Leazes Park Newcastle
Newcastle's oldest Victorian park, offering a tranquil escape with a scenic lake, abundant wildlife, and hosting magical events like Northern Lights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Leazes Park Newcastle
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Newcastle's oldest Victorian park, offering a tranquil escape with a scenic lake, abundant wildlife, and hosting magical events like Northern Lights.
"A beautiful and peaceful spot, perfect for a relaxing walk or a picnic."
🎟️ Book Northern Lights Early
Tickets for Northern Lights sell out fast! Book in advance, especially for family tickets, to secure your spot.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park is large with a 1.5km trail for Northern Lights. Wear comfy shoes for exploring!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Northern Lights Trail
Throughout the park
An enchanting winter light trail transforming Leazes Park into a magical wonderland with dazzling illuminations.
Leazes Lake
Central area
A serene lake teeming with birdlife, perfect for peaceful strolls, picnics, and observing local wildlife.
Victorian Charm
Throughout the park
Explore the historic beauty of this traditional Victorian park, a green oasis in the heart of Newcastle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Park Amenities & Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Northern Lights Early
Tickets for Northern Lights sell out fast! Book in advance, especially for family tickets, to secure your spot.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park is large with a 1.5km trail for Northern Lights. Wear comfy shoes for exploring!
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Leazes Park is ideal for picnics. Enjoy the green spaces and lake views.
🦆 Wildlife Watching
The lake is home to ducks, geese, and swans. Bring binoculars for a closer look!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Northern Lights Early
Tickets for Northern Lights sell out fast! Book in advance, especially for family tickets, to secure your spot.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park is large with a 1.5km trail for Northern Lights. Wear comfy shoes for exploring!
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Leazes Park is ideal for picnics. Enjoy the green spaces and lake views.
🦆 Wildlife Watching
The lake is home to ducks, geese, and swans. Bring binoculars for a closer look!
📸 Capture the Magic
Leazes Park offers beautiful scenery year-round, especially during autumn and the Northern Lights event.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Leazes Park is widely praised as a beautiful, peaceful, and well-maintained Victorian park offering a welcome escape from the city. Visitors love its scenic lake, abundant birdlife, and the overall sense of tranquility it provides. While generally a positive experience, some may find it busy during peak event times.
"This is quite a large park in Newcastle, situated just behind St James stadium. There are several entrances and numerous paths so it is very popular with people of all ages but also dog walkers and families.
One of the main features is a large lake which has a wide range of birdlife. Including ducks, geese and swans.
It’s a very popular place for people to go fishing with designated areas around the lake. To one side there is also a cafe cum kiosk where you can buy ice cream, drinks, sweets etc
Very popular for sunbathing."
Anne Marie Stagg
"Leazes Park is a beautiful and peaceful spot, perfect for a relaxing walk or a picnic. The green spaces, scenic lake, and charming wildlife make it a great escape from the city. It’s well-maintained, and there’s always a nice, welcoming atmosphere. A must-visit for nature lovers!"
Yazan Basabrin
"Lovely park with a cafe - the coffee and the Biscoff cheesecake were amazing"
Kellie B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Leazes Park is centrally located in Newcastle, adjacent to St James' Park and opposite the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI). It's easily accessible by public transport, with several bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, there are car parks around the city centre, though they can be busy.
Yes, Leazes Park is very easy to find. Its prominent location next to St James' Park makes it a landmark. You can use GPS or follow signs for the RVI or St James' Park.
Cycling is a great way to reach Leazes Park, and there are often cycle paths in the city. You can also bring your bike to explore the park, though be mindful of pedestrians.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly within Leazes Park, there are several city centre car parks within walking distance. These can get busy, so public transport is often recommended.
The park generally has well-maintained paths, making it accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The Northern Lights trail is also designed to be accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Leazes Park itself is free to enter and explore. However, special ticketed events like the Northern Lights trail require admission fees.
Northern Lights typically runs from late November through to early January. Check their official website for exact dates and times for the current year.
Ticket prices vary, but early bird discounts and 'kids go free' offers are often available. It's best to check the Northern Lights Newcastle website for current pricing and promotions.
It's highly recommended to book tickets for events like Northern Lights in advance, as they can sell out. On-the-day availability is not guaranteed.
Leazes Park is generally open from dawn till dusk. Specific event hours will vary and are detailed on the event's official website.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy leisurely walks, have picnics, observe wildlife at the lake, and visit during special events like the Northern Lights trail. It's also a great spot for photography.
Public toilets are usually available within or near the park, especially during events. The cafe also provides facilities.
Yes, Leazes Park is very family-friendly. The playgrounds have been recently refurbished, and the open spaces are great for kids to run around.
Leazes Park is a popular spot for dog walkers. Dogs are generally welcome, but it's always good practice to keep them on a lead in designated areas and clean up after them.
The lake is a haven for various bird species, including ducks, geese, and swans. You might also spot squirrels and other small urban wildlife. [^Reviews]
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe or kiosk located in Leazes Park that offers ice cream, drinks, and sweets. Some reviews mention delicious coffee and cheesecake. [^Reviews]
Absolutely! Leazes Park is a fantastic place for picnics, with plenty of green space and scenic spots by the lake. [^Reviews]
Being in the city centre, Leazes Park is surrounded by numerous restaurants and cafes. You can find a wide variety of dining options within a short walk.
While the focus is on the light trail, event venues often have food and drink vendors. It's best to check the Northern Lights event details for specific offerings.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is perfectly fine for picnics in Leazes Park.
📸 📸 Photography
Leazes Park offers diverse photographic opportunities, from the serene lake and wildlife to the Victorian bandstand and the vibrant Northern Lights trail during winter.
Yes, Leazes Park is stunning in autumn with its changing foliage, making it a prime spot for capturing seasonal colours.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the park's tranquility. Evenings during the Northern Lights event provide spectacular opportunities for light photography.
Yes, photography is encouraged during the Northern Lights event, allowing you to capture the magical illuminations.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always check park regulations if unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During winter, the Northern Lights event is a particularly magical experience for families, transforming the park into an enchanting festive wonderland. Remember to book tickets in advance for this popular attraction, and consider taking advantage of any 'kids go free' offers.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
Consider visiting during weekday mornings for the quietest experience. The park's proximity to the city centre also makes it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing, offering a green respite between urban explorations.
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
In winter, the Northern Lights event provides a unique opportunity for capturing stunning light installations and creating vibrant, artistic photographs. The park's blend of natural beauty and man-made spectacles ensures a rich portfolio of visual content for any enthusiast.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Heritage of Leazes Park
Over the years, Leazes Park has seen various developments and events. It's located adjacent to St James' Park, the home of Newcastle United Football Club, and opposite the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), making it a significant landmark in the city. The park has also been a venue for community events and festivals, contributing to its vibrant local significance.
Recent efforts have focused on preserving and enhancing the park's heritage. Funds raised from events like Northern Lights and Lost Minds Festival have been used to repair and improve the children's playgrounds, ensuring the park remains a welcoming space for future generations.
Experiencing Northern Lights at Leazes Park
The trail takes approximately 60-90 minutes to explore, offering a magical experience for all ages. Visitors can expect to see stunning light displays woven through the trees, across the lake, and in dedicated zones like the laser village. It's become a must-do festive activity in Newcastle, drawing significant crowds and widespread acclaim.
Tickets for Northern Lights often go on sale well in advance, with early bird discounts and special offers like 'kids go free' frequently available. Due to its popularity, booking tickets ahead of time is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Leazes Park as a Community Hub
The park has also become a popular venue for various events, from music festivals like Summer Lovin' Live to the spectacular Northern Lights Christmas trail. These events not only bring entertainment to the city but also contribute to the park's upkeep and improvement, with funds often reinvested into facilities like the playgrounds.
Its proximity to the city centre, St James' Park, and the RVI makes it easily accessible and a convenient spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether seeking a quiet moment or a lively event, Leazes Park offers a versatile space for the Newcastle community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit