Ridley Park, Blyth - One of the best parks in Northumberland

 A beautiful well-kept park in Northumberland with two play areas, water play area (currently closed), cafe, toilets, lots of space for picnics and free parking. Also accessible by public transport. 

 

Ridley Park, Blyth - One of the best parks in Northumberland


Getting to Ridley Park is easy - there is a small-ish free car park on-site (see map below) or there is plenty of parking in the surrounding streets or town centre. Please park responsibly. There are plenty of buses which serve Blyth Town Centre and it is a short & easy 8 minute walk from the bus station to the park. 

Use postcode NE24 3HF and follow the car park signs. 

The car park is open from 7:30am - 6pm and free with no time restrictions. 

Ridley Park, Blyth - One of the best parks in Northumberland - car park


Ridley Park has wide paths and cycle paths running through it - perfect for social distancing and suitable for a pushchair / wheelchair. Dogs are welcome (everywhere except the enclosed play areas and sports courts) and there are plenty of litter bins. Every dog we spotted was on a lead.  


There are two enclosed playgrounds - one is for over 11s (which we prefer) and one is for under 11s. They are a few minutes walk from each other and there is plenty of seating in both. Children of both ages use both parks to be honest. I recommend visiting before 10am or after 6pm if you are looking for a quiet time to visit - these parks are popular and do get busy during the day. 

The over 11s area has a fab zip wire which my three love plus climbing frames, rope swings, a big slide, spinning equipment and more. We visited at around 10am and everyone in the park was fab - each family taking it in turn to play on each set of equipment. 









Ridley Park, Blyth - One of the best parks in Northumberland - zip wire




There is lots of seating and picnic tables dotted around the park as well as lots of green space. I spotted a council worker thoroughly disinfecting some park benches when we visited.  



The under 11s park is also lovely with a nice variety of equipment including swings, slides and climbing frames. 

Ridley Park, Blyth - One of the best parks in Northumberland - under 11s play area

I like that there are shaded areas in the park too - perfect if you need to escape from the sun for a bit. 


In the summer months there are usually a couple of fairground rides in the park. Today there was a bouncy slide and merry-go-round. Both £2.50 each. Heidi and Jack had a turn on the bouncy slide. They were asked to use hand sanitizer before entering and only one bubble is allowed to use the slide at a time. £2.50 gives you 5 turns each. 


Ridley Park, Blyth - One of the best parks in Northumberland - fairground rides and bouncy castle

Ridley Park is well known for its water play area. Usually in summer, you cannot get moved on the grass around here as it is full of families enjoying a picnic as little ones run amongst the water and fountains. It is closed at the moment and I imagine this will be the case for the rest of the year (no inside info - just my speculation). 

Ridley Park, Blyth - One of the best parks in Northumberland - water play area



The park features tennis courts, a bowling green and basket ball net too. 


Sometimes there is an ice cream van in the park but I highly recommend a trip to Mister Ridleys in the park. They serve delicious homemade food and drinks. At the moment , inside is closed but they have plenty of outdoor seating. Order from the hatch. A round of drinks for us was very reasonable and kids meals are less than £4. 




Ridley Park, Blyth - One of the best parks in Northumberland - Mister Ridleys Menu

Ridley Park, Blyth - One of the best parks in Northumberland - mister ridleys seating

There is a beautiful rose garden in the park which is a nice quiet spot away from the playgrounds. Perfect if you need some peace. 


Ridley Park, Blyth - One of the best parks in Northumberland - roses



Most importantly though, there are open public toilets! 

Ridley Park, Blyth - One of the best parks in Northumberland - toilets



We love Ridley Park and have spent many days here over the years (I used to spend the day here as a child too). It is the kind of place you can pack a picnic, meet up with friends and spend a good few hours. 

Where to Eat 

Mister Ridleys Cafe is in the park and perfect for a bite to eat or drinks. One of our favourite restaurants,  Caboose is just across the road overlooking the harbour - expect sea views and delicious food (booking recommended). If you are looking for a pub or somewhere to stay, the Commissioners Quay Pub is next door to the park. 

Why not visit South Beach Blyth while you are there? 

If you want to make a day of it, why not combine a trip to Ridley Park with South Beach Blyth? It is a 20 minute easy walk (pavement) or a short 2 minute drive. South Beach Blyth has a free car park, lovely fish and chip restaurant / takeaway, another two play parks, an ice cream parlour, beach and beach huts. 

You can read more about South Beach Blyth here. 

Here is a map.....

Ridley Park, Blyth - One of the best parks in Northumberland map
  


Need to know: 

  • Free parking (on-site car park / streets nearby ) or park in town centre
  • Postcode: NE24 3HF
  • Two playgrounds
  • Sports courts 
  • Water play area (currently closed)
  • Paths suitable for pushchairs / wheelchairs
  • Picnic benches
  • Accessible by public transport (bus to Blyth bus station)
  • Dogs welcome in some areas
  • On-site cafe
  • Open toilets 



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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. 
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1 comment

  1. When we lived in Northumberland my two loved this park too. It is one of the best one's! The older kids play area is such fun! My two loved the zip wire and the slide. x

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