Shiremoor Adventure Playground | A Guide to Visiting

Thanks to our writer Jennifer for this post and photos. This post was published and last updated in May 2022. Please check with Shiremoor Adventure Playground for the most up-to-date information before setting out, especially regarding opening hours. 
 

Shiremoor Adventure Playground is one of our favourite outdoor spots to visit in the North East; a wonderful community-based play space which for me, really captures the essence of childhood.

The award-winning playground is owned by North Tyneside Council in partnership with the Shiremoor Adventure Playground Trust and holds Quality in Play accreditation for their fantastic provision. 

The playground is easily accessible by public transport; Shiremoor metro station is just a ten-minute walk away. If you choose to drive there is (very) limited free parking onsite, or on street parking is available close by. Please park responsibly. The address and contact details are:

Brenkley Avenue

Shiremoor

NE27 0PR

(0191) 643 8300

5 Reasons to Visit Shiremoor Adventure Playground 

1. Free entry with no booking required. Exclusive sessions for families with children with additional needs are available
2. Accessible by public transport 
3. A wide range of activities and things to do including climbing frames, roller skating, slides, tunnels, skateboards, animals to groom (including two resident pigs), a wildlife pond, bridges, beams.......
4. Volunteers and staff on hand encouraging and sharing life skills such as chopping vegetables, building camp fires and gardening 
5. Very reasonable cafe 

Entry is free and there is no need to prebook. Opening times vary throughout the year, so please check the website for the most up to date information before visiting:

https://www.shiremoor-adventure-playground-trust.org

Although there is some indoor seating, the playground is an outdoor attraction so remember to dress for the weather; the grassy areas can get muddy.

On warmer days the site does get busy, but with a large capacity, there is always plenty of room to play.

Children are free to explore and utilise the site as they please, with skilled play workers on hand to enrich their experience. Under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult, but children aged 8 and over are allowed to visit alone. 

Children are encouraged to take risks in their play, and there is just so much to explore. The main feature of the playground is a vast wooden play structure complete with bridges, beams, tunnels and jumping platforms.

There is also a smaller enclosed area for under 8s with a mini play frame, slides, see-saw, playhouse and sand pit.

Around the main play frame, you can find zip lines, rope swings, basket swings and ‘Big Ed’; a fantastic wooden sculpture which children can climb up, or tunnel under.

The more adventurous can also explore the tree house and the bat house!

If you wander through the willow tunnel towards the back of the playground, you will find the wildlife pond. This is a peaceful spot which is home to 100s of frogs, newts and pond snails to name a few.

There are two brightly coloured two storey playhouses which are great fun for younger children, and a large caravan is currently being transformed into a chillout area; something my kids are so excited to explore!

A brightly painted storage unit holds an array of bikes, scooters, and skateboards which children can help themselves to and race around the playground on wheels.

Roller skates are also available for free hire with a range of sizes available.

Additional sports equipment is available to use, and children can ask a play worker if they would like any particular items put out. There is a large multi-use games area where you can enjoy a kick around or shoot some hoops.

The trained playworkers are fantastic, they allow children to lead in play whilst also giving them the opportunity to learn new skills. While we were there my eldest (6) was shown how to start a fire using a flint, and then toast a marshmallow over the fire, using a willow branch.

Older children were also taught to carve wood to make a replacement leg for a bench which had broken, and tend to the seasonal vegetables in the allotment.

If animals are your thing, housed in a quieter corner of the site you will find several of the playground’s furry (and not so furry) residents.

Shiremoor Adventure Playground is home to two hairy pigs (Nancy & Mavis), rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens.  Food scraps are donated by the local community, and children are encouraged to feed, brush and handle the creatures which is a very popular activity.

In the indoor area, you will also find tortoises, fish, and African Land Snails!

There is a small community cafe on site which sells a range of treats, ice lollies and hot drinks, at really reasonable prices.

Payment is by cash only, so remember to bring some money with you. The cafe is run by volunteers; often children. It can get very busy so you may have to wait a while to be served. There is outdoor seating and a lovely covered wooden veranda where you can enjoy your refreshments.

The playground strives to be inclusive for all; it provides dedicated sessions for children with disabilities (please ask for details). The accessible play centre is equipped with a kitchen, toilets and changing facilities which include a hoist, shower and changing bed.


There are also regular sessions exclusively for children with additional needs, (siblings can also attend) which are a little quieter. See their Facebook page for details of upcoming sessions (usually a Sunday - no need to book). 

Although children of any age can visit Shiremoor Adventure Playground, I personally feel that those aged 3 and over would get the most from their visit.

For us it is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon; out in the environment and away from electronics. The playground offers so many ways to enjoy some simple back to basics good fun for your children.  

Find out more: https://www.shiremoor-adventure-playground-trust.org/

Where to Visit Nearby: 

• Paddlepod Shiremoor 
• Silverlink Biodiversity Park 

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