Keep feeling fascination

Museums have changed. The Hancock in Newcastle has, or the Great North Museum as it is now known.

I grew up knowing it as an earnest, slightly gloomy but dedicated natural history museum.

On the way up we avoided the 'M' word as Oscar claims to knock like them, Lois is the opposite. But we are in a world of digital interaction now and I had discounted far too heavily the effect of simulation programmes.

The building of a virtual Hadrian's Wall was wonderful. We laid bricks for all of the family, adding a few yards.

The Planetarium was spellbinding.

Here the kids are exploring the palaces and tombs in the 'Pharaoh' exhibition.

If you know the fantastic 'Night at the Museum' you will get the general picture, including Rexy.

Free too;)

Bizarrely we met a girl from Lois' school, 300 miles away.
Back home to chisel fossils out of stone, £8.95.