This 9.5 km route is recommended for the well-trained and well-behaved pooch who loves going for long walkies. This route can be split into two “parts” if you choose. The first “part” takes you through the parks and Jesmond Dene, while the second “part” takes you to the dog-friendly cafes.
Do note that if you are walking your furry friend through the second part, it will be along a couple of busy streets, and you should make sure that they are comfortable walking on a leash next to passing cars. All the cafes require that your dog be sociable and always on a leash. You can start this route at any point and easily take a bus to and from most of the places on this route. Please also take note of the cafe’s opening times on the links below.
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Route overview
Leazes Park is a traditional Victorian park, and Newcastle city centre’s oldest park opened in 1873. The gateway was built in 1886 and refurbished in 2002 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. In 2003, the bandstand was built in its original Victorian design and refurbished in 2017. In the same years, the balustraded promenade was rebuilt in its original design and restored. Throughout the flowerbeds on the terrace, there are a few memorial stones that may be interesting to read more about.
Leazes Park Bandstand. Credit: Newcastle Gateshead Initiative
Turn right at the playground towards the main road. Follow the path on the island between the two streets. Just after the parking lot on your right, keep slight right to continue on Lover’s Lane. Turn left onto Queen Victoria Road, and at the roundabout, take the second exit into the gated entrance of the park.
Part 1 of the 9 km Dog-friendly Parks & Cafes Walk
Continue following the main path into the park; past the tennis courts on your right, you will find the Urban Green Cafe.
Part 2 of the 9 km Dog-friendly Parks & Cafes Walk
The Urban Green Cafe is a great, eco-friendly, and locally supportive cafe. Various events are held in collaboration with the cafe, such as Tai Chi, park runs, and pop-up shops. Click here to see what’s on and where.
Urban Green Cafe. Credit: Happy Cow
Turn left onto the path behind the cafe, passing the lake on your left. After the buildings on your left, turn right towards the main road, then turn left to follow the path parallel to the main road.
Part 3 of the 9 km Dog-friendly Parks & Cafes Walk
At the big roundabout, take the third exit onto Jesmond Dene Road. When the road curves into Matthew Bank, continue straight on the Jesmond Dene Road path.
Part 4 of the 9 km Dog-friendly Parks & Cafes Walk
Continue following Jesmond Dene Road for roughly 1 km. “Part 1” of the route will end here at Jesmond Dene.
Part 5 of the 9 km Dog-friendly Parks & Cafes Walk
Jesmond Dene offers an oasis of calm in the city. The Ouseburn River winds through this narrow, exotic, and native tree-filled valley. Numerous important wildlife species are running through to the centre of Newcastle, including the Red Squirrel, the Kingfisher, and several woodland birds.
Jesmond Dene. Credit: Urban Green Newcastle
“Part 2” of the route begins here. When you reach the intersection with Osborne Road, continue for a few metres, where you will find One Kitchen and Social.
Part 6 of the 9 km Dog-friendly Parks & Cafes Walk
One Kitchen and Social has much to offer, including bottomless brunch, a gluten-free menu, and vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free food options. One Kitchen and Social is an independent business and loves to support other local small businesses. Of course, it’s also dog-friendly.
One Kitchen and Social. Credit: One Kitchen and Social
Retrace your steps to the intersection and turn right onto Osborne Avenue. You can continue down Osborne Avenue and turn left just after the cricket pitch. However, if Osborne is a little too busy, you can turn right onto Farquhar Street, left onto Shortridge Terrace, left onto Manor House Road, and back onto Osborne Avenue. Turn right and left to walk next to the cricket pitch. Turn right onto Clayton Road until you reach Willi’s Cafe.
Part 7 of the 9 km Dog-friendly Parks & Cafes Walk
Our last stop is Willi’s Cafe Jesmond, which is open from 8 am to 4 pm most days. It is dog-friendly but remember to keep your pooch on a leash. The outside of the cafe may seem a little minimalist, but the interior and menu are sure to tickle your tastebuds.
Willli’s Cafe. Credit: Katy Jane
To return to Leazes Park, exit Willi’s Cafe, then turn right back onto Clayton Road. Turn left onto Brandling Park. After roughly 260 metres, you will see a path to a tunnel. Continue following the path after exiting the tunnel. When you reach Newcastle University’s Robinson Library, walk to the right of the building and through the short tunnel. Turn immediately left when you exit the tunnel. Turn slightly right at the Black Rhino sculpture passing the Great North Museum.
Part 8 of the 9 km Dog-friendly Parks & Cafes Walk
Cross over the main road onto King’s Road. After 350 metres, turn right onto St. Thomas’ Street. Turn right onto Queen Victoria Road, then immediately left toward Richardson Road. Where the road splits, turn left. At the sculpture on your right, turn left, then right onto Richardson Road. Leazes Park will be on your left.
Part 9 of the 9 km Dog-friendly Parks & Cafes Walk
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Resources:
If you enjoyed this route, see our Ouseburn Valley Circular Walk.
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Not on this route, but worth a visit in your own time:
The dog-friendly Beamish Museum sells its own handmade dog treats, and your four-legged friends can join you in parts of the museum, so you’ll both learn a thing or two! Please read more about their rules when bringing dogs along with you.
Arbeia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Roman fort which guarded the main sea route to Hadrian’s Wall. Over the years, Arbeia has taken on various identities, from a port to the headquarters of the Roman Emperor during the Scottish Invasion to a supply station for the Roman army. Fun displays like gladiator battles, falcons, Roman re-enactments, and storytelling all take place here and may be worth a look. You can find out more here.
Transport yourself and your furry friend on the world’s oldest running railway, with part of the railway line built in 1725! Your pooch may share this experience with you as long as they don’t sit on the train seats. You can book tickets and find out more here.
South Causey Inn hosts dog walks every first Saturday of the month and other dog-friendly events that all your family members can join. Find out more here.