Pets Corner & Jesmond Dene : Visitor Information

Located just a 5 minute drive from the city centre, Jesmond Dene is a peaceful and tranquil leafy suburb of Newcastle. It is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax with your family.

There is a lot to discover and enjoy or you could simply sit under a tree, read a book and watch the world go by. 

Jesmond Dene Location, Parking & Public Transport 

Just like most of Jesmond, parking isn't the best at Jesmond Dene. We have fortunately always been lucky and always managed to find a spot along Red Walk - it can be limited though, especially on busy days.

There is disabled parking close to the visitor centre. Use postcode NE7 7BQ and follow the signs for Pets Corner when you see them. Parking is free but check time restrictions and signs on arrival. 

If travelling by Public Transport, West Jesmond Metro Station is probably the easiest, it is a 25 minute stroll from Pets Corner (see map below). 

Alternatively, you can catch a bus from Newcastle Haymarket to Jesmond Dene Road. 

Pets Corner Jesmond Dene

Pets Corner reopens on 23 April 2022. They are open daily from 10am-4pm. No need to book - just drop in. Admission is free with donations welcome. 

Please note, Pets Corner is closed on Bank Holiday Mondays. 

Pets Corner is located next to the visitor centre, cafe, public loos and play park - the whole area is a nice place to base yourself for an afternoon. 

Pets Corner is completely FREE to visit but please donate in the donation boxes if you can - the farm counts on these funds. Donations pay for animal food, bedding, vet fees and toys. 

Expect to see visiting pigs and sheep from partner farms, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks, birds, geese, chickens and more. 

Pets Corner isn't huge, but it is a nice play to pop by and say hello to some animals. Pets Corner is accessible for both pushchairs and wheelchairs. 

Jesmond Dene Play Park

Next to Pets Corner is a lovely play park that has been especially designed for under 8's. There are plenty of picnic tables nearby if you wish to bring a picnic or you are next to the cafe and visitor centre if you wish to purchase a light bite. An ice cream van usually visits on sunny days too. 

Please note, these photos aren't recent so things may have changed a little but you get the idea. 

Below are some of the picnic tables near the park / Pets Corner. There is lots of green space for blankets and ball games too. 

Jesmond Dene Thomas Train

The Thomas Train usually runs during the summer months for a couple of £ per person. The stop is near the picnic tables / playground and it's a cute little addition. No need to book. 

The train will be running daily from 22nd July - 3 September from 11am-4:30pm (weather permitting). 

Jesmond Dene Cafe and Visitor Centre

Adjacent to the park is the most wonderful visitor centre where you'll find all the information and maps you need. There are also bathroom facilities and a gorgeous shop packed with unique local gifts plus a cafe serving drinks and snacks.

Jesmond Dene Woodland Walks

Jesmond Dene is home to some glorious woodland walks by the banks of the Ouseburn river. The walks can begin right by the play park. We love collecting sticks to play pooh sticks on the various bridges, discovering the hidden water mill and watching the ducks play in the river. The woods are a haven for local wildlife and an absolute joy to stroll through. Download a map of the dene here. 

From memory, the main routes are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. 

Find out more about Jesmond Dene / ask a question over on their website here. 

Fat Hippo Jesmond 

Fat Hippo Jesmond is just a short 20 minute walk from Pets Corner and somewhere I would definitely recommend to families. We have enjoyed many visits here over the years. Family-friendly facilities include: 

• Varied kids vegan menu (alongside regular burgers) 
• Gluten free kids choices
• Full allergen guides available 
• High chairs and unisex baby changing facilities
• Colouring in 
• Kitchen roll on the table as standard!

You can check out their kids menu here. 

Book a table at Fat Hippo Jesmond here. 

Family Dining at Jesmond Dene House

If you walk through Jesmond Dene woods for about a mile (see map at the top of this post) you will come across the stunning Jesmond Dene House. Jesmond Dene House has a reputation as being the best place to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the whole of Newcastle (probably even the North East).

Jesmond Dene has a very special place in my heart as it is one of the first venues we worked with back in 2014 (read that post here). 

It is a fancy place, but children are made to feel extremely welcome and it is the perfect place to stop for tea and cake before heading back through the woods home.

A few years ago we enjoyed taking our afternoon tea in the relaxed environment of the lounge but you can also dine in the more formal restaurant or the beautiful garden terrace in the warmer months.

Even Sweep had to come along and try some red velvet cake........

Find out more about what's on offer at Jesmond Dene House here. 

If you have enjoyed this post and found it useful, here are some ways you can say thanks and support North East Family Fun: 

1 -  Click here to buy me a virtual coffee

2 - Join our  Days Out Facebook Group here which includes lots of ideas for things to do - you can post your own recommendations too. 

3 -  Click here to leave North East Family Fun a Google Review 

4 -  Click here to sign up to our FREE monthly guide to what's on. This monthly email will feature lots of ideas for things to do for the month ahead plus exclusive deals. 

5 - Share this post with your friends 

6 - Follow North East Family Fun on the following platforms :

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

Thank you for your support as always. 

Please follow social distancing rules & Government guidelines , respect the local area, leave no trace, take litter home, park responsibly and if somewhere is busy on arrival, please consider leaving and returning at a later date. 

Remember face coverings are required for indoor attractions / shops for those aged 11+ (usual exemptions apply)  

Check for local lockdowns / travel restrictions before visiting anywhere. 

Always check updated opening hours / protocols with venues direct before setting off as things may have changed after this post was published.