The North East is spoilt for choice when it comes to fantastic outdoor spaces – whether you’re after a few hours at the play area with your children, a good walk with the dog or somewhere to enjoy an al fresco cuppa.
If you’re in the mood to find somewhere new, and explore parts of the region a little further away from your home, there are plenty of sunshine spots across the North East to visit during the summer holidays.
And with Love Parks Week beginning on Friday, July 29, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore.
The nationwide campaign by Keep Britain Tidy runs until Friday, August 5 and focuses on celebrating green spaces in local areas across the country.
Get your comfy shoes on, pack your sunglasses AND rain jacket (just in case) and check out this selection of the North East’s parks and green spaces.
9. South Marine Park, South Shields
While the park's junior play area is currently closed until later in July for maintenance, this seafront park is in a great spot for all ages to enjoy. Why not take a trip on the steam railway or relax by the boating lake? Photo: Stu Norton
10. Ward Jackson Park, Hartlepool
Opened in the 1880s, the park has a Woodland Walk to explore or you could enjoy a go on the swings like Fai and daughter Heidi. Photo: Frank Reid