourage reading and a love of books through exhibitions of original artwork and manuscripts, author readings and question and answer sessions, writing and drawing workshops, music and drama.

One of the aims of the organisers is to build up a comprehensive collection of artwork by British writers and illustrators of children's stories, and to make this available to a wide audience. The collection already includes works by Edward Ardizzone, Shirley Hughes and Pat Hutchins, and the centre has attracted guests such as children's laureate Jacqueline Wilson and David Almond.