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.