A family afternoon in Jesmond Dene

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. Here are our favourite things to do in Jesmond Dene:-

Pets Corner

Pets corner is open daily until 4:30pm and is completely free of charge (although donations are welcome). Children love walking amongst the sheep, goats and chickens and spotting various birds in the bird house. Pets corner is always extremely well presented and hand washing facilities are available. There are lots of posters dotted about the attraction providing extra facts and information about the animals that live there.

Jesmond Dene Play Park

Next to Pets Corner is a lovely play park that has been especially designed for under 8's. Our children love the climbing frames, slides and super swings. There are plenty of picnic tables nearby if you'd like to pack a picnic lunch too.

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.

Woodland Walks

Jesmond Dene is home to some glorious woodland walks by the banks of the Ouseburn river. 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.

Afternoon Tea at Jesmond Dene House

If you walk through Jesmond Dene woods for about a mile (make sure you grab a map from the vistor centre if you aren't familiar with the area) 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). 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. We enjoy 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. We have tried a lot of afternoon tea's and agree that Jesmond Dene House is simply the best.

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

• Afternoon tea at Jesmond Dene House is priced at £19.95 per person. Call 0191 212 6066 for reservations.
• Free parking is available at Jesmond Dene under Armstrong Bridge. Follow the signs for Pets Corner from the A1058 or use this postcode NE7 7BQ. 
• You can download an Ouseburn Parks map here.

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This post as been written as part of The Millenium Guide to Newcastle for which we have been compensated.