Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake Circuit, Ashington
Northumberland
Queen Elizabeth II Country Park sits on the northern edge of Ashington, next to Woodhorn Museum, on land that was once one of the biggest colliery spoil heaps in Europe. There is no livestock anywhere on the circuit, so a dog can enjoy the grassland and woodland edges off the lead, though the tame swans around the jetties are best met with a lead on. Woodhorn Colliery opened in 1894 and closed in 1981, and the tip was reshaped into a country park around a 16 hectare lake, surrounded by young woodland and open grassland. This 2.5km circuit follows the path around the lake, passing viewing jetties, picnic tables and wildlife boards, with the narrow gauge railway to Woodhorn running through the park. It is flat throughout, on tarmac on the eastern side and cut grass paths that can be muddy after rain, and it takes most people 30 to 40 minutes.
This is a dog friendly park that is well used by local dog walkers, and there is no livestock anywhere on the circuit, so a dog with reliable recall can enjoy the grassland and woodland edges. The lake has tame swans, geese and ducks that gather where people feed them, so a lead is wise near the jetties with a dog that chases birds. Anglers fish from the banks, so watch for lines and hooks. Cyclists share the path. It makes an easy short walk for older dogs or a quick leg stretch off the A189, and Woodhorn Museum next door has a cafe.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 2.5 km (1.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 45 min
- Walk Type
- Lake, Park, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- No cafe in the park (an ice cream van sometimes); cafe at Woodhorn Museum next door; Premier Inn and pub at the north end of the lake.
- Parking
- Free car park off the A189 at Queen Elizabeth II Country Park, run by Northumberland County Council.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake Circuit, Ashington, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Sycamore Cottage - Backworth
Sleeps 9 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £935 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in NorthumberlandFrequently Asked Questions
Is Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake Circuit, Ashington dog friendly?
Queen Elizabeth II Country Park is a well-used dog-friendly park that scores 7 out of 10 on our rating, and you'll find plenty of fellow dog walkers here. The flat 2.5km lake circuit has no livestock anywhere on the route, which makes it a relaxed outing for most dogs. It's a particularly good choice for older dogs or anyone wanting a straightforward leg stretch off the A189.
Can dogs be off lead at Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake Circuit, Ashington?
Dogs with reliable recall can enjoy the grassland and woodland edges off the lead, as there is no livestock anywhere on the circuit. That said, the lake attracts tame swans, geese and ducks that gather near the jetties where people feed them, so it's worth popping a lead on near the water if your dog has a tendency to chase birds. Cyclists also share the path, so it's worth keeping that in mind too.
What should I know before visiting Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake Circuit, Ashington with my dog?
The circuit is flat throughout, though the cut grass paths on parts of the route can get muddy after rain, so boots are a good idea in wet weather. Anglers fish from the banks, so keep an eye out for lines and hooks near the water's edge. There's no cafe inside the park itself, though an ice cream van sometimes appears, and the cafe at Woodhorn Museum next door is a handy option after your walk. Parking is free in the Northumberland County Council car park off the A189.
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Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Car Park, off the A189, Woodhorn, Ashington NE63 9AT
55.1964, -1.5526
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