Jesmond Dene is a unique resource for the people of Newcastle. It is a narrow wooded valley that follows the river Ouseburn between South Gosforth and Jesmond Vale. This provides an important wildlife corridor right into the centre of Newcastle. There is a spectacular mix of native and exotic trees, and the Dene is home to a lot of wildlife, notably the Kingfisher, the Red Squirrel and many woodland birds. The Dene stretches for over three kilometres and has many areas of tranquillity, as well as ‘honey pots’ of activity.
Jesmond Dene provides strong historical links with 19th Century industrial development and landscape design - Lord Armstrong’ s influence being very apparent. There is also a large network of paths and bridges through
Colemans field is now open following a major refurbishment funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The refurbishment includes a new pathway linking Colemans Field to Benton Bank. A new bridge has been constructed over the Ouseburn to link the path.
A brand new state of the art Visitor Centre is now open in Jesmond Dene next to Millfield House.
The centre is the base for the Parks Manager, Information Officer, Rangers and Education and Interpretation Officer. The visitor centre includes an exhibition space, classroom and offices. Adjacent to the Visitor Centre is Millfield House café and toilets.
Opening times
Monday-Thursday 9.30am - 5pm
Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm
Closed all Bank Holidays
Weekend opening times are dependent on staff availability. Please phone if you are making a special journey.
Contact details
Phone: 0191 2812082
Email: ouseburnparks@newcastle.gov.uk
Ouseburn Parks offers a variety of educational visits for school groups. Programmes complement the National Curriculum and cover topics such as habitats, food chains and local history. The new visitor centre in Jesmond Dene provides excellent facilities for school and community groups. To find out more visit the Education at Ouseburn Parks and Jesmond Dene page.
Pets Corner has now undergone a complete refurbishment. This includes a new aviary, animal pens and paths.
A new play area is situated next to pets corner.
April to October
Monday to Sunday 9am until 4.30pm (last admission 4.20pm)
Closed on all Bank Holidays
November to March
Monday to Sunday 10am until 4pm (last admission 3.50pm)
Closed on all Bank Holidays
Pets corner may be shut at short notice if the staff are called away to an emergency.
Please do not bring food for the animals, they are on specially designed diets.
Please note we are not able to accept any animals for re homing.
Limited parking is available but there are good public transport links, many buses stopping at the Cradlewell on the Coast Road (A1058).
Other facilities in Jesmond Dene include Paddy Freemans boating lake, which also has a play area, toilets and a café open on a weekend and holidays. The area can be reached along Freeman Road.
For information on events in Jesmond Dene, or Pets Corner please contact Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre
Red Walk
Jesmond Dene
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE7 7BQ
Phone: 0191 2812082
Email: ouseburnparks@newcastle.gov.uk
Page last updated: 20 June, 2012
