Thirty-two parks across the North East of England have been named among the best in the UK as part of the 2026 Green Flag Awards. The annual scheme, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises well-managed green spaces that meet high standards. Over 2,000 parks across the country received the award this year, with several in Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, and South Tyneside making the list.
Newcastle Parks Recognised
Newcastle City Council celebrated four parks achieving Green Flag status: Jesmond Dene, Exhibition Park, Leazes Park, and Walker Park. Councillor Peter Lovatt said: "We are delighted to have maintained these four Green Flags for 2026. I’d like to thank all those who have played a part, no matter how small, in ensuring these parks are among the best in the world."
Northumberland's 14 Award-Winning Parks
Northumberland County Council secured 14 Green Flag awards, the highest number in the region. The parks include Alexandra Park (Cramlington), Astley Park (Seaton Delaval), Bolam Lake Country Park, Carlisle Park (Morpeth), Castle Vale Park and Coronation Park (Berwick), Doctor Pit Park (Bedlington), Druridge Bay Country Park, Eastwoods Park (Prudhoe), Flagstaff Park (Berwick), Hexham Parks, Hirst Park (Ashington), Plessey Woods Country Park, Ridley Park (Blyth), and Tyne Riverside Country Park (Prudhoe and Wylam). Councillor John Riddle commented: "We know how much local residents appreciate having these lovely parks which are places they can visit for free, enjoy nature and reap the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors. These 14 awards reflect not only the incredible work carried out by our staff and volunteers, but also our clear commitment to improving and protecting our parks."
North Tyneside's Eight Awards Including First for Cemetery
North Tyneside Council received eight Green Flags for parks, green spaces, and cemeteries. Among them, Whitley Bay Cemetery was awarded for the first time. Other sites include Benton Quarry Park, Killingworth Lakeside Park, Northumberland Park (Tynemouth), Preston Cemetery, Rising Sun Country Park, Wallsend Parks, and Chirton & Redburn Dene. Councillor Hannah Johnson said: "We're incredibly proud that eight of our parks, green spaces and cemeteries have achieved Green Flag Award status, with Whitley Bay Cemetery joining the list for the first time."
South Tyneside Retains Flags for Six Parks
South Tyneside Council retained Green Flag status for all six of its parks: North Marine Park (South Shields), South Marine Park (South Shields), Readhead Park (South Shields), West Park (South Shields), West Park (Jarrow), and Monkton Dene Park (Jarrow). Gary Kirsop, Director of Community Operations at South Tyneside Council, said: "Retaining Green Flag status for all six parks is a fantastic achievement and reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in caring for these valued community spaces."
Impact and Community Benefits
The Green Flag Awards highlight the importance of accessible, high-quality green spaces for physical and mental well-being. Councillor Riddle emphasised that residents can visit these parks for free, enjoy nature, and benefit from being outdoors. The awards also recognise the efforts of staff and volunteers who maintain the parks throughout the year. With over 2,000 parks awarded nationally, the North East's 32 sites demonstrate the region's commitment to preserving and enhancing its green spaces.
