7.4km Newcastle Walk: Jesmond Dene, Shakespeare Mural

Experience the ever-popular Jesmond Dene and what it has to offer just outside the city. Also, see some stunning views of the city from Hadrian’s Tower or see a unique view of the River Tyne from the Free Trade Inn.

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Jesmond Dene is one of Newcastle’s Treasures. This pocket of nature holds a number of exotic and native wildlife including the Kingfisher and Red Squirrel. There’s a large open area where you can picnic and relax or see the animals at Pet’s Corner. Every summer, open-air performances are held here which you can book in advance to see.

You may want to explore Jesmond Dene for a while. There are a number of pathways you can take but once you’re ready to continue the walk, follow the Red Walk towards Armstrong Bridge and Ouseburn. Continue along Ouseburn Road, passing the White Bridge and Ouse Burn River on your right. When the road splits, take the pathway to the left. Follow its curve to the left, then turn right towards and over Jesmond Vale Lane. Follow this main paved path, which takes you through and past Heaton Park.

Heaton Park has a couple of ruins that feel somewhat random. It is unclear what their origins are exactly, nor is it known if they are, in fact, “ruins.” Some say they were placed there in the 1700s-1800s as it was trendy to have ruins in an estate park. Some say it was the remnants of a demolished bandstand left as a point of interest for visitors. Others say it’s just for decoration.

Exit the park towards Heaton Park View and turn right. Turn left into the street after Kingsley Place. Continue straight until you reach Heaton Grove, which becomes South View West. On the back of the last house on your right is the Shakespeare Mural, which faces the green area in front of it. Continue along South View West, but don’t turn left onto Elizabeth Street. Instead, continue along the path along the row of trees.

This brickwork Shakespeare Mural is believed to have been constructed in the 1970s after the demolition of the South-West end of the street. Two potential sources of inspiration are cited for this mural. The first is George William Stanley, who once leased the Tyne Theatre nearby and was a big fan of Shakespeare and his works.

A number of streets nodding to Shakespeare’s works, including Mowbray Street and Malcolm Street, and a number referencing Stratford, are also in the area; it makes sense then that Stanley stayed here, right? The second is Osmond Tearle, well-known as an actor in Shakespeare plays, who died in a guest house in South View West on a trip to Newcastle to perform. The mural is best to see during the colder seasons when the trees aren’t in the way; however, it’s quite a sight regardless.

Follow the path and its curves until you reach Stepney Road, where you turn right. Turn left onto Shieldfield Lane, then right onto Copland Terrace. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Simpson Terrace then through Shieldfield Green.

Cross over Falconar Street, where and when it is safe to do so, onto Lovers Lane, which is just to the left of an oval-shaped grass island. At the end of the bridge, turn left onto Ellison Place. Continue onto Saville Place (walk to the left so as not to walk along the cycle pathway). At the end of the road, continue onto Saville Row, then left onto Northumberland Street. Turn right onto Brunswick Place and follow the curve of the road to find The Botanist on your left. Leaving The Botanist, turn right onto Blackett Street.

The Botanist is a stunningly aesthetic bar and restaurant. You can walk in and see for yourself while grabbing something to eat or take a virtual tour here. From live music to events, The Botanist has a bit of everything for everyone. You can see when and what events are happening here.

Continue straight onto Gallowgate. Just before the major intersection, after St Andrew’s Street, turn left along the pathway through the green. Walk over Rutherford Street, following its curve to the left to find Hadrian’s Tower and 3Sixty on the upper floor. Exiting the tower, turn left onto Westgate Road.

3Sixty at Hadrian’s Tower is a luxurious premium dining experience with a view almost as famous as its dishes. If you have some money to spare, a fancy outfit you’ve been meaning to wear, or an occasion worth celebrating, 3Sixty is a no-brainer. To see their menu and reserve a table, visit their website here.

Follow the curve of the road, passing the Stephenson Monument, turning left onto Collingwood Street. Turn right onto St. Nicholas’ Street, then left onto Side, passing the Newcastle Castle to your right. Continue under the bridge, following the curve of the road to the right. At the three-way split, turn left onto Sandhill then continue along the Quayside

Continue for about 1,3 km, following the path and signs for Cycle Route 72 to reach the Free Trade Inn. You can follow Hadrian’s Wall Path until its end, then turn left towards the bridge, then right to find the Free Trade Inn.

Free Trade Inn is a well-loved local pub likened to a visit to a favourite family member and seeing friends, too. Everyone is welcome, and many remain loyal, visiting frequently for decades. The pub offers local alcohol and no-alcohol craft beers. The interior of the pub has quite the character, with graffiti sprawled along walls and all the way downstairs.

Although perhaps not the comfiest chairs, it still carries a wonderful, charming atmosphere. One can’t refer to The Free Trade Inn without mentioning the gripping view. You could be a below-average photographer and still manage to get a stunning shot of the River Tyne and its bridges from this angle. Especially at sunset. Whatever your budget, this pub is worth a visit.

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Resources:

If you enjoyed this route, see our Serene Newcastle Green Walk.

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