If you want to get more active, what better way to experience the great outdoors than visiting one of the many parks in Tyne and Wear?
Here’s seven parks and green spaces you can visit using Metro:
Jesmond Dene
Named the fourth most loved park in the UK outside London in 2021, Jesmond Dene is a stunning wooded valley that follows the River Ouseburn between South Gosforth and Jesmond Vale. It was officially opened to the public in 1884 and is a haven for wildlife.
You can reach the North end of Jesmond Dene from South Gosforth Metro station via a 15 minute walk, or a similar stroll time from West Jesmond Metro station will see you reach the middle of the Dene.
Leazes Park
The oldest public park in Newcastle, Leazes Park boasts a boating and fishing lake, tennis, bowls and a children’s play area.
The park opened to the public in 1873 and has since been restored to its former glory, a green oasis in the city that is a haven for wildlife and the ideal place for a relaxing walk or a family day out.
Leazes park is a five minute walk from both St James Metro station and Haymarket Metro station.
Mowbray Park and Winter Gardens
One of the oldest public parks in the North East, Mowbray Park in Sunderland is a green space with a large lake next to Sunderland Museum. Take a walk in the park to see the bronze walrus statue, a nod to Lewis Carroll, who, legend has it, was inspired to write The Walrus and the Carpenter after seeing a stuffed Walrus head in the museum. The Winter Gardens are free to access alongside the museum, with a fishpond, 1500 plants and a treetop walk all housed under a glass dome.
You can reach Mowbray Park via a short walk from Sunderland station.
North and South Marine Parks
These two historic parks in South Shields are set right on the town’s stunning coastline and boast a boating lake, miniature steam railway, and a bowling green.
Embark on a walking trail around the park, or have a full day out along the coast, taking in both the seaside and the parks.
You can reach the parks by walking for 20 minutes from South Shields Metro station.
Roker Park
A beautiful park that leads directly onto the beach, Roker Park in Sunderland includes a large lake, a bandstand and several footpaths through landscaped gardens.
Home to the famous Sunderland Illuminations, Roker Park is a 15 minute walk from either Seaburn Metro station or Stadium of Light Metro station.
Rising Sun Country Park
Set in the heart of North Tyneside, Rising Sun Country Park is a nature reserve with ponds woodland, grassland, a farm and a countryside centre.
Explore the extensive pathways and bridleways, enjoy bird hides and children’s play areas, around a 20 minute walk from Palmersville Metro Station to the centre of the park.
Bill Quay Park and Community Farm
A short walk from Pelaw Metro station, this park has bowls, a play area and a skate park.
Pop to nearby Bill Quay Community Farm to see rabbits, cows and pigs, and take in spectacular panoramic views of the Tyne.
With so much green space to enjoy on the Metro network, it’s an ideal opportunity to explore the great outdoors, or to incorporate Metro into your active lifestyle. Remember you can Take the Kids for Free all day every day, and order a Pop Pay As You Go card to ensure your journey is cheaper and more convenient.