Rising Sun Country Park
Tyne and Wear
Rising Sun Country Park covers 162 hectares on the edge of Wallsend in North Tyneside, reclaimed from the former Rising Sun Colliery, which closed in the 1960s, and now a mix of grassland, woodland, ponds and wetland managed as a Local Nature Reserve. The wide grassland paths away from the nature reserve give a dog with reliable recall good off-lead space to explore, though a lead is required in the nature reserve itself, around the Countryside Centre grounds and near the farm, for livestock and ground-nesting birds. Three waymarked routes lead out from the visitor centre, the longest a 5.5km loop taking in Swallow Pond and a bird hide used for watching wintering wildfowl, with the shorter green and blue routes giving quicker options nearer the car park. The paths are flat, wide and well surfaced throughout, easy walking whatever the distance chosen.
This is a dog friendly country park, though dogs must be kept on a lead in the nature reserve, around the Countryside Centre grounds and near the farm, where livestock and ground-nesting birds need protecting. Away from these areas, the wide grassland paths give good off-lead space for a dog with reliable recall. Dog waste bins are provided throughout the park. The visitor centre has a restaurant, toilets and an exhibition space, and the on-site cafe is dog friendly, making this an easy country park to combine a walk with a coffee stop.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.5 km (3.4 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Park, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Cafe/restaurant (dog friendly) and toilets at the visitor centre; dog waste bins throughout.
- Parking
- Large free car park at the visitor centre, off Whitley Road near Benton, Wallsend.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Rising Sun Country Park, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Sycamore Cottage - Backworth
Sleeps 9 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £935 / 7 nights
The Stables At Lintz Green House
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £598 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in Tyne and WearFrequently Asked Questions
Is Rising Sun Country Park dog friendly?
Yes, Rising Sun Country Park is a dog friendly destination with a lot to offer. Dog waste bins are provided throughout the park, and the on-site cafe at the visitor centre welcomes dogs too, so you can easily pair your walk with a coffee stop.
Can dogs be off lead at Rising Sun Country Park?
Dogs can enjoy off-lead time on the wide grassland paths away from the protected areas, which gives a dog with reliable recall plenty of room to roam across 162 hectares of reclaimed colliery land. However, leads are required in the nature reserve itself, around the Countryside Centre grounds and near the farm, where livestock and ground-nesting birds need to be protected.
What should I know before visiting Rising Sun Country Park with my dog?
The park has three waymarked routes starting from the visitor centre, ranging from shorter loops near the car park up to a 5.5km trail taking in Swallow Pond and a bird hide. Paths are flat, wide and well surfaced throughout, making it easy going for dogs and owners alike. Just remember to keep your dog on a lead in the nature reserve, near the farm and around the Countryside Centre grounds, and make use of the dog waste bins dotted around the park.
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Rising Sun Country Park, Whitley Road, Wallsend, North Tyneside NE12 9SS
55.0200, -1.5287
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