Tyne Riverside Country Park : Visitor Information

This post is based on a visit in April 2021. Please check with venues direct for the most up to date information. A version of this post also appears on Visit Newcastle.

Tyne Riverside Country Park is situated on former industrial land by the River Tyne near Newburn. It is a lovely spot with various facilities and perfect for riverside strolls and woodland walks. The park is very well connected and part of the Wylam Waggonway and some areas are suitable for cycling and horse riding.

It is free to visit the park.

There are several free car parks which are well signposted, a cafe on site, two playgrounds, an outdoor gym and lots of seating and picnic tables dotted throughout plus plenty of space for picnics if you wish to bring a blanket.

I love how varied this park is - within the space of a few square miles you can enjoy the river, woodland, a sensory garden and memorial tree garden.

Dogs are welcome in most areas and there are some areas which are just for walkers if you wish to avoid cyclists / horse riders. Throw access to water sports into the mix and it really is a park for everyone.

Tyne Riverside Country Park : Parking Postcode and Location

Tyne Riverside Park is pretty easy to find - just off the A1 and along Scotswood Road. I struggled to find an exact postcode but if you use NE15 8NL which is the postcode for The Keelman Pub next door, you won't go wrong as the Country Park Car Park is signposted from the road here.

Drive past The Keelman Pub & Big Lamp Brewery with it on your right (above) and follow the signs to the Country Park Car Parks (below). Either car park is fine as everything is within walking distance. Straight forward will allow you to park right on the river whereas turning right will take you towards the cafe.

Tyne Riverside Country Park : Visitor Information Car Park Postcode & Directions

Alternatively, you will see the car park below (also free) just before you get to the pub. This one is also within easy walking distance of everything but particularly handy if you want to take one of the longer walking routes along Reigh Burn.

Tyne Riverside Country Park is accessible via public transport, simply catch a bus to Newburn High Street and is is around a 1/2 mile walk from there (see map below). It is also possible to walk to the park from both Wylam and Prudhoe Train Stations.

Tyne Riverside Park : Playgrounds & Outdoor Gym

There are two enclosed playgrounds overlooking the Tyne plus a an outdoor gym (for ages 15+) and even a guided meditation to try. The playground for older children isn't the best I've ever seen (plus some equipment is broken) but the park for younger ones did seem better. Both had plenty of space though with lovely views. There is an ice cream van by the river too.

Tyne Riverside Country Park : Visitor Information Outdoor Gym

Tyne Riverside Country Park : Visitor Information Playgrounds

Short Riverside Walk, Memorial Trees & Sensory Garden

We basically followed the green dotted line below which was fine for a short walk. Started near Big Lamp Brewery, down towards the Tyne, walked along the River Tyne with a stop off at the play park and then continued around in a circle through the Memorial Tree Garden, to the Sensory Garden and then to the Coffee Shop. This route is all completely flat with ample seating along the route and lots of wide paths and grass to social distance. I would predict this walk is 1-1.5 miles, it's not far.

The views along the River Tyne are beautiful, especially when the sun is shining. This main path along the Tyne is a multi-use path and suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, cyclists, scooters and dog walking.

As you walk along the river, you will spot this gap in the trees which takes you into the Memorial Tree Garden and doubles back on yourself in a circle. This part of the walk is for walkers only. If you are cycling, you can continue along the river.

The Memorial Tree Garden is lovely. There are lots of different types of trees planted which are all clearly labelled with the tree type and dedication (the garden is now closed to new dedications). We visited at the beginning of Spring and a lot of the trees were still bare but I cannot wait to revisit in the summer when the trees are looking their best. There were so many different varieties and I bet it looks glorious. A must-visit for any tree fans or gardeners.

Once you have walked through the Memorial Tree Garden (or Battlefield as I think it's known), you will see the Sensory Garden which is a small but beautiful garden run by volunteers. We enjoyed walking around, smelling all of the different herbs and taking in the bright colours. It is a nice little space for a sit down.

Tyne Riverside Country Park : Visitor Information Sensory Garden

Tyne Riverside Country Park : Cafe and Public Toilets

The end of the walking loop brought us to the cafe. At time of publication it is takeaway only and open daily 10am-2pm. Check out their Facebook Page for up to date info: Hedley's Riverside Coffee Shop

You will find public toilets in the cafe which are open during cafe opening hours.

The cafe is small but serves a nice selection of food, snacks and drinks. Cash is preferred but card payments are also accepted. The staff were lovely and we ordered 5 drinks and 5 cakes to takeaway for just over £20 which I thought was good. The hot chocolates are lovely! There are picnic tables dotted around the park for you to enjoy your takeaway.

Once restrictions allow, the cafe has lots of indoor seating, outdoor seating and is dog friendly too.

Tyne Riverside Country Park : Longer Walks

The popular Newburn to Wylam walk begins in this park (see here for a map), it is a 6 mile circular route and will take you along both sides of the Tyne.

Alternatively, you can follow the red route marked on the map below (see display boards in the park for information) which will take you along Reigh Burn. I believe this is a 4 mile circular route.

If you google 'Wylam Waggonway Walks' or 'Wylam Waggonway Cycle Routes', lots of traffic-free routes will come up of various lengths. Parts of the route can get busy though.

Tyne Riverside Country Park : Watersports

There is a slipway into the River Tyne which is used by Tynemouth Sailing Club, Newburn Water Ski Club and Newburn Leisure Centre for Canoeing - contact these venues direct for more information.

Tyne Riverside Country Park : Nearby Attractions

The Keelman's Lodge is a pub with rooms (and microbrewery) right by the entrance of Tyne Riverside Country Park. We have enjoyed a couple of meals here (although it was a few years ago) and really enjoyed it.

At the moment, they offer takeaway food but they also have a beer garden with kids playground, a covered garden marquee, a country pub/restaurant, microbrewery, holiday cottage and 4* accommodation once restrictions allow.

Follow The Keelman on Facebook here and check out their website here: https://keelmanslodge.co.uk/

Tyne Riverside Country Park is also next door to Newburn Activity Centre which has lots going on including climbing, trampolines, soft play and gym: https://www.newburnactivity.co.uk/

The park is just a few miles from Close House which is perfect for a family Sunday Lunch or an overnight stay with a hot tub and on the Hadrian's Wall Path too.

Finally, you are just along the road from the Metrocentre if you are looking for fresh air after a bit of retail therapy.

Visit the Tyne Riverside Country Park website here.