Exhibition Park is situated in the Wingrove Ward of the city and like its neighbouring park a short walk from the City Centre. It is like the nearby Brandling Park a formal city Park but larger and more facilitated.
Facilities in the Park
Click here for accessibility information about Exhibition Park from DisabledGo.
Croquet lawns
There are two croquet lawns and new members are welcome please email Bill Hill at billhill1@blueyonder.co.uk
Phoenix Cycle Club
A childrens cycle club meeting at the Cafe Exhibition Park every Saturday morning.
12 and unders 9:30 - 10:30.
12 and overs 10:30 - 12:00
The club was established last year and is registered with British Cycling as a Go-Ride Club. You can try all types of cycling, on and off road, skills, racing and leisure.
New members are always welcome for more information go to our website www.newcastlephoenix.com or contact Alan McCauly by phone on 0191 4782379.
All weather sports
There are two tennis courts and one basketball court
Playground
A fenced playground with safety surface, equipment consists of swings, slides, climbing units, spring toys and seating (note all equipment is inspected regularly and is inspected annually by an independent expert)
Boating lake
Rowing boats are available for hire on weekends and school holidays only.
Crazy Golf
Open for hire to the public during the spring and summer months.
Refreshments
Refreshments to be had at the park café open during spring and summer months.
Military Museum
The Military Vehicle Museum is currently closed.
Skatepark
This has been developed at the main entrance to Exhibition Park. For further information contact Adam Greenwold on 0191 2617231 or email adam.greenwold@newcastle.gov.uk
General Information
Nearest public toilets:
Park Café building
Nearest public telephones:
Queen Victoria Road
Go to Top
Transport and Parking
Buses
The nearest bus stops are located on Claremont Road.
Metro
The nearest metro stations are Haymarket and Monument.
Taxi Rank - There is a taxi rank at Park Terrace-near Park entrance.
Parking
There is a metered public car park very close to the park entrance on Claremont Road
Events in the Park
There are several events in the park during the summer months. Take a look at our events page.
If you require further information relating to the park, please contact Adam Greenwold Parks and Countryside Service on phone number 0191 2617231 or email adam.greenwold@newcastle.gov.uk or
Go to Top
General History
The 1870 Town moor improvement Act determined that 2 x 35 acres of land to be developed for recreational purposes – one at the near by Leazes area and one at the Town moor. Plans were drawn up and an estimated cost approved. Plans were submitted in 1881 and an agreed sum of £2,000 was to be spread over a two-year period.
In 1886 the Mayor of Newcastle requested the use of the Bull Park to hold the Royal Jubilee Exhibition in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s 50th year on the throne. The Bull Park was where the City’s bull was penned for stud. The site was the wedge of land at the corner of Claremont Road and the Great North Road. Later this land was cleared to build the Hancock Museum. The organising committee realised that the Bull Park was too small for the Exhibition and further requested Town moor recreation ground. This is where the current park is now.
The Royal Jubilee Exhibition was duly held in 1887 and proved a tremendous success and attracted two million (2,000,000) visitors
The name Exhibition Park was first used during the Jubilee Exhibition of 1887 but the old name of Bull Park persisted for some time.
The only remaining item from the 1887 Exhibition is the bandstand and all other temporary buildings and structures were removed and the grounds reinstated.
The North East Coast Exhibition
This exhibition was held at the Exhibition Park from May to October 1929 and was opened by H R H the Prince of Wales on 14th May 1929 to 50,000 spectators. It was a symbol of pride and industrial success of the region and at the same time an advertisement for local industry and commerce. The military museum is the only building still remaining in the park today from this exhibition.
Go to Top
Statistics from the Exhibition
During 24 weeks operation a total of 4,373,138 people attended.
An average of 30,000 daily.
Gold watches were given to each one-millionth visitor.
Only seven (7) criminal offences recorded (six drunken offences and 1 pick pocketing)
It closed on 26th October 1929 with a massive fire works display.
Although the great depression was underway around the world, The Exhibitors felt that taking part in 1929 event had resulted in increased interest in their products and services, if not orders. It remains in folk memory of Tyneside as one of the most enjoyable events in regional history.
Tyneside Exhibition
Many will remember this event which was run by council officers and attempted to capture many of the elements of the earlier exhibitions, however, it was last held in 1986 when a £60,000 loss was recorded.