Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for its nightlife, architecture and riverside views, but the city also has some fantastic green spaces. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful woodland walk, somewhere to take the children, a picnic spot or simply somewhere to escape the city for an hour, there’s a park for you.
Here are 6 of the best parks in Newcastle, along with what you can expect when you visit, where to eat and what you need to know about parking.
1. Jesmond Dene one of the best parks in Newcastle for a woodland walk
Jesmond Dene is arguably Newcastle’s most beautiful park. Just a couple of miles from the city centre, it feels a world away from the busy streets.
The Dene follows the River Ouseburn through ancient woodland, with winding paths, bridges, waterfalls and plenty of wildlife. It’s particularly lovely in autumn when the trees change colour.
What’s there?
- Woodland and riverside walks
- Waterfalls and historic features
- Pets’ Corner, which is great for children
- Children’s play area
- Picnic areas
- Lots of wildlife
- Walking and running routes
- Visitor Centre
Pets’ Corner is home to a variety of animals and is a particularly good reason to visit with younger children. The Visitor Centre also has a café and toilets.
Parking
There is parking within Jesmond Dene along Red Walk, including disabled spaces near the Visitor Centre. Parking is also available around Benton Bank.
Is parking free? yes at time of writing
Café? Yes there is a café at the Visitor Centre.
2. Exhibition Park
Exhibition Park is right in the heart of Newcastle and is an excellent choice if you want a park with lots to do.
There are wide lawns, flowerbeds, tree-lined paths and a lake with ducks and swans. There’s also a children’s play area, skatepark, outdoor gym, tennis courts and croquet lawns.
Exhibition Park is one of the best parks in Newcastle if you’re visiting the city centre, Newcastle University or the Great North Museum and it’s convenient, easy to find and has lots to keep the whole family entertianed.
What’s there?
- Lake with ducks and swans
- Children’s play area
- Skatepark
- Outdoor gym
- Tennis courts
- Croquet lawns
- Open lawns and picnic space
- Walking and cycling paths
- Parkrun every Saturday
The park also has Wylam Brewery in the historic Palace of Arts, making it possible to combine a walk with food and a drink.
Parking
The nearest car park is on Claremont Road.
Is parking free? The Claremont Road car park is chargeable.
Café? Yes.
3. Leazes Park is the best park for a city centre escape
Leazes Park is one of Newcastle’s classic parks and was officially opened in 1873, making it the city’s first purpose-built public park.
Located beside St James’ Park and close to the city centre, it’s a surprisingly peaceful place to escape the crowds.
The large lake is the centrepiece, surrounded by mature trees, flowerbeds and paths. There’s also a large children’s play area, basketball courts and six tennis courts.
What’s there?
- Large lake
- Walking paths
- Children’s play area
- Basketball courts
- Six tennis courts
- Picnic and BBQ areas
- Bandstand
- Lots of benches
- Parkrun
Parking
There is a small car park at Leazes Park.
Is parking free? No. The council currently charges £2.10 per hour between 8am and 7pm, while parking is free between 7pm and 8am.
Café? Yes
4. Heaton Park
Heaton Park is often forgotten when people talk about the best parks in Newcastle as it’s a bit smaller but it is a lovely neighbourhood park with a surprising amount of history. It has colourful seasonal flowerbeds, mature trees and paths linking towards Jesmond Dene and the Ouseburn Valley.
One of its highlights is the Victorian Pavilion and Terrace, dating from 1880. The park is also home to the remains of King John’s Palace, a 13th-century fortified manor house.
What’s there?
- Victorian Pavilion
- Historic King John’s Palace ruins
- Two children’s play areas
- Open grassed areas
- Flowerbeds and mature trees
- Walking routes
- Views across the park
Parking
There is on-street parking around Heaton Park View and Jesmond Vale Lane.
Café/restaurant? Yes.
5. Paddy Freeman’s Park is one of the best parks in Newcastle for families
Paddy Freeman’s Park is a popular family park in the north of Newcastle and is particularly good if you’re looking for plenty of activities in one place.
The park centres around a boating lake and has large play areas for younger and older children, tennis courts, a bowling green and a football pitch.
What’s there?
- Boating/model boat lake
- Large children’s play area
- Tennis courts
- Bowling green
- Football pitch
- Picnic areas
- Open grass
- Accessible picnic tables
Parking
There is a small pay-and-display car park inside the park, accessed from Freeman Road.
Café? Yes.
6. Gosforth Central Park
Gosforth Central Park is a smaller, beautifully maintained park with a distinctly local feel but it absolutely deserves a place on the list of best parks in Newcastle, it’s a bit of hidden gem.
There are more than 200 trees, formal flowerbeds, a wildflower meadow and a wildlife pond. For active visitors there are tennis and basketball courts, while children have a good play area.
What’s there?
- Children’s play area
- Tennis courts
- Basketball courts
- Bowling club
- Flowerbeds
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife pond
- Large grassy areas
- Picnic areas
- Dog-walking space
Parking
Is parking free? If you can park on nearby streets then yes otherwise head to Gosforth Shopping centre and pay to park.
Café? No.
Whether you are staying in the area for a holiday, have recently moved here or are simply passing through these are 6 of the best parks in Newcastle that are definitely worth a visit.
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