Wansbeck Riverside Park | Northumberland

*This article was first published in April 2021 and updated in April 2023.

Wansbeck Riverside Park is a large nature reserve in Ashington, Northumberland. Expect riverside walks, a large public play park with lots of space to run around, flat surfaced paths, green space, lots of seating and a cafe. It is FREE to visit.

We used to take the kids often when they were little as it was an ideal spot for dog walking and also a good spot for blackberry picking. We revisited on Easter Bank Holiday and it was just as good as I remember.

Wansbeck Riverside Park - Location

There are a couple of options for parking. We used the main car park by the play park and caravan site (use postcode NE63 8TX). This is signposted from the road (see below) and accessed via Wellhead Dene Road & A1068 Sheepwash Road. Parking is free with no time restrictions.

There is an alternative car park along the river at Blackhorse Dene just off Stakeford Bridge. You can also access the park via public transport, see here for information.

Wansbeck Riverside Park - Playground & Water Activities

The playground is right next to the car park and overlooks the river. It is large and enclosed so perfect for kids who like lots of space to run around.

There is a big slide, climbing frames, seesaw, climbing nets, smaller slides and toddler play equipment. There is also a sandpit but it didn't really have much sand in on the day of our visit.

There is seating inside the park and picnic tables just outside, some tables are next to blossom trees and would make a nice spot to base yourself for the afternoon.

Dogs are not allowed inside of the playground but are welcome in the surrounding areas and it is a popular spot for dog walkers.

The public toilets here are sadly no longer in use. There are toilets available for customers in the cafe and at The Anglers Arms. Let me know if you know of any public loos nearby and I will update this post.

Rowing, Fishing and Kayaking is permitted on the river but you do need a permit/to pay a fee/abide by restrictions. Contact the Wansbeck Riverside Park Warden on 01670 812323, the Northumberland Countryside Officer on 01670 843444 or Northumberland County Council for information.

Wansbeck Riverside Park Cafe

The Riverside Pantry is part of Wansbeck Riverside Caravan Park but also open to the public. It is right next to the playground and ideal for grabbing a hot drink or bite to eat. They are generally open daily from 9am - 4pm but do check their Facebook page for up-to-date info.

We ordered takeaway drinks (just over £4 for 4 drinks - card accepted) but their cakes and bakes all look lovely and are all homemade. They have indoor seating and an outdoor terrace overlooking the river too plus customer toilets.

Click here for The Riverside Pantry Facebook page.

Between the cafe and the park is a little ice cream hut serving homemade ice creams and a few other snacks during peak times too.

Wansbeck Riverside Park - Riverside Walk to The Anglers Arms

With your back to the playground and you facing the river, turn right and walk along the river until you reach the Sheepwash Road bridge.

Cross over and you will get to The Anglers Arms Pub which serves homemade food.

Their beer garden overlooks another enclosed playground (see photos below) which would be perfect for older kids who don't need to be directly supervised as you enjoy a drink.

The walk should take 10-15 minutes max and is outlined below (the red dot is the Anglers Arms).

Credit : The Anglers Arms

Wansbeck Riverside Park - Walk to the Coast

Alternatively, face the river and turn left to head towards the coast. It is around a 2-3 mile walk (click here for an ordnance survey map/directions) or walk a little along this path and explore the surrounding woodland too. You can walk as little or far as you like. On this visit, we walked as far as the Rowing Club and then turned back.

The paths are surfaced and suitable for pushchairs. The paths are fairly narrow in places (suitable for 2 people) but there is grass and places to safely pass others. As you walk away from the park, the river does get deeper and wider and there is no physical barrier so keep an eye on little ones.

We spotted lots of ducks, geese and swans along the walk. You might spot a heron or a kingfisher too.

The path along the river is easy to follow but there are marked diversions up into the woodland if you fancy it.

As you can see, lots of green space for a picnic or run about too. Wansbeck Riverside Park is a lovely free day out and I would definitely recommend. Find out more about visiting here.

Nearby places to visit include:

Wansbeck Riverside Park

A lovely, large enclosed playgrounds (best for under 10s) in a picturesque spot overlooking the River Wansbeck in Northumberland
FREE parking (NE63 8TX)
Nice cafe with customer toilets next to the park
Picnic tables
Riverside walks to the coast
A 15 minute riverside walk to a pub
Ducks to feed
Mostly surfaced - suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs but the path can get narrow in a few places
Supervise children near open water
Rowing, Fishing and Kayaking is permitted on the river but you do need a permit/to pay a fee/abide by restrictions. Contact the Wansbeck Riverside Park Warden on 01670 812323
Find out more: northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2021/04/wansbeck-riverside-park.html

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