The Best Parks In Newcastle upon Tyne To Relax and Unwind
Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant city famous for its historic architecture, wild nightlife, delicious food and drink scene amongst other things, but there are plenty of places where you can escape the hustle and bustle too.
In this guide, we’ll be giving you a full rundown of the best parks in Newcastle to relax and unwind during your student years, so you can get the best of both worlds.
Get ready to venture out from your student flat, pop on your walking boots and stroll around these fantastic green spaces in this North East city!
1. Exhibition Park
Located a short walk from Newcastle City Centre, Exhibition Park is a 15 hectare public park dating back to the 1880’s.
This beautiful park has a Victorian bandstand, a small boating lake, a large skatepark, outdoor gym equipment as well as large open spaces for relaxing with a picnic.
If you’re feeling peck-ish, you can even head to the Urban Green Cafe within the park for freshly prepared sandwiches, wraps and salads.
Wylam Brewery is also located inside the park within the Palace of Arts, and offers a range of keg, cask and craft ales so you can enjoy a pint in the garden!
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Address: Claremont Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PZ
2. Leazes Park
Located on the Northern Edge of Newcastle upon Tyne is Leazes Park, the city’s oldest park which dates back to 1873.
This Grade II listed urban park is the perfect place to head to for a walk with your besties, with a tranquil lake, boathouse, a basketball court and tennis courts.
There’s even The Tower Cafe for all of your coffee and pizza needs, or picnic and BBQ areas within the park if you want to enjoy some alfresco food and drink.
Student life can be hectic from time to time, so why not go for a peaceful walk around Leazes Park? You can even feed the ducks in the lake!
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Address: Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4BJ
3. Nuns Moor Park
Looking for the best parks in Newcastle? Nuns Moor Park is located in the Arthurs Hill area of the city and offers some great walking routes.
This gorgeous little hidden gem features paved paths, green spaces, a tennis court, large playing fields and even a cafe which offers artisan pizzas.
The park is also home to The Nunsmoor Centre which offers a range of activities including arts and crafts, sports, games, music and drama.
Situated just a 15-minute bus journey from the city centre, this place is worth checking out, especially during the summer months.
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Address: Brighton Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4
4. Armstrong Park
Up next on our list of the best parks in Newcastle is none other than Armstrong Park.
Located on the East Bank of the Ouseburn, Armstrong Park is an ancient woodland with a post mediaeval watermill, tennis courts, bowling green and basketball courts.
Despite being fairly small, this green space tends to be very relaxing and quiet which makes it ideal for a post-lecture walk.
You could even go for a nice cycle around if you’ve brought your bike to uni with you!
Address: 1 Burlington Gardens, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 5QJ
5. Jesmond Dene
Jesmond Dene is an oasis of natural beauty which is nestled right in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.
This picturesque wooded valley is a favourite amongst locals and students, with its serene atmosphere and scenic landscapes along the River Ouseburn.
The Dene as it is nicknamed is an ideal place for a leisurely walk, a picnic or even an outdoor study session amongst nature!
You can stroll over the many bridges and follow the river to the waterfall or even head to Pets Corner, a free petting farm!
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Address: Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DZ
6. Paddy Freeman’s Park
After you’ve strolled about Jesmond Dene, Paddy Freeman’s Park is situated just a short walk away.
Located near the bustling city centre, this green space has spacious lawns ideal for picnics or sunbathing, tennis courts along, a full-size football pitch along with a cafe.
You can gather with your friends for some friendly matches, join outdoor fitness classes or just simply relax in the open air and unwind after a long day of lectures.
Despite being a little further afield from the city centre, this place is worth heading to if you’re also exploring The Dene.
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Address: Freeman Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2EY
7. Saltwell Park
Whilst technically located in Gateshead, Saltwell Park is well worth a mention on our list of the best parks.
Located a short journey from Newcastle, this 55-acre Victorian park offers a grand escape for students after a change of scenery.
With its beautifully landscaped gardens, ornate bridges, boating lakes, bowling greens, visitor centre and cafe, this is the perfect backdrop for a calming stroll.
Open dawn until dusk 7 days a week, this thriving park is a must-visit and is easily accessible from the city centre.
It’s not dubbed as one of the most popular parks in the UK for nothing!
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Address: E Park Rd, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 5AX
8. The Town Moor
It may not be a park as such, but The Town Moor certainly deserves a place within our guide.
Dating back to the 12th century, The Town Moor covers an area of around 1,000 acres making it larger than Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath put together.
On top of Cow Hill you can marvel at the Insta-worthy views across Newcastle City Centre and see the likes of St James Park.
The Moor is even home to The Hoppings, Europe’s biggest and best travelling funfair which takes place in June every year, featuring 300 rides and attractions.
This is definitely somewhere you need to experience during your student years!
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Address: Grandstand Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne
Whilst studying in Newcastle upon Tyne, you’re on the doorstep of plenty of fantastic leafy-green spaces, so you can escape the pressures of student life.
Hopefully this guide has helped you to discover the best Newcastle parks to explore with your flatmates!
Where is your favourite park in Newcastle? We’d love to hear from you @universalstudentliving.
If you enjoyed reading this post, you should read our blog on 6 Nightstand Essentials Every Student Needs.