Plessey Woods Country Park & visitor centre
Plessey Woods Country Park & visitor centre
Plessey Woods Country Park is located near Hartford Bridge, off the A192, mid-way between Bedlington and Cramlington and about five miles south of Morpeth.
Opening times and facilities
The park is open throughout the year during daylight hours.
The park offers 100 acres of woodland, meadow and riverside to explore. The woodland is home to many birds, such as the great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch and tree creeper, as well as animals including the red squirrel, roe deer and fox.
People have visited Plessey Woods for generations to enjoy the woods and the river. Known locally as Bluebell Woods, the country park is an ideal place for a family day out with great opportunities for getting close to nature.
The banks of the River Blyth are also an important habitat for wildlife, such as kingfishers, dippers and otters.
Plessey woods visitor centre and cafe
The visitor centre and cafe lie at the entrance of the park. It's a great place to start or finish your visit to the country park.
The cafe provides a great place to enjoy hot or cold meals and drinks. It's perfect on a hot summer's day or a frosty winter morning.
A range of books, maps, local information and gifts are also available from the visitor centre shop. Find out more about the park, trails, and local area at the visitor centre.
The cafe overlooks the children's play area and picnic area - ideal for a family day out.
Opening Times
| October - March | April - September | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10.00am - 3.00pm | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
| Wednesday | 10.00am - 3.00pm | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
| Thursday | 10.00am - 3.00pm | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
| Friday | 10.00am - 3.00pm | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
| Saturday | 10.00am - 3.30pm | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
| Sunday | 10.00am - 3.30pm | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
Subject to Weather and Change.
The public toilets and disabled toilet are adjoined to the visitor centre and are open during daylight hours.
Take a tour around Plessey Woods
Find Plessey Woods Country Park and visitor centre
The park lies between Bedlington and Cramlington, five miles south of Morpeth. It is situated near the A1 and A189, providing easy access from Newcastle and south-east Northumberland.
Address: Plessey Woods Country Park Shields Road Plessey, Nr Bedlington, NE22 6HZ
Parking
Parking is available at the main entrance by the visitor centre. The following parking charges apply:
- First hour - free
- Up to two hours - £2.50
- Over two hours - £4.50
- An annual permit is also available for regular visitors at a cost of £55. Annual permits run from 1 July to 30 June each year. 6 Month permits are available for £29.50 and run from 1 January to 30 June.
Parking is free for Blue Badge holders, this is the case whether parked in a disabled bay or not, please display your Blue Badge.
Please click here for more information about parking permits
The park gates are open to vehicles during daylight hours. Please ensure that your vehicle is removed from the car park by the closing time stated on the car park notices.
Public transport
Hartford Bridge/Hall and Shields Road Bus Stop, a short distance from the park, are the closest bus stops to the park. There are direct buses to these stops from Morpeth and Newcastle.
Find out about bus services to the area by visiting Arriva North East
Additional information
Contact details
If you are visiting with a large group and/or have any special requirements, please contact the park in advance: Telephone: 01670 824793 Email: plesseywoods@northumberland.gov.uk
Drone use
Launching drones from County Council land is only allowed with the consent of the Council and where a formal license agreement has been signed. The council reserves the right to refuse consent and where consent is granted will require evidence of your Civil Aviation Training Certificate and public liability insurance.
Visitor Survey
To help us better improve our parks and have your say, please fill out our visitor survey form.
Click here for our visitor survey form
Activities and events
Enjoy a scenic riverside walk or take a path deep into the woodland, learning more about the park as you follow our many trails.
Orienteering route
A self-guided orienteering route and maps are also available from the visitor centre. Whilst exploring the park, look out for the many woodland sculptures and hidden treasures.
A full circuit of the park is about 1½ miles (2.5km) and includes some steep steps and grassy paths. Fully-accessible surfaced paths run from the visitor centre through the woods to the river, although steep gradients along the riverside are difficult for wheelchairs.
Seats and picnic benches can be found throughout the park. There is no public vehicle access to the riverside.
There is an extensive public rights of way network connecting the park to the wider countryside and Bedlington Country Park, also managed by the County Council.
Horses, dog and cyclists
Horse riders and cyclists can use the bridleways within the park. Off-trail riding is not allowed.
The park is a fantastic place to walk dogs - please be considerate of other park users, wildlife and nearby livestock. Bins are provided outside the visitor centre.
Educational visits and groups
Educational visits for schools and groups are very popular and can be arranged with a member of staff. For large groups or requirement of special arrangements, please contact a member of staff in advance.
Organised groups, such as Scouts and Guides, can overnight camp in the park which must be booked in advance with staff. Camping is otherwise not permitted.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed on the river by permit and is controlled and administered by the Bedlington and Blagdon Angling Association. Details are available from the visitor centre.
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