Newcastle Upon Tyne is a vibrant city with lots to offer both visitors and locals. When restrictions allow, it is a wonderful place to visit for families, couples and friends with lots to see and do and a lovely Northern welcome is guaranteed.
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| Jesmond Dene Waterfall |
Today I am going to share with your some of my favourite outdoor spaces to enjoy in and around Newcastle. If you are a local, why not make it your mission to visit them all next year? Or if you are looking for somewhere to stay, it is worth checking out SITU Serviced Apartments who offer various accommodation in convenient locations across the city centre.
All of the places mentioned in this post are free to visit with no pre-booking required and are accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs (although there may be some slight inclines and non-smooth terrain in some areas).
Exhibition Park
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| Exhibition Park |
Exhibition Park is in the heart of Newcastle City Centre and within easy walking distance of Haymarket Bus & Metro Station. It is a park which has something for everyone with wide open spaces, multiple play areas, floral displays and tree-lined paths. There is a skate park, sports courts, model boat lake and outdoor gym equipment too.
If you need to escape the city centre for a few hours, Exhibition Park provides a welcome relief and I highly recommend popping into Wylam Brewery for a pint/Sunday lunch when restrictions allow.
Claremont Road Parking Postcode: NE2 4AA (chargeable)
Jesmond Dene Park
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| Jesmond Dene Park |
Jesmond Dene is a popular suburb of Newcastle. It is less than 2 miles from the city centre and you can walk there from the city centre or catch a Metro train/bus to Jesmond.
Jesmond Dene is a gorgeous spot for a walk and you would never believe you were on the outskirts of a city. The woodland walks are popular with dog walkers and runners and will take you past a beautiful waterfall and over bridges which are perfect for playing pooh sticks.
As well as the woodland walks, there is a small play park for younger children, Pets Corner where you can visit a variety of animals free of charge (donations welcome), cafe, picnic benches and open spaces too. In the summer months, there are mini train rides (small charge) and an ice cream van. Jesmond Dene is the kind of place you can definitely spend a full afternoon.
Postcode: NE7 7DZ (limited parking)
Ouseburn Street Art
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| Ouseburn Street Art |
Ouseburn is my all-time favourite area of Newcastle. It is easy to walk to from the city centre (just walk along the Quayside) or you can catch the bus. If driving, we usually park in Foundry Lane Car Park which is a nice and central base.
The Ouseburn area is home to some of Newcastle's top attractions including Seven Stories National Centre for Children's Books, Ouseburn Farm and The Victoria Tunnel. It is also home to some of the best food in the region (I recommend Thali Tray, The Cookhouse, The Cluny and Kiln).
One of our favourite things to do is to simply grab an ice cream from Di Meos Riverside and wander around the streets. Ouseburn is known for its street art and there is always something new popping up. There is no set trail but if you are desperate to find a particular piece, I recommend searching the Ouseburn geotag on Instagram as a starting point.
Foundry Lane Car Park Postcode: NE6 1LH (small charge Mon-Sat)
Big Waters Nature Reserve
Big Waters Nature Reserve is a popular walking spot and the largest body of open water in the region. Just a 20 minute drive from the city centre, the country park features a pond (fishing available), a network of paths, mature woodland and lots of wildlife including otters.
A little bit of history for you - the pond formed in the 1920s due to mining subsidence. The East of the park is open to the general public.
Postcode: NE13 7BD (free onsite parking)
NewcastleGateshead Quayside
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| NewcastleGateshead Quayside |
You can enjoy a 4.5 mile circular walk which takes in both bridges on both side of the Tyne or pick a shorter route. We enjoy walking along the Newcastle side to Ouseburn or along Gateshead Quays where you will find the Sage, Baltic and By the River Brew.
In the Summer months, the Quayside usually plays host to its own 'Quayside seaside' with deckchairs, buckets and spades and beach huts which is the perfect place to people watch.
Saltwell Park
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| Saltwell Towers at Saltwell Park |
Saltwell Park is on the other side of the Tyne and just a short drive from Newcastle Quayside (2.5 miles). It is a brilliant outdoor space, a fine example of a Victorian park and stunning in all seasons. I really thought it was worth a mention.
There is lots to see and do including walks around the peaceful grounds, bowling greens, tennis courts, a lake with swans, ducks and geese, picnic tables, Saltwell Towers and cafe, Pets Corner, a maze, multiple play areas and gardens.
Postcode: NE9 5AX (free onsite parking)
The Angel of the North
A visit to the North East is not complete without a trip to see the Angel of the North. Just off the A1, the Angel is seen by more than one person every second.
You can walk right up to the Angel, enjoy countless selfie and photo opportunities and enjoy the surrounding countryside. There are a couple of picnic tables but please note, there are no public toilets available.
Parking is free or you can catch a bus from Newcastle City Centre.
Postcode: NE9 7TY
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