A walk around Ladyburn Lake at Druridge Bay Country Park | Northumberland

You wouldn't believe it was mid-September when these photographs were taken. We have been blessed with a very mild start to the autumn. I'm certainly not complaining though and Steve and I took the opportunity to head out for one of our favourite walks around Ladyburn lake at Druridge Bay Country Park in Northumberland. 

Druridge Bay Country Park is a place I have visited many times but I realised I have never actually blogged about it so it was the perfect opportunity to take my camera out and about.

Druridge Bay Country Park offers parking across multiple car parks (£3 per day - first hour is free but you still need a ticket), there is a good visitor centre with toilets (see bottom of this post for opening times), a cafe, play park and plenty of seats and picnic benches . You can swim in the lake and water sports are permitted from April - October (check website for permit details and further info).

After parking our car we walked the 1.5 mile route around the lake. It's a very easy, flat walk and fine for more robust pushchairs I would say. There is the chance to spot lots of wildlife around the lake including swans, ducks, dragon flies and much more.

About half way around the lake, you will find some stepping stones. My children adore these and happily hop from one to the next. I'm a little more hesitant but I still made it over without falling in! If stepping stones aren't your thing there is an accessible path behind the lake that adds a couple of extra minutes to your walk. If you can though, you should definitely attempt the stones. The views across the lake are lovely.

There are plenty of spaces to enjoy a seat and take in the magnificent views. From park benches to huge picnic tables  - Druridge Bay has it covered.

We visited in September and I have to say - there weren't too many flowers around for me to photograph - I bet this isn't the case in spring though.

We ended our walk with a quick cuppa and a picnic at the Visitor Centre. There are lots of maps and information leaflets here as well as the loos, cafe, a small shop and wildlife information and exhibits.

There is a small park for children to enjoy and you can just spot further climbing apparatus in the distance. This is the view from the picnic tables:-

 The fun doesn't stop there, if you follow the signs from the main car park you will find Druridge Bay beach just a few steps away. I think Druridge Bay is one of the best beaches in the UK - you'll find mile upon mile of golden sands and it is usually very quiet. We've had the beach to ourselves during our last few visits.

Druridge Bay Beach | Credit Mandy Charlton Photography

Need To Know

• Address : Druridge Bay Country Park, Red Row. Morpeth. NE61 5BX
• Toilets open 9:30am - 4:30pm
• Car park gates open during daylight hours. Parking is chargeable from free - £3. 
• Dog and horse friendly
• Overnight camping is sometimes allowed with permission (email druridgebay@northumberland.org.uk )
• No BBQs allowed but there are picnic tables
• Children's play area
• Open free public toilets
• Contact Coquet Shorebase Trust to enquire about watersports 

Cafe opening hours (correct as of April 2021) 

Have you ever visited Druridge Bay?