8 beautiful country parks in northeast England
Looking for an outdoor day out in northeast England? Explore 8 of the best country parks in the region.
Are you a town- or city-dweller looking to spend some time in the great outdoors? A trip to a country park could be just what the doctor ordered.
The UK boasts an array of country parks. They provide a fantastic opportunity to unwind in nature, usually not more than a stone's throw from an urban centre.
Northeast England is especially rich in country parks, especially the coastal area between the North York Moors and Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Country parks are versatile. They can be great spots for walking, cycling, horse riding, birdwatching, canoeing, fishing, photography – the list goes on. But they're often also well-equipped to keep the little ones entertained.
So, without further ado, here are eight of the best country parks in the North East (inlcuding one national park for good measure). We hope this list inspires you to take a day out one day soon.
1. Druridge Bay Country Park
About three miles from the town of Amble in Northumberland lies Druridge Bay Country Park. Lies – or you could say "stretches", taking in three miles of sandy beaches, sand dunes, woodland, grassland and a huge lake. The perfect destination for anglers, wildlife spotters and walkers.
2. Northumberland National Park
Northumberland is a treasure of the Great British landscape – and Northumberland National Park is a treasure among the treasure. Expect peaceful beaches, heather-covered moorland, grassland, ancient villages and the world-famous Hadrian's Wall.
It's also a wonderful spot for walking, hiking and mountain biking. You can stop off at the Sill – also known as the UK's National Landscape Discovery Centre – for exhibits, visitor information and even a bed for the night.
3. Walltown Quarry Country Park
Walltown Quarry Country Park is a great example of what the nature writer Richard Mabey used to call "the unofficial countryside". What once was a whinstone quarry is now filled with trees, flowers and wildlife.
You'll find Walltown Quarry Country Park not far from Greenhead. Follow safe, waymarked trails, explore the willow peace labyrinth or take a trip up Walltown Crags for a view of Hadrian's Wall.
4. Tyne Riverside Country Park
Not far from Newcastle and Gateshead, Tyne Riverside Country Park follows the river for four miles through woods, farms, grassland and meadows.
Located near Prudhoe railway station, this country park is ideal for walking, dog walking, cycling and boating. There's a visitor centre, picnic area and children's play area. There's also a "Friends of the Park" group.
5. The Rising Sun Country Park
Ponds! Woodland! Grassland! The Rising Sun Country Park is a 162-hectare nature reserve in the heart of Tyneside, bursting with wildlife and walking routes.
There are bird hides, cycling groups, a cafe and more. Admission is free and there's parking within the grounds. Let's just say the Rising Sun is popular for a reason.
6. Filey Brigg Country Park
Filey Brigg is a long, thin peninsula in North Yorkshire. And this nine-acre country park is the perfect vantage point to enjoy the views.
It's a great place to unwind, paddle, sunbathe, fly a kite, walk the dog or go birding. Photographers will be enamoured with the views and wildlife spotters can look for whales and dolphins out at sea. Meanwhile, the little ones can enjoy the play area.
It's also great for hiking, whether you're looking for a gentle ramble or something more substantial. Filey Bay is the final stop on the 80-mile
Yorkshire Wolds Way!
7. Bolam Lake Country Park
About nine miles west of Morpeth lies Bolam Lake Country Park.
The lake itself is home to swans and other birds and a popular spot for fishing and canoeing (permits required). There's also an accessible path taking you around the shore.
But the country park also boasts woodland and grassland beloved by local hikers, cyclists and horse riders.
The park is a haven for wildlife. Keen-eyed visitors could spot roe deer, red squirrels and nuthatches. It's another example of why the North East is such a favourite spot for lovers of the great outdoors.
8. Big Waters Country Park
Last but not least is Big Waters Country Park in Northumberland, located just past Brunswick Village. It's a 25-hectare site of special scientific interest (SSSI) boasting a large subsidence pond. This, in turn, boasts a host of birds, insects and other wildlife.
There's a path and raised boardwalk leading to the pond. Please note that only guide and assistance dogs are allowed.
What is a country park?
A country park is a public green space. It's typically located on the edge of a town or a city, giving urbanites a chance to get out in nature.
Many country parks provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as cycling and bird watching. They often also have facilities such as a visitor's centre, car park, toilets and maybe a cafe.
National parks, by contrast, are on a larger scale and partly exist to conserve and protect the natural environment.
How many country parks are there in the UK?
According to Natural England, there are more than 400 country parks in the UK. Many were designated as country parks in the 1970s. These days, the label is applied less formally.
As for national parks, there are 15 in the UK: 10 in England, three in Wales, and two in Scotland.
Getting there
If you're planning a trip to a country park, you're going to need transport. And what better way to get there and back than with a rental car?
Renting a car for a day trip means a flexible, stress-free way of getting about. It can also let you try out a car you might not normally drive.
So, if you want to
rent a car in the North East, why not pop into MVH Rental? We're trusted throughout the region for our more-than-fair prices and friendly, flexible service.
To get started, simply
browse our fleet online or
get in touch with our team. We're always happy to help.
