Saltwell Park opened in 1876 and is sometimes known as The People's Park. It's run by Gateshead Council and has won Britain's best park in the past.
There's plenty of free parking close by and even if you can't get parked in the car park itself there are plenty of roadsides in close walking distance with my double yellow lines or permit signs. 
We went for what was supposed to be a quick visit and a walk but because the park is so vast we were there for three hours without even realising. There are so many things to see and do in the park including -- ornamental and woodland gardens
- ride on train
- a boating lake
- a café and plenty of refreshment vans
- pets corner
- bowling greens
- play areas
- a maze
- educational centre
- dog exercise park
Saltwell Park is also home to Saltwell Towers, a stunning Gothic Mansion surrounded with gorgeous gardens. There's a café in the building and you can sit outside on the terrace.
Although the park was busy when we visited it wasn't rammed, we could get round with a pushchair easily and there was plenty of space to sit both on seats and grassed areas. 
The landscape across the whole of the park is stunning. There's an array of beautiful flowers and greenery and if you look carefully you can see the wildlife. 
How stunning is the squirrel?! I can't believe I was able to get such a clear shot. 
I absolutely love Saltwell Park and our visit was lovely. The gardens and grounds are beautiful and surprisingly peaceful even when it's busy. I'm also impressed that the car parking is completely free and you don't have to pay anything to get into any parts of the park. We'll definitely be returning to the park when the Little Man is older, I think it's the perfect place for learning to ride a bike, and running away from Mammy and Daddy. 
