Plessey Woods Country Park
A scenic natural retreat in Northumberland, perfect for family adventures, dog walks, and exploring woodland trails along the River Blyth.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful walks.
Plessey Woods Country Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic natural retreat in Northumberland, perfect for family adventures, dog walks, and exploring woodland trails along the River Blyth.
"A lovely little place for some nice fresh air, with little trails that are family friendly."
☕ Loyalty Card for Drinks
Grab a loyalty card at the cafe for free hot drinks after 9 purchases! :coffee:
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Great for dogs, but keep them on a lead as some owners let their dogs approach others. :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Woodland Trails
Throughout the park
Explore enchanting woodlands with carved features and diverse flora. Perfect for a refreshing escape. :evergreen_tree:
River Blyth
Riverside paths
Enjoy scenic walks along the River Blyth, with opportunities for dogs to splash. :river:
Children's Play Area
Near the cafe
A fantastic play zone for toddlers and kids, offering plenty of space to burn energy. :playground_slide:
Visitor Centre & Cafe
Main entrance
Grab a bite at the cafe, enjoy a loyalty card for hot drinks, and check out the visitor center. :coffee:
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking and Access
Family Fun & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Loyalty Card for Drinks
Grab a loyalty card at the cafe for free hot drinks after 9 purchases! :coffee:
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Great for dogs, but keep them on a lead as some owners let their dogs approach others. :dog:
💰 Parking Fees
First hour of parking is free, then fees apply. All-day parking is available. :parking:
🚰 Toilets Need TLC
Toilets can be a bit dirty and lack supplies. Bring your own sanitizer. :toilet:
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Loyalty Card for Drinks
Grab a loyalty card at the cafe for free hot drinks after 9 purchases! :coffee:
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Great for dogs, but keep them on a lead as some owners let their dogs approach others. :dog:
💰 Parking Fees
First hour of parking is free, then fees apply. All-day parking is available. :parking:
🚰 Toilets Need TLC
Toilets can be a bit dirty and lack supplies. Bring your own sanitizer. :toilet:
🌳 Explore the Carvings
Look out for the interesting carvings dotted along the walking trails. :wood:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Plessey Woods Country Park is a beloved spot for its natural beauty, family-friendly play area, and dog-friendly atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the woodland trails and riverside walks. However, some find the toilet facilities could be cleaner and more well-maintained.
"Great car park plenty of spaces then they have a visitor center loads of carvings along the the walk toilets loads to look at a park for the kids dog friendly a lovely walk along the river"
Sharon Bijincp
"Lovely little place for some nice fresh air, little trails that are family friendly, we ate at the cafe which had a good little selection of food and all decent prices. Play area for kids too although some swings are missing.
Toilets were a let down as they were dirty, no soap or sanitiser to clean hands, paint chipping from walls, and dirty stains smeared everywhere. They definitely needed updating.
Car park £4.50 all day."
Emmy Armstrong
"Nice place to go for walk. You do get a lot of dog on lead. But becareful as the owner seen to think it's ok to let the dogs come say hello to your dog. Even if you say no as your dog is nervous.
I will say you get the first hour of parking free. But after that you do have to pay."
Scott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plessey Woods Country Park is conveniently located near Hartford Bridge, between Bedlington and Cramlington in Northumberland. It's just about 10 minutes off the A1, making it an easy stop if you're traveling north. :car:
Yes, there's a car park with plenty of spaces. The first hour of parking is free, with charges applying thereafter. All-day parking is also an option. :parking:
Occasionally, the main access across the river might be closed for repairs. If this happens, you may need to find an alternate route, which could involve walking along the main road to the bridge. :warning:
It's generally easy to find, situated just past Northumberlandia if you're heading north on the A1. :road:
Many visitors find it a perfect stop-off point when traveling up north, thanks to its accessibility from the A1. :bus:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Plessey Woods Country Park itself is free. However, there are charges for parking after the first free hour. :ticket:
The park is generally open for visitors to explore. The cafe and facilities may have specific operating hours, especially during different seasons. :clock:
Parking is free for the first hour. After that, charges apply, with an option for all-day parking available for around £4.50. :moneybag:
The country park cafes, including the one at Plessey Woods, offer a loyalty card scheme where your 10th hot drink is free after collecting 9 stamps. :gift:
Yes, you can visit and enjoy the park for the first hour without incurring parking fees. :free:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy woodland walks with carved features, explore riverside paths along the River Blyth, and let kids play in the dedicated play area. There's also a cafe and visitor center. :hiking_boot:
Absolutely! It's highly recommended for kids, with a great play area and plenty of space to explore. :family_child:
Yes, Plessey Woods is very dog-friendly, with many visitors enjoying walks with their pets. It's advised to keep dogs on a lead. :dog2:
Reviews suggest the toilets could be cleaner and may lack soap or sanitizer. They might need updating. :toilet:
Yes, there's a cafe offering a good selection of food at decent prices, and often an ice cream van is present. :ice_cream:
📸 📸 Photography
The woodland trails with their natural beauty and carved features offer great photo opportunities. The riverside paths along the River Blyth also provide scenic backdrops. :camera:
Yes, the park offers diverse scenery throughout the year, from lush greenery in spring and summer to autumnal colors and potentially frosty winter landscapes. :fallen_leaf:
Keep an eye out for the unique wood carvings scattered throughout the park, which make for interesting and distinctive photographs. :art:
Nature photography, landscape shots, and family portraits would all work well here, capturing the natural beauty and recreational aspects of the park. :tree:
While not explicitly stated, it's always best to check local regulations regarding drone usage in public country parks to ensure compliance. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't forget to visit the cafe for snacks and drinks, and keep an eye out for the ice cream van. While the toilets might need a spruce-up, the overall experience is highly positive for families looking for an affordable and engaging outdoor adventure.
🐶 Dog Owners
While dogs are welcome, it's advisable to keep them on a lead, as some visitors have noted that other owners may let their dogs approach yours, even if yours is nervous. The park also offers a dog wash facility, which is a thoughtful addition for owners after a muddy adventure.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts
The park provides a natural retreat with diverse flora and interesting carved features to discover along the way. It's an ideal location for a leisurely stroll or a more invigorating hike, offering a chance to connect with the outdoors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Woodlands and Trails
Many visitors appreciate the natural retreat aspect of Plessey Woods. The park provides ample space for children to play and explore, fostering a sense of adventure. The trails are well-maintained, though some areas might become muddy after rain, so appropriate footwear is recommended. The feeling of being immersed in nature is a consistent theme in visitor feedback.
For those looking for a specific experience, the riverside paths along the River Blyth offer a different perspective. These routes are perfect for enjoying the calming presence of the water and are often a favorite for dog walkers. The combination of woodland and riverside scenery makes Plessey Woods a versatile destination for nature lovers.
Family-Friendly Amenities and Activities
Complementing the play area is a visitor center and cafe. The cafe offers a decent selection of food at reasonable prices, making it convenient for families to grab a snack or a meal during their visit. Visitors also mention the presence of an ice cream van, adding to the child-friendly appeal.
Furthermore, the park's accessibility and the variety of activities, from woodland walks to the play area, make it an ideal spot for a family day out. The relatively short drive from the A1 also makes it a practical choice for families traveling through the region.
Visitor Experience and Facilities
However, some facilities have received mixed reviews. While the cafe is generally well-regarded for its selection and prices, the toilet facilities have been noted as needing improvement. Some visitors have reported them being dirty, lacking soap, and showing signs of wear and tear.
Despite minor drawbacks, the park's appeal lies in its combination of natural landscapes, recreational facilities like the playground, and its convenient location. The presence of dog wash facilities also adds to its appeal for pet owners.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit