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 Magnificent hall in landscaped grounds. |
Belsay Village Nr Ponteland Newcastle upon Tyne, NBL NE20 0DX United Kingdom +44 1661 88 1636 |
There are several centuries of history at Belsay. There is the original 14th century castle, with traces of original wall painting in the great hall. But the main architectural attraction is the early 19th century hall, built on neo-classical lines to resemble a Greek temple, complete with plinths, columns, and scrolls. The beautiful honey coloured stone, which seems to burn with its own light if seen at sunset, was dug from Belsay's own quarry. And indeed the now disused quarry is probably the most striking of the many landscaped gardens in the 30 acres of grounds. Many rare plant specimens can be found here. The grounds play host to a number of regular and one-off events, such as car and motor cycle shows, and a medieval tournament. Partial wheelchair access is available. Not easily accessible by public transport. Admission: adults £3.80, concs £2.90, children £1.90 (English Heritage Members Free) Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Industrialist's mansion with extensive grounds |
Near Coquetdale Along the Coquet Valley Newcastle upon Tyne, NBL NE65 7PX United Kingdom +44 1669 62 0333 |
The first Lord Armstrong was a Victorian industrialist who is perhaps best known for owning the armaments factory, which was mentioned in the well-known local song Blaydon Races. Cragside was built for him within an impressive estate of formal gardens, woodland, and lakes. The lakes were constructed as part of an ingenious hydro-electric system which enabled Cragside to be one of the first houses in the world to be lit by electricity. But Cragside was ahead of its time in many other ways. By 1880 it already had central heating, telephones, fire alarms, and a lift. All these original features still exist, but many visitors go just to see the extensive grounds. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Pleasant public park near city centre |
The Town Moor North of the city Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE3 2DS United Kingdom |
Newcastle is as green a city as you are likely to come across, and Exhibition Park is probably the pick of the parks close to the city centre. Stretching from the edge of the city to the leafy suburb of Jesmond, this is a pleasant and well-maintained park, that comes alive on sunny summer afternoons, but is popular for strolling through at any time. As well as tennis courts, basketball courts, and flat lawn areas, the park also features a boating lake (for which there is a small charge), a mini-golf course, and the Military Vehicle Museum. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jonathan Craddock |
 Photo: brianbge |
 Photo: Martin Dove |
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Historic landscaped park and buildings |
Near Rowlands Gill Burnopfield Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE16 6BG United Kingdom +44 1207 54 1820 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk |
In the care of the National Trust, Gibside is a remarkable survival of bygone days, an 18th century park and pleasure ground. Only three miles from the Metro Centre shopping and leisure complex, Gibside is one of the North's most important landscaped areas, combining beautiful woodland, riverside walks, and historic buildings. You can explore Gibside Hall, the Column of Liberty, the banqueting house and the beautifully serene Palladian chapel. Walking the grounds, visitors will also enjoy the walled garden, octagon pond and the orangery. A welcome tranquil stop for those seeking an alternative to the bustle of city life. Occasional classical music concerts, and theatrical events are staged in spring and summer. There is a tea shop, and a National Trust shop. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds only. Wheelchair access is possible but difficult. A braille gude is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Hannah Kemmett |
 Photo: John Claxton |
 Photo: Stephen Daglish |
 Photo: lester smith |
 Photo: Lilian Harnett |
 Photo: Peter&Dawn |
 Photo: Sarah Ratcliff |
 Photo: ron.hindhaugh |
 Photo: Ali Simanwe |
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Delightful green valley just outside the city centre |
Jesmond Dene Road Jesmond Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE2 2HP United Kingdom +44 191 232 8520 |
Possibly Newcastle's best loved park, Jesmond Dene is an oasis of natural tranquility in a busy city. It is easy to forget you are in an urban area when you are in the sprawling acres of this park and the hours can pass by very quickly. In between lush greenery there are grassy areas, flower beds, swings for the kids, a pets corner, and bowling greens, and linking them all together is the stream (a tributary of the nearby river Tyne) that runs through the Dene. A good time to visit is on a sunny Sunday morning, when there is a market and craft fair held at the Cradlewell end of the Dene (signposted off the A1058). Well worth a visit for a stroll to forget the stresses of city life. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jess McCloskey |
 Photo: Tony Cuthbertson |
 Photo: Mark Baxter |
 Photo: Warren Milburn |
 Photo: Dave Murray |
 Photo: John King |
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Greenery near St James's |
Richardson Road Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE2 4AZ United Kingdom |
In the shadow of St James Park, home of Newcastle United Football Club, Leazes Park is a pleasant bit of greenery, less than ten minutes walk from the city centre. As well as an area of grassy moorland, there are plenty of trees to provide shade on a warm summer's day. In the centre of the park there is a smallish boating lake that is ideal for a Sunday afternoon row. Also available are public access tennis courts, a bowling green, and street basketball courts. At the football stadium side there is a picturesque area with well-maintained flowers, monuments, and lawns. The park hosts the Newcastle Community Green Festival each May. Its proximity to several of the University lodgings means it is popular with strolling students, but you are advised to give the park a wide berth after dark. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jacqui Napier  |
 Photo: yd 'whydee' leong |
 Photo: Davy Ellis |
 Photo: alatraqjiphoto |
 Photo: Alexander Wilson |
 Photo: Robin L |
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Large and plush park |
Nuns Moor Road Fenham Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE4 9AU United Kingdom |
Situated on the city centre side of the Fenham area, this is a pleasant and well-maintained park with several public facilities. Across Brighton Grove (which splits the park in two), there is open moorland which hosts a fair on Bank Holiday weekends, whilst the amenities tend to be on the Fenham side. There are newly-laid all weather tennis courts, a playground and five-a-side grass football pitches. The park also contains the private Nuns Moor bowling green. The park is well-paved making it walkable whatever the weather, and a pleasant place for a Sunday stroll amongst the greenery, or for escaping the city's hustle and bustle any time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michelle Hanson |
 Photo: bmactoon |
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Pleasant riverside park |
Riverside Park Road (off A66 to Metz Bridge Road) Newcastle upon Tyne DH3 3QR United Kingdom +44 191 389 0986 |
Riverside Park is adjacent to the home ground of Durham County Cricket Club on the banks of the river Wear. Here you will find a children's play area complete with outdoor paddling pool, slides, fairy tale castle and railway station. Nearby the new Park Centre sells drinks and snacks and provides an outdoor seating area overlooking the river. The ornamental gardens are embellished by work commissioned from local artists. For the bowling enthusiast there is a bowls club and greens are open to the public throughout the summer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sculpture in the open air |
Riverside Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE8 2BJ United Kingdom +44 191 477 3478 http://www.gateshead.gov.uk |
As part of Gateshead Borough Council's initiative to put art in public places (most notably realised in the Angel of the North), these eight sculptures, in many styles and utilising various materials, stretch along about half a mile of the south bank of the Tyne, opposite the famous Quayside area, and the Copthorne Hotel. From Bottle Bank by Richard Harris at the east end of the park, past Andy Goldsworthy's rusting metal structure Cone - hidden among trees, and not easy to find if you do not know where to look - past the impressive Rolling Moon, to Axiom by Hideo Furuta at the west end, you are bound to find something that appeals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: djania |
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Entertainment and education |
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust District 15 Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE38 8LE United Kingdom +44 191 416 5454 http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/wa... |
Run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, a wildlife charity that has centres throughout Britain, Washington Waterfowl Park is both a fun day out for all the family, and an opportunity to learn about conservation. As well as the formal ponds in which captive birds, including some endangered species, can be seen at close quarters, there are over thirty acres of ponds, streams, grassland, and mature deciduous woodland, where wild birds, mammals and insects thrive in abundance. Hides are provided next to some ponds to enable quiet viewing of wild birds. There is a visitor centre with exhibitions, a souvenir shop, and a cafe. Admission: adults £5.95, concs £4.95, children £3.95. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |