Five picnic spots in Tyne and Wear.
As the sunnier weather is hopefully on its way, a perfect activity is to get a range of sandwiches and snacks, take out your beloved picnic blanket and find a spot to lounge in the sun. Tyne and Wear has the perfect picnic spots to take the whole family. To get to these super spots, take Metro. Remember Kids Go Free on Metro – that’s up to three kids aged 11 and under travelling for free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
Saltwell Park
Number 1 on the list is Saltwell Park in Gateshead. The park has plenty of spots to set up your picnic, whether its beside the play-area, next to the duck pond or up in the rose garden. A perk of this park is the pets corner where you can get the kids and they can see the range of animals from peacocks to parrots. If you did not get chance to make your sandwiches Saltwell Park also has two cafes which have a range of lunch choices and hot or cold drinks that you can eat in or takeaway. The park is a 25 minute easy walk from Gateshead Interchange.
Closest Metro station is Gateshead Interchange.
Sunderland Museum and Gardens and Mowbray Park
Sunderland Museum and Gardens is a great spot to take the whole family, before setting up your picnic in the close-by Mowbray Park take a walk around the Museum and its fabulous free exhibitions. Then head through to the winter gardens to see over 2000 different plants and their resident Koi Carp. From the tree-top walkway, you will have a bird's eye view of Mowbray park so you can pick your picnic spot before heading over! Mowbray Park is a large open green space perfect for the kids to play games and enjoy the sun.
Closest Metro station is Park Lane.
North Marine Park
North Marine Park, located on South Shields' seafront near Littlehaven Beach, offers lots of fun for the whole family to enjoy. With great views from the park over the coastline, this is a must see when visiting South Tyneside. The park has been awarded a Green Flag, which is a mark of quality from the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. There is also a maritime themed play park and accessible routes around the park so everyone can easily explore and find their picnic spot.
Closest Metro station is South Shields.
4. Jesmond Dene
A favourite spot in Tyne and Wear has to be Jesmond Dene. The dene has everything from a pets corner, historic bridges and plenty of green space for a picnic. The Jesmond Dene Falls are a historic landmark that is perfect to walk to after filling up on all the picnic snacks. The Dene stretches between two Metro stations so you could choose which end you start in. On a Sunday there is often a food market which is great to get your lunch from before wandering through the woodland and setting up your picnic spot.
Closest Metro station is South Gosforth or Jesmond.
5. Northumberland Park
Located in Tynemouth, Northumberland Park is a fantastic spot to spend the day with the whole family. There is not only plenty of green space to set up a picnic, there is also a café with plenty of outdoor seating if it isn't picnic weather. In the park, there is everything from picnic tables, a play-ground, a herb garden and even a labyrinth. A favourite part of the park has to be the fairy doors and statues which are perfect for younger children to try and find.
Closest Metro station is Tynemouth.