How to Find Morpeth Stepping Stones

 
This post shares information on how to find Morpeth Stepping Stones, a circular riverside walking route which incorperates them and things to do nearby including two playgrounds, an aviary, cafe, outdoor paddling pool, ducks to feed, rowing boats to hire and the legendary Morpeth Chinese Van. 

Whenever I share photos of our trips to Morpeth Stepping Stones, I am always asked for their exact location and although I have mentioned them in this post featuring places to visit steppy stones across the North East, I thought it was about time I dedicated a whole blog post to them. Kids love visiting and it is a lovely free day out in Northumberland. 

Below is a route of the walk we usually take. We sometimes park in the car park outside of Morpeth Riverside Leisure Centre but it can get busy (NE61 1PR). This car park is closer to the park / steppy stones though.  

In the map below, I have marked where we regularly park on Gas House Lane (marked with B). This route is around 2 miles circular and the perfect length for walking with kids as there are plenty of stops along the way.

Use postcode NE61 1TA and then follow the parking signs. This is a temporary car park to replace the Terrace Car Park while it is temporarily out of use. I prefer parking here as you get to walk through the town centre and William Turner Gardens too. There are no time limits either (but do check this as it may change). 

Both car parks are free with a Northumberland Car Parking Disc but check restrictions on the signs when you park up. If you don't have one, you can buy a parking disc from machines in the car park, they are usually £1. 

This route is super accessible by bus / train too with both stations being a short walk away. Obviously, there are stepping stones so this route is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs I'm afraid. 

So starting at 'B' on the map, you turn left at the roundabout, cross over the bridge and then enter the William Turner Gardens through the gates. These are beautiful formal gardens dedicated to the 'Father of British Botany' and include a Physic Garden, Medievil Garden and Botanic Garden. There is an aviary too and lookout for the statue of Emily Davison too. 

Continue along the path (or take the steps) which sweeps around Ha Hill and you will see the main Carlisle Park in front of you. The facilities here are brilliant. There are rowing boats to hire, sports courts, ducks to feed, toilets, a cafe, food vans, picnic tables, outdoor trim trail plus two playgrounds (one enclosed for younger children and an un-enclosed playground next door for older kids). 

Here is a nice place to stop, let the kids play and enjoy a picnic / coffee. 

There is a giant paddling pool here which is open in the warmer months too (usually last weekend of May - first weekend of September). You don't need to book / pay - just turn up during opening hours. The pool is unsupervised and can get busy. Make sure you check opening times with Morpeth Town Council who manage the pool when making plans. 

Credit : Visit Northumberland 

The park / paddling pool area has a few different options for lunch. We always love to visit the Chinese Van (their lunch specials are less than £4) in the car park over the bridge but there is also a new-ish cafe in the old bowling green area and usually some kind of ice cream / doughnut van too. You can of course, also bring a picnic but both the Chinese Van and Cafe are very reasonably priced. 

After the kids have let off steam and everyone has been fed and watered, continue your walk along the riverbank. You will pass people rowing boats, maybe some kayakers and plenty of ducks if you want to bring some seed for them. 

Continue walkng under this bridge....... 

Then as you walk keeping the river on your right hand side, the stepping stones should come into view soon. There are info signs if you wish to read up on the history too. 

Sometimes there is a little wait as people wait to cross and please do not cross if the water levels are too high. 

Jump over the stepping stones (in the opposite direction to the way the kids are jumping across here - you need to be going towards the houses) then circle back along Newgate Street and then Bridge Street back to the car. There are lots of lovely local shops and cafes in Morpeth Town Centre and you will pass Morpeth Market Place where there is a market every Wednesday 9am-3pm.  

I forgot to mention, there are plenty of seats along the route if you need to rest little legs. 

If you just want to visit the Steppy Stones, it is quicker to park at the Leisure Centre (postcode further up this post) and take this little shortcut rather than the riverside walk. 

Or if you would like to be even closer, try parking in Back Riggs North (postcode NE61 1BJ). This car park only has space for 31 cars. 

We absolutely love this day out when you get a nice day. There is so much to do and it's all FREE or the cost of lunch/coffee if you don't take a picnic.