Rising Sun Country Park
A sprawling 400-acre country park with a nature reserve, lake, woodlands, and hills offering diverse outdoor adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Nature awakens, fewer crowds
Rising Sun Country Park
Best Time
Nature awakens, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling 400-acre country park with a nature reserve, lake, woodlands, and hills offering diverse outdoor adventures.
"Lovely walk with plenty of trails and a cafe, worth climbing Beacon Hill for the views!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can get muddy, especially after rain. Good walking boots are essential for comfort.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Signposting can be tricky. Pay attention to signs or use a map to avoid getting lost.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beacon Hill View
Summit of Beacon Hill
Conquer the hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the park and surrounding areas. Worth the climb!
Serene Lake
Central Lake
A tranquil spot perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the peaceful waters. Great for a relaxing stroll.
Woodland Trails
Various woodland paths
Explore shaded paths winding through diverse trees, offering a refreshing escape and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Nature Reserve
Designated Nature Reserve area
Discover a rich ecosystem with varied flora and fauna. An ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails, Mind the Mud
Navigate with Confidence
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can get muddy, especially after rain. Good walking boots are essential for comfort.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Signposting can be tricky. Pay attention to signs or use a map to avoid getting lost.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
A fantastic spot for dog walkers! Many visitors bring their furry friends along.
☕ Cafe Stop
There's a cafe on-site for refreshments, though seating can be limited.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can get muddy, especially after rain. Good walking boots are essential for comfort.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Signposting can be tricky. Pay attention to signs or use a map to avoid getting lost.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
A fantastic spot for dog walkers! Many visitors bring their furry friends along.
☕ Cafe Stop
There's a cafe on-site for refreshments, though seating can be limited.
📸 Drone Photography
Capture stunning aerial views of the park with your drone.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Rising Sun Country Park for its beautiful scenery, diverse trails, and family-friendly atmosphere. It's a popular spot for dog walkers and offers lovely views, especially from Beacon Hill. Some find the trail signposting confusing, and certain paths can be muddy, requiring appropriate footwear.
"Lovely walk, plenty of trails and a cafe along the way.
You don't need to go up the beacon hill but its worth it."
Emma Rogerson
"Great place for easy walk, we spotted various animals and enjoyed the view around the trail. There also several trailing option, you can choose for a short, medium, or long walk. However, some track is quite muddy and need extra effort to pass it."
Sonia
"I've used this park a few times to go for a jog, but a simple jog around the blue or green route is marred by signposting that I never seem to follow very well. I know it doesn't trouble many other people and maybe it's because I'm on the spectrum, but while running I'm not taking my time to remember every turn of a route. I'm glancing up for signs to see if a stretch of path is as long or short as I expected from the map.
The bottom stretch of the green and blue routes have a crossroads, with route arrows on the left pointing in the direction of the continuing path, which it turns out leads you well away from the route. It was only when I went all the way back when I saw the other signpost, all the way across the other side of the path and set back, pointing the correct way. Why are they done this way?
There's also the fork in the path going through the trees up the side of the route where another signpost would have been useful to clarify and remind people. Again, maybe I'm stupid but it would be helpful for anyone with memory and directional problems.
The park is nice and it's got easy and flat routes as options along with the more challenging routes. I just wish the signposting was better."
David Gray
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rising Sun Country Park is located at Whitley Road, Benton, NE12 9SS. It's approximately a 10-minute drive from the Tyne Tunnels.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The park has various trails suitable for cycling, and it's accessible by bike. Many visitors enjoy cycling through the park's scenic routes.
The park offers some easy and flat routes that are accessible for wheelchair users. However, some of the more challenging trails can be muddy and less accessible.
The postcode for Rising Sun Country Park is NE12 9SS.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Rising Sun Country Park is generally free. You can explore the park's grounds and trails without purchasing tickets.
The park is typically open daily from dawn till dusk, offering ample time for visitors to enjoy its natural beauty. Specific facility hours, like the cafe, may vary.
While there aren't always formal guided tours, community groups like 'Friends of Rising Sun Park' sometimes organize volunteer days and events. Keep an eye on local community boards for updates.
Yes, Rising Sun Country Park is very dog-friendly! It's a popular spot for dog walkers, and there's even a dog wash service on-site.
The nature reserve within Rising Sun Country Park is also free to access, allowing everyone to enjoy its diverse wildlife and habitats.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of trails, including easy, flat routes along the lake and more challenging paths through woodlands and up hills. Some tracks can be muddy.
Yes, there are play areas within the park, making it a great destination for families with children.
Visitors often spot various birds, insects, and other small wildlife, especially around the lake and in the nature reserve areas.
It can be, but be aware that the signposting for routes might be confusing for runners who aren't familiar with the park.
Facilities include ample parking, a cafe, play areas, and information boards. There's also a dog wash service available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located near the farm area that serves coffees and treats. Some visitors mention it's a nice spot for a picnic.
The cafe offers coffees and treats. Some reviews mention the food is good and reasonably priced, though seating can be limited.
Absolutely! The park is a great place for picnics, and many visitors enjoy bringing their own food to enjoy amidst the scenery.
While the park has its own cafe, there are likely other dining options in the surrounding Benton and Wallsend areas if you're looking for more variety.
Information on specific dietary options at the cafe isn't widely detailed, but it's always worth checking with the staff upon arrival for current offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Beacon Hill offers stunning panoramic views. The lake and the woodland trails also provide beautiful scenic opportunities.
Yes, the nature reserve and lake areas are excellent for spotting and photographing birds and other small wildlife.
Drones are permitted, and many visitors capture impressive aerial shots of the park's landscape.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography, especially from Beacon Hill.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific park regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The varied landscape, including the lake and woodland, offers plenty of opportunities for kids to explore, spot wildlife like birds and insects, and enjoy nature. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic surroundings, or stop by the on-site cafe for refreshments. While some trails can be muddy, there are easier, flatter routes suitable for younger children. The park's accessibility and free entry make it an ideal budget-friendly option for families looking for outdoor fun.
🐶 Dog Owners
+1 Many visitors bring their dogs, and it's common to see them enjoying the trails and the lake. A standout feature for dog lovers is the NE Dog Wash unit located within the park, perfect for cleaning up your pet after a muddy adventure.
+1 Remember to keep your dog under control, especially in areas with wildlife or other visitors, and always clean up after them. The park's extensive trails provide ample walking opportunities for both you and your furry friend. 🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
The park offers a range of trails, from gentle lakeside strolls to more challenging hikes up Beacon Hill for rewarding panoramic views. +1Be prepared for varying trail conditions; some paths can be muddy, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Diverse Landscapes
+2The terrain varies, providing options for all fitness levels. While many paths are easy and flat, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family outing, others involve inclines and can become quite muddy, especially after rainfall. This diversity ensures that every visit can offer a new perspective and a different kind of adventure.
For those seeking elevated views, the climb to Beacon Hill is highly recommended. From its summit, visitors are rewarded with spectacular panoramic vistas of the park and its surroundings, a truly memorable sight that captures the essence of this expansive green space.
Navigating the Trails: Tips for a Smooth Walk
However, some visitors have noted that the signposting can be inconsistent or confusing, particularly for those who prefer not to stop frequently to check maps, such as joggers or runners. It's advisable to pay close attention to the signs at junctions and consider downloading a park map or using a GPS-enabled app to ensure you stay on your intended path.
Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions on certain sections of the trails, especially the lower stretches or after wet weather. Wearing appropriate footwear, like sturdy walking boots, will significantly enhance your comfort and ability to navigate these areas without issue.
Family Fun and Doggy Adventures
+1For dog owners, the park is a paradise. It's widely recognized as dog-friendly, with plenty of space for dogs to roam and explore. The presence of a dog wash service on-site is a convenient bonus for those whose pets might enjoy a dip in a pond or get a bit muddy.
+1Many families and dog walkers enjoy the park's cafe for a break, and the option to have picnics further enhances its appeal as a family-friendly outing. The combination of open spaces, play facilities, and pet-friendliness makes it a popular choice for a day out.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit