Facts

The Park opened to the public in 1876 and was known as the 'People's Park'.
In September 1875, Gateshead Corporation bought the land from William Wailes for £35,000 - about £1.7m at today's prices.
It encompasses 55 acres of landscapes, woodland and ornamental gardens.
The Park's wildlife population includes owls, bats, woodpeckers, swans, ducks and squirrels.
J. A. Shipley, who founded the Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead, lived in Saltwell Towers.
Saltwell Towers is a Grade II listed building and has a blue plaque.
The Park's bandstand was at one time situated in the middle of the lake and bands had to travel across the lake by boat to perform.
Over 30,000 new trees and shrubs can be seen in the Park.
100 new Victorian-style seats are in the Park.
It takes approximately 1 hour to walk a circuit of the Park.
Over 21/2 miles of railings and walls surrounding the Park have been restored.
The Lake extends over 2.5 acres.
John Hancock who founded the Hancock Museum in Newcastle designed the Lake edge.
The restoration of the Park was complete in 2005 and cost £10 million - funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Gateshead Council.
The Park was voted the best in Britain in 2005.

Tel: 0191 433 7000
Fax: 0191 433 5917

Gateshead Council