Wynyard Woodland Park : Visitor Information

This post is based on a visit in April 2021. Please always check details direct with venue before setting off as information can change over time.

Wynyard Woodland Park is a play area which many of you have recommended to us over the years. I am so pleased we finally made the trip and spent a sunny morning here in April. It is fantastic!

If you are looking for a free adventure playground in a woodland setting with different sections, seating, a cafe and loos on-site as well as free parking in Stockton-on-Tees, this park is for you. It is not far from the A19 and A1 so also a good place to stop for a leg stretch if you are travelling South from Northumberland.

Wynyard Woodland Park : Parking and Location

Use postcode TS21 3JG and follow the signs for Wynyard Woodland Park (not to be confused with Wynyard Hall/Gardens). There are several free car parks on site as well as an overflow car park - just follow the parking signs on arrival.

As far as I can see, the park is not accessible by public transport but it is on the Castle Eden Walkway which provides walking and cycling routes in the area and I am sure you can here from nearby towns via this walkway.

The park is open 8am-5pm (Winter) and 8am-9pm (Summer). The paths around the park are wide/surfaced and accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Wynyard Woodland Park : Woodland Play Area

The adventure playgrounds are just by the car park and free to visit. They are split into three main areas which you can see in the map below.

Areas 1-6 are more suited to younger children with a play village, sand tipper and see saws where as areas 7-13 are better for older children with climbing frames which may be challenging to little ones, larger slides and a big zip wire.

The park is spaced out and despite being next to each other, you can't see from one area to another. We just spent a bit of time in each 'zone' which worked well for us. Each area has benches and tables. We visited on a sunny Sunday at 11am ish and there were plenty of free seats in each section.

I was really impressed with this playground. Everything was really well kept and in excellent condition.

Wynyard Woodland Park : Railway Carriage

Wynyard Woodland Park started life as a working railway carrying freight to the River Tees and there are little nods to the area's past throughout.

One such nod is this carriage from the 1960s which is used as a classroom and base for events across the year. It makes a nice backdrop for a picnic with tables outside too.

Wynyard Woodland Park : Walks, Cycle Routes & Bridleways

The Castle Eden Walkway runs just behind the adventure playground. It is a disused railway line along Cycle Route 1. It is nice and flat for beginners and traffic-free. It is multi-use so expect to see cyclists, dog walkers and families.

Wynyard Woodland Park : Castle Eden Walkway

Wynyard Woodland Park : Tea Rooms, Visitor Centre & Toilets

The tea rooms and visitor centre is just next to the adventure playground and located inside of the old Thorpe Thewles station. We did not visit on this occasion as had just eaten but it looked like a popular spot. At the moment the tea rooms are open daily from 10/10:30 - 3/3:30pm.

They are closed on Mondays in term time (open in school holidays). Check here for up to date hours. They have outdoor seating in a courtyard outside and inside seating once restrictions allow.

Wynyard Woodland Park : Cafe Opening Hours

The toilets (including accessible) are located in this cute little building between the cafe and adventure playground.

Wynyard Woodland Park : Observatory

I love that Wynyard Woodland Park is home to their own planetarium and observatory. They are closed at the time of writing this post due to Government restrictions but keep an eye on their website here for details of upcoming events.

Wynyard Woodland Park : What is Nearby?

Wynyard Woodland Park is just a few miles from Wynyard Hall where you can visit the gardens, enjoy a bite to eat or try the superworm trail.
Hardwick Park is 6 miles away, it is a lovely place for a walk and you can try the Augmented Reality Dinosaur Trail. Hardwick Hall overlooks the park and is home to County Durham's largest beer garden with street food vans and fairground rides.
Tees Barrage is 6 miles away - we highly recommend the Air Trail here.
RSPB Saltholme is a 15 minute drive away and lovely for a walk, bird spotting and a play in the park
If you fancy fish and chips at the seaside afterwards, Seaton Carew is less than 20 minutes away in the car (we recommend The Almighty Cod)

Check out my other playground/park reviews below:

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Please follow social distancing rules & Government guidelines , respect the local area, leave no trace, take litter home, park responsibly and if somewhere is busy on arrival, please consider leaving and returning at a later date.

Remember face coverings are required for indoor attractions / shops for those aged 11+ (usual exemptions apply)

Check for local lockdowns / travel restrictions before visiting anywhere.

Always check updated opening hours / protocols with venues direct before setting off as things may have changed after this post was published.