The Rising Sun Countryside Centre
Sightseeing attraction | Newcastle upon Tyne | England | United Kingdom
The Rising Sun Countryside Centre is located in the heart of North Tyneside, England, and is part of the 162-acre Rising Sun Country Parks. This green refuge offers a diverse landscape of woodlands, ponds, wetlands, and extensive grasslands that are home to a rich and varied wildlife. A special highlight is the Swallow Pond, a lake designated as a local nature reserve, equipped with bird watching hides and providing ideal conditions for ornithologists and nature lovers.
Visitors have access to numerous recreational opportunities. An extensive network of footpaths, bridleways, and cycle paths crisscross the park and invite exploration. Some of these paths are designed to be accessible, making it easier for visitors with limited mobility to access. The park has been awarded the Green Flag Award, a nationally recognized quality mark for parks, reflecting its high quality and upkeep.
The Countryside Centre itself offers a range of amenities, including a café with a terrace overlooking the park, toilets, educational offerings, and an exhibition space. For families, there is a children's playground with water play elements, as well as designated picnic and barbecue areas. Additionally, regular events and activities are offered throughout the year.
Another notable feature of the park is the Rising Sun Farm, a charity organization operating agriculture on 175 acres of land. The farm houses pigs, poultry, sheep, and offers a horse livery as well as a day center. It serves as a resource for education, learning, leisure, and volunteering, enriching the park's offerings with agricultural and educational aspects.
The park's history is also of interest. The site used to be a colliery and an isolation hospital for infectious diseases. Today, the park serves as an example of the successful transformation of former industrial land into valuable natural spaces and recreational areas.
The Rising Sun Countryside Centre and the surrounding Country Park thus offer an ideal combination of nature experiences, leisure activities, and educational opportunities, making them a valuable asset to the community in and around Newcastle upon Tyne.
