If you’re looking for a day out where you don’t have to spend a lot of money but there are plenty of things to do, then Saltwell Park in the heart of Gateshead is the ideal destination if you’re in the North East. Whether you’re going with a partner, friends or as a family, this beautiful Victorian park has a lot to offer.
Walking
There are plenty of lovely places for a short stroll in Saltwell Park, as well as some more challenging walks if you fancy it! You can certainly build up your steps as you take in the scenery. Take a short stroll around the lake or start from the Joicey Road entrance and take a longer walk right through to East Park Road, stopping off for a delicious coffee at the Prism Coffee Bar on the way. Or if you want to save your pennies then take a backpack with a flask and some biccies with you. There are lots of park benches to sit and relax during your walk.
As the British weather can be very unpredictable, even in the summer months, be prepared for it to be glorious sunshine one minute and rain showers the next! This really handy raincoat parka from Lighthouse is ideal for rolling up and popping in the backpack.
Eating
You’ll find lots of picnic tables dotted around Saltwell Park but if it’s a busy day they’ll go quick so pack a picnic blanket and relax on the very well kept grass while you enjoy the view or read a book while eating some delicious snacks. Alternatively there is Bewicks tea room situated within the stunning gothic Saltwell Towers, or the Prism Coffee Bar mentioned above that serves some very tasty sweet & savoury vegan snacks. On a warm day you’ll also find the ice cream van to treat your self to a cooling 99 cornet.
Flowers
Take a stroll through the rose garden during the summer months and enjoy the gorgeous scent of the flowers in bloom. Sit on a bench there and wait for the squirrels to entertain you while they hunt for a nut or two. You’ll find colourful flower beds all around the park, as well as an abundance of trees which never fail to make me feel happy. The NGS Buzzing Garden in the middle of the park reflects the strong ties between the North East of England and West Sweden and is a haven for bees, definitely worth a look when you visit.
Relaxing
There’s nothing I like better than sitting on a bench looking at Saltwell Park Lake. The lake is home to swans, geese and ducks and you’ll occasionally see the model boat club members spending a pleasant hour or two testing out their boats on the lake. You can also buy bird feed from the club if you want to feed the wildlife.
Exploring
If you’re out with your children or grandkids why not give them a nature lesson. Talk about the different kinds of trees, discuss what birds and ducks you see, feed the ducks and spot the squirrels. At the Saltwell Road entrance to the park you’ll see the old salt well where you can show them a bit of history and then walk up through the dene with the little wooden bridge. There’s also the Pet’s Corner where the kids can enjoy watching the chickens, parrots, guinea pigs and peacocks. Or if you’re having a day without the children then you can equally enjoy all of these activities as a grown up 🙂
Playing
Saltwell Park is also home to some tennis courts and basketball courts so if that’s your thing then remember to take your racket or basketball. The kids will enjoy running around with a football on the large grass areas, or there is an interesting maze just beside Saltwell Towers, which is high enough to make if challenging! And of course there are two playground areas – one for toddlers complete with sand pit and a separate playground for older children with an enticing climbing frame.
Whatever the season, Saltwell Park in Gateshead always has something to entertain and delight young and old. Truly a lovely day out.