Parks & nature in Newcastle

Birkheads Secret Gardens, Coffee Shop & Nursery

Newcastle upon Tyne

A sloping, gravel-pathed garden near Stanley with a coffee shop and tea terraces, open Thursday to Sunday until mid-October.

Accessible toiletBaby changeBike parkingCafé+6 more

Carlisle Park

Morpeth · up to age 13

A free riverside park with a paddling pool, a toddler play area and a skate park, open from spring bank holiday to the end of the summer holidays.

Dog friendlyOutdoor playPicnic areaPublic transport nearby+1 more

Chester Le Street Riverside Leisure Complex

Chester-le-Street

A riverside leisure centre with a pool, step-free access throughout and a café for afterwards.

Accessible toiletBlue badge parkingFood on siteStep-free access+2 more

Chopwell Wood

Rowlands Gill, Gateshead

Free Forestry England woodland near Gateshead - trails and picnic, Soft Play N.

ParkingPicnic areaDog friendlyWheelchair accessible

Cullercoats Beach

North Shields

A sheltered bay for a paddle or a swim, plus a decent play area right by the sand, and it costs nothing to get in.

CaféFirst aidOutdoor playParking+4 more

Gibside National Trust Farm Estate

Rowlands Gill

NT estate near Rowlands Gill with gardens, walks and seasonal farm - Soft Play N.

CaféParkingToiletsBaby change+2 more

H2oTrails

Newcastle upon Tyne

Outdoor swimming, paddleboarding and dedicated H2oKids sessions on the water, booked in one-hour slots.

Booking required

Hamsterley Forest

Hamsterley

Forest trails for walking, mountain biking and a Room on the Broom family trail, with free entry and paid parking.

Accessible toiletBaby changeCaféDog friendly+4 more

Kinley Hill Pumpkin Patch

Seaham

Pick your own pumpkin off the vine, then walk it down to the coast for a look at the sea.

Booking requiredCard onlyCash onlyParking+1 more

Nature Grotto Hartburn Forest

Morpeth

A carved-out riverside cave once used by bathers to change and slip into the water, tucked away near Hartburn.

Prudhoe Waterworld

Prudhoe · ages 0+

An indoor pool with an aquaslide, splashpad and soft play, plus baby and toddler swimming lessons.

Accessible toiletBlue badge parkingCaféIndoor play+4 more

Rising Sun Country Park

Benton

Benton country park with farm animals, trails and lake - free park, Soft Play N.

CaféParkingToiletsBaby change+3 more

Stargate Ponds and Bewes Hills

Ryton

A quiet, free wander round ponds and low hills with flat paths, good for spotting wildlife in about half an hour.

The Yard Strength & Fitness

Newcastle upon Tyne

A coached, hour-long group strength and conditioning class for adults, with sessions scaled to whatever shape you turn up in.

Thornley Wood

Rowlands Gill

A short, free sculpture trail through Paddock Hill Wood with around ten carved wooden animals to spot.

CaféFree parkingOutdoor play

Warkworth Beach

Amble

A wide, open stretch of sand near Amble for beach games, sunbathing and a go at surfing with a local school.

Accessible toiletFree parkingToilets

Whickham Hermitage Community Garden

Newcastle upon Tyne

Free garden with a fairy village and playhouse to hunt down, plus locally made sculptures dotted along the paths.

Accessible toiletCaféCard onlyCash only+2 more

Whitley Bay Beach

Whitley Bay

A free, wide stretch of sand with room for surfing, kayaking and a long promenade walk with North Sea views.

CaféParkingRestaurantToilets+1 more