Salwtell Park


Victorian park - modern day glory

Nestling in the heart of Gateshead's urban centre is Saltwell Park, one of the borough's hidden gems. Step through the gates and enter a different world. This enchanting park has cast its spell on visitors since 1876, and is still captivationg visitors today.

Steeped in history, Saltwell Park is also a great place to go with the family or for a stroll in the immense, beautiful and peaceful gardens - truly a must for family entertainment.

This award winning park boasts national recognition on a grand scale, with such awards as Civic Trust Park of the Year 2006 and Britain's Best Park 2005, Green Flag Award 2008 and Green Heritage Award 2008.

Known as the 'People's Park', Saltwell Park is at the centre of Gateshead's community, encompassing 55 acres of landscape - with ornamental and woodland gardens, boating lake, sports facilities, bowling greens, play areas, animal house, maze, education centre and the beautiful Victorian Saltwell Towers.


Saltwell Towers

Veiled deep within the Park's magical landscape sits fairytale mansion, Saltwell Towers. It was decoratively designed and built by leading stained glass master craftsman and manufacturer William Wailes in 1850 for his family.

He eventually sold the estate to the Corporation in 1876 but lived there until his death in 1881.

An eclectic mix of Gothic, Elizabethan and French styles, the towers are now known as the Saltwell Park Visitor Centre and have been sympathetically restored to their former Victorian glory. They continue to lure thousands of visitors every year.

Inside, alongside a café, facilities, regular art exhibits and information about the history of the park, the towers' new contemporary interior celebrates the history of glass art with an extravagant two-storey centrepiece screen designed by local glass artist Bridget Jones.


A park for all Seasons


Flowers


Achillea - Commonly known as yarrow, Achillea is named in honour of Achilles, the greatest Greek warrior. The flower attracts bees, butterflies, and birds. Its crushed leaves have a strong minty smell and are frequently used for flavouring tea.


Tulips - are the national flower of Iran and Turkey. They were introduced to Europe in the mid-16th century. Tulipa is the Latin name for Tulip. A very attractive flower to any garden.


Phlomis - is a spectacular plant with ruby red stems and whorls of flowers in attractive candy pink. Each whorl can be made up of 20-30 flowers, they are sun-loving shrubs.


French Marigolds - are small bushy plants, 15-30cm in height, with flowers measuring up to 5cm across. They are composed of a dense arrangement of rays that come in yellow, orange and a unique bronze colour. The French Marigold blooms continuously until cut down by frost.


Sedum - is a tough but pretty perennial that is highly reliable, drought-tolerant, and virtually maintenance-free. Butterflies and bees enjoy their rosy pink blooms. As the season continues, coppery red shades will enhance the autumn landscape of the Park.


Silver Dust - is a snowy bedding plant producing a 20-25cm mound of finely divided silvery white foliage. It is very striking during the winter months.


Geraniums - are bush like shrubs that have wonderful marble leaves, often sprinkled with darker zones. Geranium are hybrid varieties of the South African genus Pelargonium in which the 'petals' are actually highly modified stamens. They are cultivated not only as ornamentals but also for the aromatic oils extracted from their foliage and flowers which are used in flavourings and perfumes.


Cochia - flowers can be found in single or double blooms. They grow in an amazing variety of colours, most commonly white, salmon, red, pink and even purple. The colours are not uniform but variegated, and the petals are often veined or blotched.


Roses - are available all year round and are probably the best known and best loved flower in the world. They come in many shapes, sizes and colours, including two popular types - spray and tea. In the 19th century old scented roses were used to make jelly. The red rose is the symbol of England and is worn on St. George's Day. It is also the symbol of love.


Birds

Birds have always been important to Saltwell Park. For generations families have gathered at its lakeside purely for the enjoyment of 'feeding the ducks'. Taking a closer look you will see many other beautiful birds. Below is a taste of what else you might find.

More birds can be spotted when you are strolling through the park. With a little patience, among the resident blackbirds, blue tits and robins you can see, you will find great spotted woodpeckers, goldcrests, nuthatches and goldfinches. How many can you spot?


Eat - Saltwell Towers Café

Saltwell Towers Visitor Centre has its very own café for you to enjoy.

Why not enjoy morning coffee or afternoon tea on the terrace overlooking the gardens?

Sample delicious drinks and snacks such as sandwiches, homemade cakes, pastries and biscuits.

Opening Times

• Monday - Sunday 10am-5pm until 31 October
• Then from 1 November until Good Friday...
  Monday - Sunday 10am-3pm
• During school summer holidays, the Café will be open until 7pm

Regular Events

There are many regular events at Saltwell Park throughout the year. To find out more about these, visit www.gateshead.gov.uk.

Here's a selection of what you can enjoy:

So why not come along - Saltwell Park guarantees a great experience!


Special Memories - The Perfect Venue

Saltwell Park is the perfect place to host spectacular events, unique weddings, and always unforgettable parties.

The Park provides a different atmosphere from other venues, making your event, party or wedding a truly wonderful occasion - just the way you wanted it.

Whatever the season, Saltwell Park can add unmistakable character and history to any event in beautiful surroundings.

Rooms available:

• Saltwell Towers (day or evening)
• Wailes Room
• Education Room
• Training Room

Your Wedding or Special Event at Saltwell Towers

Located within the award winning Saltwell Park, The Fairytale Castle Saltwell Towers complete with beautiful surrounding is the unique location for your celebrations.

Your wedding is the most important day of your life and Saltwell Towers want to help make it perfect for you.

With an excellent reputation for Weddings, outstanding service, attention to detail, and complete flexibility, Saltwell Towers is the perfect location for your dream day.

Saltwell Towers also offers special celebration packages and can cater for any budget:

• Corporate Hospitality & Exhibitions
• Proms / Graduations
• Birthdays
• Christenings
• Private Parties

Finger Buffets, Fork Buffets and Silver Service Menus are available.

To find out more about organising an event, party, wedding or just a special occasion at Saltwell Park, please email us at:

enquiries@gateshead.gov.uk

or telephone: 0191 433 5913

Saltwell Towers postal address is:

Saltwell Towers
Saltwell Park
Gateshead
Tyne & Wear
NE9 5AX


The Friends of Saltwell Park

The Friends of Saltwell Park are a group of local people who have an interest in maintaining and improving the Park and its facilities. They promote and protect the wellbeing and enjoyment of the Park for the benefit of the local community.

Membership of the group entitles you to:

• get involved in talks, meetings and events
• receive regular newsletters to keep you informed
• have your say in what is going on now, and what is planned for the future

To become a friend and for more details on the Friends of Saltwell Park, visit:

www.gateshead.gov.uk/saltwellpark