Saltwell Park in Gateshead will host a 150-year birthday party on July 30, featuring live music, circus workshops, heritage walks, and sports for all ages. The day-long event, part of Love Parks Week, celebrates the Victorian park's heritage, natural beauty, and community.
Party Highlights
The Saltwell Park 150 Celebration Day runs from 10am with 'tots and parents' tennis, followed by junior tennis sessions for 6-11 year olds (pre-booking required). A guided history walk with local historian Michael Turner starts at 10am at the main entrance by The Little Theatre, while a wellbeing walk departs from Gateshead Library at 10.30am. Live music by local performers begins at 11am at the Bandstand, and family workshops inspired by the park's history will run in Saltwell Towers, including carnival-style photo boards. Circus workshops and performances, including aerial skills, will be held, and Street Scene vehicles will be available for photos.
Park Attractions
Saltwell Park, known as 'the people's park', offers a lake with swans, geese, and occasional Mandarin ducks; flower gardens including a rose garden; Saltwell Towers (a listed 1859 building with a cafe and Charlie Rogers exhibition); the independent Prism Coffee pavilion with lake views; children's play areas; a maze; a dog exercise area; and bird aviaries housing peacocks, including a pure white one. The Swedish Buzzing Garden and a Japanese-style garden add to the appeal. Shaded paths lined with trees provide cool walking routes.
Visitor Praise
On TripAdvisor, recent reviews call it an 'amazing park, such a hidden gem' and note 'coffee and scone yummy'. Another says: 'One of the best parks I've visited in the North East... beautifully maintained with a great mix of open green spaces, flower gardens, and woodland paths.' The park is described as 'a great day out for everyone' with 'meandering paths, bowling greens, rose gardens, a maze and aviaries'.
Event Details
The celebration is part of Love Parks Week, promoting appreciation of green spaces. All activities are drop-in except pre-booked tennis. The event promises a 'something-for-everyone' experience inspired by the park's heritage, natural beauty, and local community.
