Rising Sun Country Park covers 162 hectares of green space in the heart of North Tyneside and is managed by North Tyneside Council. It’s a much‑loved place for walking, cycling, horse riding, wildlife watching and simply taking time to reconnect with nature. Every Saturday morning, the park also hosts the popular Rising Sun Parkrun, attracting runners from across the region.
Established in the 1970s on reclaimed land once occupied by the Rising Sun Colliery, the park now offers a wonderfully diverse landscape, including:
- A network of accessible paths
- Woodlands
- Ponds
- Rough grassland
- Agricultural fields
- Rising Sun Farm, which includes a working livery yard
The area surrounding Swallow Pond is designated as a Local Nature Reserve, renowned for its rich birdlife and a favourite spot for nature enthusiasts.
Swallow Pond
Rising Sun Countryside Centre is the social heart of the park. Visitors can enjoy:
- A welcoming café with stunning views across Swallow Pond, serving hot and cold drinks, freshly made sandwiches, homemade soup and its legendary scones!
- A range of rooms available to hire for meetings, events and celebrations.
The Centre also provides a base for many outdoor groups and community organisations that use the park throughout the week.
Rising Sun Farm is home to a number of independent businesses, including Earth & Fire Artisan Bakery and DLS Falconry, adding to the park’s unique character.
Park Expansion: In 2019, Rising Sun Country Park was extended by an additional 35 hectares. This new area was developed by Northumberland Estates, which continues to manage this part of the site, further enhancing the park’s landscape and opportunities for wildlife and recreation.