Jesmond Dene (Newcastle)

...the Dene.
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Jesmond Dene is Newcastle-Upon-Tyne's hidden gem. Tucked away in the North East of the City, the dene is a Victorian park in a wooded valley. The River Ousebourn runs along the valley floor, complete with waterfalls and a quaint old water mill.
The Dene is crowded with trees, plants and flowers along its steep banks and wildlife including the Kingfisher, the Red Squirrel and many woodland birds have ...
...Princess of Wales officially opened Jesmond Dene to the public in 1884.


Getting there.
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The main entrance to Jesmond Dene is just off the Coast Road (A1058) and is about a mile from Newcastle. Limited parking is available here (freeof charge). In addition there are good public transport links from the City center and many buses stop at the pub the Cradlewell on the Coast Road, a two minute walk ... more

About the Dene.
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Jesmond Dene is Newcastle-Upon-Tyne's hidden gem. Tucked away in the North East of the City, the dene is a Victorian park in a wooded valley. The River Ousebourn runs along the valley floor, complete with waterfalls and a quaint old water mill.
The Dene is crowded with trees, plants and flowers along its steep banks and wildlife including the Kingfisher, the Red Squirrel and many woodland birds have been spotted here. The Dene stretches for over three kilometres and there are a large network of paths and bridges throughout. Tthese are found at different levels along the steep banks and it is easy to take a different route and to spot something new on every visit. The dene also incorporates a number of areas of open grassland amongst the trees and there are many events taking part throughout the year.

The History of the Dene.
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The Dene was created in preparation to Lord Armstrong's marriage in 1835. The park was presented to the city by Lord Armstrong in 1883 and the old bridge across the South of the Dene is named in his honour. The Prince and Princess of Wales officially opened Jesmond Dene to the public in 1884.

Getting there.
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The main entrance to Jesmond Dene is just off the Coast Road (A1058) and is about a mile from Newcastle. Limited parking is available here (freeof charge). In addition there are good public transport links from the City center and many buses stop at the pub the Cradlewell on the Coast Road, a two minute walk from the main entrance.

Activities and Events inside the Dene.
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Millfield House, found near the main entrance provides a range of activities including an Information Room, Conference Centre, A basic and well priced café and toilets.

Just nearby there is a large picnic area and 'Pet's Corner'. which is well worth a gander regardless of age! Pet's Corner was established in the 1960's and is one of the dene's most popular attractions. There are many breeds of animal from the domestic to the exotic, including Pygmy goats, Pot Bellied pigs, peacocks, rabbits, ducks and sheep. Pet's Corner can get very busy in the Summer months and it is a popular place for school groups to visit. The best things about Pet's Corner is that it is completely free of charge all year round!

The Armstrong bridge stands proud above this part of the dene and it is a spectacular sight. It is worth going to the dene on a Sunday in order to take in the craft market which is held here weekly. Locals gather to sell framed local photography, pottery, jewlerry and the like. It really is worth a look, even just to browse as they have some lovely things.

There is also a small boating lake, in the Northern corner of the park which included a play area, toilets and a café which is open on the weekend and holidays only. This is a great place to feed the ducks and to relax on the grass of an afternoon.

The dene is also home to two restaurants, but both will strain the purse strings to say the least. The grand old Banqueting Hall, originally built by Armstrong, has recently been reconverted and opened just before Christmas, now called Jesmond Dene House. It is a hotel and restaurant tucked into a discrete Northern corner of the dene and easily accessible by road. It looks very exclusive from the website. http://www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk/. The a la carte menu looks amazing but at around £10 for starters and puddings and £20 for a main you would certainly hope so.

In addition there is the stunning Fisherman's Lodge, an exclusive fish restaurant, which has won prizes galore, located in the heart of the Dene. I am lucky enough to have been taken for my five year anniversary last year. It was amazing, also onse gain VERY pricey. If you want to read more about the Fisherman's Lodge please read my other review 'The Best Restaurant in the North East'.

For a list of events going on in the Dene see the following webpage http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/cw_rang.nsf/a/jesmonddeneevents?opendocument
In the past there have been open-air shakespere plays performed on Summer evenings and there are many kids events year round.

Summary.
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I love the dene. I can get to it easily and quickly from where I live and it is a great place to take a walk at the weekend any time of the year, or a stroll of a Summer evening. The dene is rarely crowded, although you'll find dogwalkers and joggers there year round and it can get busy on really nice days. The dene is suitable for everyone old or young and on the whole is accessible for the disabled. It is generally well kept and respected by the public so litter and grafetti free fr the most part. So if you do find yourself up this way check it out. You may well be impressed!

 

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