To escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, parks could be a good idea to spend your morning or afternoon just simply wandering around and enjoying nature.
Parks in Newcastle
To escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, parks could be a good idea to spend your morning or afternoon just simply wandering around and enjoying nature.
Newcastle has a few parks. These parks are either located not far from the city centre or you have to take public transport or drive a car to get there. As for me, I managed to visit all of them on foot. The advantage of walking all the way to each of the parks is that I can enjoy the scenery and pass by some beautiful buildings.
Leazes Park and Exhibition Park are the two parks that are located nearby the city centre. Elswick Park is located at the west end of Newcastle. Heaton Park and Armstrong Park are linked to each other and a short walk from both parks is Jesmond Dene. Each of these parks has their own unique features and things to do and see. My two favourite parks are Jesmond Dene and Leazes Park. You can incorporate visiting these parks into your Newcastle things to do and three days in Newcastle itinerary.
Leazes Park
Leazes Park is the most easily accessed and only takes about five to ten minutes walk from the city centre. This Victorian park is Newcastle city centre's oldest park. It has tennis courts, basketball courts and children playgrounds. The park comes with a tranquil lake where you can feed the swans and ducks. Just wander around this great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Tip | You can grab a pizza or cake at Tower Cafe if you are hungry after walking around or after feeding the ducks and swans. Make sure not feed them with the bread.
Exhibition Park
The original name of Exhibition Park was Bull Park. The name Exhibition Park was first used during the Jubilee Exhibition of 1887. The exhibition was a very successful event which attracted over 2,000,000 visitors at that time. But now this park has become a leisure place for those who are staying near or close to the park. You can find tennis courts, basketball courts, croquet lawns and a skatepark. Take the fresh air strolling around the park to enjoy ducks and swans swimming in the lake. There is an impressive Art Deco building now used by Wylam Brewery as a micro-brewery, bar and event space.
Tip | There is a cafe located in the park if you need tea, coffee or cakes after walking around.
Elswick Park
The Elswick park is located between Elswick Road, Westmorland Road and Beech Grove Road. This park is located about 20 to 30 minutes walk from the city centre. It has a mixture of shrubbery, trees, and grassed areas. Elswick Park dates back to 1881. It was originally the grounds of the Elswick Hall. The Hall was demolished in the 1980s. Elswick Park is popular with local residents. For me this is a less popular park compared to the other parks.
Heaton Park
Heaton Park is located about two miles from the city centre. It has footpaths connecting with nearby Armstrong Park and is easily reached from/to Jesmond Dene. You could walk from one park to another very easily. The Victorian Pavilion and Terrace dates back to 1880. Stand on top of the staircases to view the open space across the park. Check out the 13th century ruins of King John's Palace and pillars to the park.
Heaton Park is popular with local residents and students for spending time outside.
Armstrong Park
Armstrong Park is connected to Jesmond Dene and Heaton Park by a network of paths. It is located on the East bank of the Ouseburn Valley. You can find oak, elm, beech, ash and sycamore trees here. It is quite a peaceful and tranquil walk around the park. There are tennis and basketball courts and a bowling green and also a ruined medieval windmill. You can walk easily around the park with friends or alone during day time. It is quite popular for residents to walk their dogs and also with students. There are also the remains of a former cattle run which takes you back to its former history.
Jesmond Dene
Jesmond Dene is my favourite amongst the others. It is a beautiful woodland park in an amazing setting. You can walk along the River Ouseburn and cross the arched bridges. Don't forget to walk towards the waterfall and take some photos alongside it. Next to the river, you can see the ruined watermill. You can enjoy the spectacular mix of native and exotic trees which are homes to wildlife e.g. Kingfishers, the Red Squirrels and various birds. The Dene stretches for over three kilometres and gives you ample opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity.
Tips | There is a cafe if you are hungry or to have afternoon tea with friends and family. If you come with your children, you can bring them to see a farm not far from the cafe.
More reading // One Day in Newcastle Itinerary, A 3 day Newcastle Itinerary
Entrance fees
You can walk freely around the park and there is no admission fee.
Getting to the parks
The options are varied. You can visit them easily on foot. If you're not a great walker you might want to take a bus or an Uber, train or even drive a car.
Best time to visit the parks
The best time to visit the parks is during Spring when the leaves start to come out, Summer and Autumn when the leaves change to different vibrant colours. Before noon or afternoon are the best times of the day to wander around because less people walk around.
What to wear
Wear according to which season you are visiting Newcastle. Wear comfortable shoes if you are planning a long walk e.g. from Heaton Park to Jesmond Dene or vice versa.
Facilities
Leazes Park, Exhibition Park, Jesmond Dene and Heaton Park have a cafe/restaurant where you can buy breakfast, lunch or snacks. Playgrounds for the children, basketball courts, tennis court and lawn ball field are available in the park areas and toilets may or may not be available in the park.
Bottom Line
If you travel to Newcastle for a short period of time, Leazes Park is a good one to visit and spend your time for one or two hours. I recommend Jesmond Dene if you have a bit more time. This woodland dene setting is absolutely beautiful with its waterfall and stone bridges across the River Ouseburn.
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