The North East has no shortage of stunning parks where families can enjoy a good day out - but which ones are the best?
If you live in the region, you'll have your favourite go-to spots and know where to head out when the weather is good. But there may be some places you haven't tried yet.
If you are looking for a new site where you can spend a few hours with your family or friends, this list may help. We have rounded up 20 top parks across the North East as rated on Tripadvisor.
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It includes parks in Newcastle, Northumberland, Sunderland, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Shields and County Durham. We have provided the rating for each site, as given on Tripadvisor, alongside comments from visitors.
Top North East parks
Name: Jesmond Dene, Newcastle
Rating: 4.5
Review: "Lovely walk through Jesmond Dene which is beautifully maintained and full of various plants. Peaceful and yet full of people walking or running and enjoying being outdoors."
Name: Northumberland Park, North Shields
Rating: 4.5
Review: "We visited after a walk through Tynemouth. The park is well tended and an interesting point is the ages and dates on the tree plaques. The pond has been cleaned up and a few extra bits of equipment have been added to the children’s play area. Well worth a visit."
Name: Herrington Country Park, Sunderland
Rating: 4.5
Review: "Great open area excellent for walking and cycling with an amazing group of swans and other wild birds. As a family we visit here regularly either to cycle, walk or feed the birds."
Name: South and North Marine Parks, South Shields
Rating: 4.5
Review: "Great wee park with plenty of green spaces to relax, also a good pond for feeding the swans and getting a train ride around."
Name: Northumberlandia, Cramlington
Rating: 4
Review: "Great free attraction! We visited whilst staying at the Snowy Owl pub which is walking distance away - great place to explore with kids or walk/run for exercise. Also offers a great view of the working coal mine next door."
Name: Gibside, Gateshead
Rating: 4.5
Review: "Gibside has some lovely walks which are suitable for a variety of abilities and ages. There is a superb children's play area, plenty of seating, lovely cafes and a fabulous bakery making brilliant bread and pizza. Wonderful place to visit as a family, a couple or by yourself."
Name: Bents Park, South Shields
Rating: 4.5
Review: "Down on South Shields foreshore its ideal in the summer for the many live shows that are provided for free, also they have many exhibitions such as food fairs and caravan shows."
Name: WWT Washington Wetland Centre, Washington
Rating: 4.5
Review: "Absolutely stunning place, any time of the year. No matter what day is it, this is a happy place, to relax and chill and grab a coffee after a lovely walk. Not a place to be missed, always a good time when we go."
Name: Hulne Park, Alnwick
Rating: 4.5
Review: "Lots of different paths to take in a great outdoor place therefore suitable for all types of walkers. Have often seen joggers out doing training runs. Well signposted and completely safe. One piece of advice would be to check the website as the park can be closed to visitors due to a range of different factors linked to Northumbrian Estate business. Suitable footwear during inclement weather when walking down by the river is also advisable, otherwise paths are well established and some are part of the roads going through the park."
Name: Druridge Bay Country Park, Northumberland
Rating: 4.5
Review: "A fabulous place to visit where you have the best of both stunning beaches and outstanding countryside. Something for everyone with a great playpark to keep youngsters entertained. The weather has also been amazing."
Name: Witton Castle Country Park, Bishop Auckland
Rating: 4
Review: "Lovely weekend and dog friendly caravan, enjoyed the walks around nature reserve and woods, finished off with a lovely meal in restaurant and cellar bar. Highly recommended."
Name: South Park, Darlington
Rating: 4.5
Review: "Great walk out with quite a bit to see plus plenty of amenities. Lots of wildlife and little bits for the kids to have a run around plus ice cream."
Name: Rising Sun Country Park, Benton
Rating: 4.5
Review: "There are lots of paths to wander round in this country park, which are clearly shown on the maps of the site. Good for wildlife - if you are very lucky you might spot deer. Cafe and toilets, small play area."
Name: Watergate Forest Park, Gateshead
Rating: 4.5
Review: "Great area which leads to multiple other tracks to get in 10-20k walks. Full of wildlife and other dogs so they can socialise. It has a medium sized waterfall which is always great to see. There are some moody areas as well. Massive car part which is bonus for the hot days when it can get busy."
Name: Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street
Rating: 4.5
Review: "We had a lovely family afternoon at the park. We used the car park opposite the cricket field, which had lots of spaces, and a 2 minute walk to the park. The fun fair was an added bonus, and the children loved the playpark and splash area. Thank you to the wardens who let us go in the splash park after the session had started, and allowed us to stay for the next sessions there was no queue. We will be returning."
Name: Plessey Woods Country Park, Bedlington
Rating: 4.5
Review: "Our family live in the area and regular go to Plessey. Amazing walks by river, BBQ & Ice cream. Amazing for the children."
Name: Hardwick Park, Sedgefield
Rating: 4.5
Review: "Lovely area of outstanding beauty very well cared for with lovely areas to walk and lakes to walk round and feed the wildlife. An area for picnics. Cafe. An area with a children's play park."
Name: Queen Elizabeth II Country Park, Ashington
Rating: 4.5
Review: "Great place for a family day out. Lots of lovely walks and the lake is beautiful. Excellent for fishermen!"
Name: Jubilee Park, Spennymoor
Rating: 4.5
Review: "This park is immaculate. I looked hard to find some plants out of place and litter but I couldn’t find any. The park is really good too and so is the football pitch. I will be back but with my friends because they would love here."
Name: Ridley Park, Blyth
Rating: 4.5
Review: "This moderately sized park has been really well thought out with play spaces for 2 children's age groups, lovely flowered retreat, well looked after flower beds, pristine war memorial, cafe with outdoor seating, bird viewing area, tennis court homage to Stan Laurel. All in all full marks for accessible welcoming use of space."
