Jesmond Dene
A wooded valley park along the Ouseburn, shared between Heaton and Jesmond, with waterfalls, woodland walks, Pets' Corner and Millfield House cafe. Landscaped and given to the city by Lord Armstrong.
About Jesmond Dene
Jesmond Dene is a wooded valley park along the Ouseburn, shared between Heaton and Jesmond, that owes its landscaped form to Sir William (later Lord) Armstrong. From the 1850s Armstrong and his wife bought up and enclosed much of the semi-industrial valley, transforming it into parkland with a large waterfall, weirs, rock islands, bridges, a grotto and a network of footpaths, and planting many exotic trees and shrubs. In 1883 he presented the main area of the dene to the Corporation of Newcastle, and it was formally opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1884.
Today the dene offers woodland walks, the waterfall and the ruins of Armstrong's former banqueting hall, now a controlled ruin. Near the Coast Road entrance, Millfield House provides a café, toilets and the Ouseburn Parks visitor centre and ranger base, with exhibition and education space. Next door, the free-to-enter Pets' Corner, which opened in the 1960s, is home to goats, sheep, peacocks, rabbits and more, making the dene a long-standing favourite for families and walkers alike.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature Jesmond Dene.
Parks & Green Spaces in Heaton
Heaton Park, Armstrong Park and Jesmond Dene run into one another along the Ouseburn to form one of Newcastle's finest green corridors, here's how to explore all three.
Family Activities & Days Out in Heaton & Ouseburn
A roundup of family-friendly things to do across Heaton and the Ouseburn, from free parks and a city farm to rainy-day museums, galleries and riding lessons.
Free Things to Do in Heaton & Ouseburn
A local guide to the best free days out in east Newcastle, from a city farm and independent galleries to woodland parks and free riverside gigs.
Living in Heaton: The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about moving to Heaton and the Ouseburn, the housing, the schools, getting around, green space and the community feel of east Newcastle's most characterful neighbourhood.
The Best Walks in Heaton & Ouseburn
From the green corridor above the Ouseburn to the riverside path down to the Quayside, here are four of the best walks in east Newcastle.
Dog-Friendly Heaton: Pubs, Cafes & Walks
A local guide to the best dog-friendly pubs, cafes and walks across Heaton, the Ouseburn valley and east Newcastle.
Cycling in Heaton & the Ouseburn
A practical guide to cycling in east Newcastle, from commuting to the Quayside to family rides through the parks and the Ouseburn valley.
More Community in Heaton
Seven Stories - The National Centre for Children's Books
The UK's national museum dedicated to children's books, in a converted Victorian warehouse in the Ouseburn Valley. Interactive family exhibitions, a bookshop, events and a nationally significant archive.
Ouseburn Farm
A free-entry community city farm and charity in the heart of the Ouseburn Valley, home to pigs, goats, sheep and poultry, with education, training and volunteering alongside family visits.
The Biscuit Factory
The UK's largest independent contemporary art, craft and design gallery, over two floors of a restored Victorian warehouse. Free entry to browse and buy work from hundreds of artists, with a cafe and event spaces.
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What's On
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