Get Outdoors in Gateshead: Top Parks, Gardens & Outdoor Spaces to Explore

There’s no better way to spend your time than stepping outside, breathing in the crisp, fresh air and enjoying a gentle stroll through one of Gateshead’s many walking routes and scenic spots. With beautiful parks and green spaces, including a few fabulous hidden gems, there’s always somewhere new to explore and enjoy at a relaxed pace. The area is home to some truly beautiful outdoor locations.

No matter the season, spending time outdoors and reconnecting with nature is always rewarding and Gateshead’s great outdoors offers the perfect setting to slow down, unwind and do just that. So grab your coat, round up your favourite walking companions and read on to discover our top picks for parks, gardens and outdoor spaces across Gateshead. Trust us, you'll want to add these beauties to your must-visit list!

First opened in 1876, Saltwell Park Gateshead is often celebrated as one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture and landscaping in the UK! Stretch your legs whilst exploring the vast meandering paths, lawns, rose garden and rockery and even grab a warm coffee from the park cafe. The park covers 55 acres, is home to 12 Grade II listed structures as well as a maze and a children's play area, making it a fantastic place to visit for walkers, families, history and nature lovers.

Take a stroll in this award-winning park and head along to Saltwell Towers, which is a grand building right in the centre of the park. It has a café where visitors to the park can enjoy lunch or pick up a hot drink to takeaway with them too. There’s plenty of space to wander around and admire, walk around the huge lake and even take part the regular park run. It's also perfect if you’re bringing the dog along with you as there’s a dedicated, enclosed exercise area where they can safely run off the lead and have a good run around!

Many community festivals and events, alongside food markets take place throughout the year here too and it's very popular with locals. Set out your picnic blankets and enjoy the many little nooks and picturesque corners in Saltwell Park for your picnic (when the weather allows it!)

Gibside is a National Trust site right here in Gateshead. This beautiful 18th-century landscape garden offers stunning views, ancient ruins to explore and miles of beautiful estate to discover. The peaceful surroundings are dotted with rest spots, ideal for catching your breath whilst taking in the wildlife or soaking up those magnificent views. Choose from four marked walks, each one taking you on a different route.

Wildlife and nature lovers are in for a treat as Gibside is home to an incredible display of wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for roe deer grazing in the meadows, majestic red kites soaring overhead, and if you're lucky, you might spot badgers, bats, or even otters. Honestly, you could spend a whole day here just watching the natural world go by. Head towards Snipes Dene and you'll discover a tucked-away bird hide near the Banqueting House, it's a proper little haven. You might spot siskins, sparrowhawks, green woodpeckers and greenfinches, alongside the more familiar chaffinch, nuthatch and treecreeper. Don't forget your binoculars!

Join one of the guided history tours to uncover the stories behind this remarkable estate, or challenge yourself with a longer history walk that'll take you deeper into the past whilst getting your steps in. Pack a flask, bring your walking boots, and come discover why Gibside is one of the region's favourite spots.

The Land of Oak and Iron is an absolute treasure that deserves a spot at the top of your list. This brilliant heritage centre hosts a year-round programme packed with everything from live music and craft workshops to fascinating heritage talks, there's genuinely something for people of all ages to enjoy here.

It’s dog-friendly too, so your furry friend can come along for a lovely wholesome day out! The site sits along a wooded valley with the River Derwent winding through it and is home to ancient woodlands, nature reserves, country parks, and wildlife such as red kites and kingfishers. All this gorgeous green space is just less than six miles from the centre of Newcastle too.

After a long walk, make sure to stop by the heritage centre café for a hot coffee and a sweet treat. In the café you’ll find delicious food from local producers and suppliers. Browse the shop for unique gifts made by local artists. If you’re with the little ones, be sure to have a trip to the little park situated right next to the heritage centre. There’s so much to explore at The Land of Oak and Iron, make sure to add it to your list for your next day out in Gateshead.

Chopwell Woods is the perfect place for a day exploring the great outdoors. Whether you're keen on orienteering, horse riding, or simply want to stretch your legs with your mates, this stunning woodland offers miles of paths perfect for walking or cycling your way around.

Spanning almost 900 acres, Chopwell Wood is the largest woodland in Tyne and Wear, and what a beauty it is! This gorgeous mix of conifer and broadleaf trees creates a canopy that's simply breathtaking, no matter what time of year you visit. Chopwell Wood has a fascinating industrial heritage rooted in mining and timber production. These days, it's been transformed into a beloved community woodland and Woodland Park, where visitors come to explore, unwind, and reconnect with nature.

Fun fact: Chopwell Woods features in the post-apocalyptic thriller film 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Now you can walk the very paths where some of the the action unfolded! It’s definitely worth a visit for film fans and nature lovers.

At Thornley Woods, discover the fabulous sculpture created by talented local wood sculptor Tommy Craggs. There are around 10 incredible pieces dotted along the path, each one celebrating the wildlife that calls this beautiful spot home. Keep your eyes peeled for carvings of badgers, delicate butterflies, and even otters as you walk through the trees. There’s also the magnificent Red Kite sculpture to look out for, it’s a striking tribute to the iconic bird that soars above the Derwent Valley. The trail itself is lovely and manageable, taking just 20-30 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace. After working up an appetite in the fresh air, pop into the visitors centre where the café serves up a lovely cuppa alongside warming soups and toasties.

If you're after a proper outdoor adventure that showcases the best of Gateshead's natural beauty and rich history, look no further than the Tyne Derwent Way. The Tyne Derwent Way runs from the centre of Gateshead, all the way out to the beautiful Derwent Valley along the rivers Tyne and Derwent.  The brilliant nine-mile route is filled with nature, culture and heritage for you to discover. Keep an eye out for the organised events that bring the Way to life throughout the year. From craft events where you can get hands-on with traditional skills, to history and heritage events that delve deep into our Geordie roots. The guided walks are particularly brilliant if you want to learn more about the area from local experts who really know their stuff.

A lesser known heritage feature found on the Gateshead side of the River Tyne, only a short walk from the Quayside is Dunston Staithes, which is thought to be the largest timber structure in Europe. Enjoy panoramic river views and a historical Grade II listed structure situated along the River Tyne. Dunston Staithes harks back to the region's industrial past and is a reminder of the river's important role in trade and export.

Take a quieter stroll along from the busy nature of the Quayside to discover the impressive structure which was built in 1879 and consists of 1,700ft of braced timber. Keep your eyes peeled for heritage walks and special events that pop up around the Staithes throughout the year, they're a brilliant way to dive deeper into the stories that made our region what it is today.

A short drive out of the city, you’ll find the Angel of the North. The 20-metre-high structure is an iconic symbol of the North East. You’ve got to experience her up close to truly appreciate the scale. When you’re standing at those enormous feet, craning your neck to take it all in, you’ll understand why this remarkable landmark means so much to locals and beyond. It’s a symbol of our heritage, our pride, and the warm welcome that awaits. Don’t forget your camera, as everyone needs a classic Angel selfie!