Saltwell Park, based in the heart of Gateshead, is one of Britain's finest examples of a Victorian Park. It has been awarded the following prestigious awards:
- Green Flag Award 2006;
- Civic Trust Park of the Year Award 2006;
- Gold Laurel Award by the Institute of Maintenance and Building Management 2006;
- Scala Commendation for Saltwell Towers 2005;
- Britain's Best Park 2005;
- Civic Building of the Year (Saltwell Towers) 2005;
- Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, Northern Region Building Conservation Gold Award (Saltwell Towers) North East Renaissance Awards 2005;
- Green Flag Award 2008 & Green Heritage Award 2008.
Known as the 'People's Park' and part of Gateshead's heritage since it opened to the public in 1876, the Park is steeped in history.
Now, thanks to a £10 million restoration project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Gateshead Council, Saltwell Park has undergone an amazing transformation that has seen it restored to all its Victorian splendour.
It encompasses 55 acres of landscapes, woodland and ornamental gardens as well as public sports facilities, a refreshment house, a lake, play areas, bowling greens, Saltwell Towers, the animal house, an education centre and a maze.
Attracting more than two million visitors each year the Park was voted the best in Britain in 2005 for its high standard of horticulture, wide range of facilities and its place as a centre for community activities.
Opening hours
Park: From dawn until dusk throughout the year including all public holidays.
Saltwell Towers:
Mon-Fri, 11am-5pm and Sun 10am-5pm until 31 October.
Then from 1 November until Good Friday, Mon-Sun 11am-3pm.
