Plessey Woods Country Park & The Visitors Centre
This page contains information about visiting Plessey Woods Country Park
Latest events at Plessey Woods country park & visitors
centre
Overview
Plessey Woods Country Park is located near Hartford Bridge, off
the A192, mid way between Bedlington and Cramlington and about 5
miles south of Morpeth.
The Park offers 100 acres of woodland, meadow
and riverside to explore. The woodland is home to many birds
such as the great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch and tree creeper, as
well as animals including red squirrel, roe deer and fox. The
banks of the River Blyth are also an important habitat for
wildlife, such as kingfishers, dippers and otters.
People have come to Plessey Woods for
generations to enjoy the woods and the river. Known locally
as Bluebell Woods, the country park is an ideal place for a family
day out with great opportunities for getting close to
nature.
Come and join us for one of the many events
that are organised throughout the year. Enjoy a scenic
riverside walk or take a path deep into the woodland, learning more
about the park as you go by following one of our self-guided
trails.
Exploring the park
Surfaced paths suitable pushchairs run from
the visitor centre through the woods to the river. 
A full circuit of the park is about 1½ miles
(2.5km) and includes some steep steps and grass paths.
Horse riders and cyclists can use the way
marked bridleways within the park but off path riding or mountain
biking is not allowed.
The park is a great place for walking dogs but
dog walkers are encouraged to keep dogs under control and to be
considerate towards other park users by clearing away dog faeces
into the bins provided. If walking dogs near the park
boundary or on the rights of way outside the park, extra care
should be taken to keep dogs under close control to avoid worrying
farm stock.
The visitor centre
The visitor centre and cafe is open is open
from 11.00am to 4.00pm on Saturdays, Sundays, bank holidays (apart
from Christmas Day and Boxing Day) and school holidays, all year
round. It's a great place to start and end your visit.
Staff are on hand at busy periods to help you make the most of your
visit. When the centre is open you can buy an assortment of
books, maps and gifts, as well as have a cup of tea and a light
snack in the cafe. 
A range of leaflets and local information is
available, including three self-guided trails around the country
park, and maps of the orienteering course.
All of the visitor centre is on the ground
floor, and a disabled toilet and parking space is
provided.
There is a young children's play area near the
visitor centre.
The toilets are open from dawn to dusk every
day.
Public transport
To find out how to
get there by public transport view bus company information
here
Information for visitors with disabilities
Easy gradients provide access into the visitor
centre where toilet facilities are available. A wide firm
path leads from the car park through the woods and along the
riverside, although steep gradients mean that access by wheelchair
can be difficult. There are seats around the park.
Vehicle access to the riverside can be arranged by prior booking at
the visitor centre.
Car parking
The park gates are open to vehicles during
daylight hours and a small charge is made for parking. You
are advised not to leave any valuables in your car.
Picnic areas
Picnic areas with tables are provided near the
visitor centre and throughout the park. Barbecues may be used
in picnic areas, but please remove all remains and don't scorch the
grass or tables.
Orienteering
A permanent orienteering course exists in the
park. Why not give this exciting outdoor pursuit a try?
Maps and guidance notes are available at the visitor centre.
Group visits
Visits from educational or social groups are
welcome but unfortunately staff time is not normally available for
guided visits. If you intend to bring a large group or may
require special arrangements or facilities, please phone
first.
Camping
Only organised groups such as Guides and
Scouts are allowed to camp in the country park. Bookings
should be made in advance.
Countryside classroom
Many educational visits are made to the park
throughout the year. It is an ideal place to learn about
everything from woodlice to willows! Staff are available to
help teachers and group leaders plan a visit. Bookings for
assisted visits should be made in advance.
The River Blyth
The river Blyth is a clean and attractive
river providing habitat for a range of wildlife from trout to
otters. Fishing is allowed on the river by permit and is
controlled and administered by the Bedlington and Blagdon Angling
Association. Details from the visitor centre.
Safety information
Plessey Banks on the south side of the River
Blyth is managed as a nature sanctuary. This area is
unsuitable for visitors due to unstable steep shale banks and
numerous old, uncharted mine shafts.
The river Blyth is a clean river but the rock
shelves on the river bed can be very slippery. Swimming and
paddling in the river is not recommended.
Out and about beyond the park
Public rights of way link Plessey Woods with
the surrounding countryside. (See Ordnance Survey Explorer
maps numbers 325 and 316, both available for sale at the visitor
centre.) Bedlington Country Park, managed by Wansbeck
District Council, is next door to the country park. It is
accessible via the signposted footpath east of Plessey Woods off
the A1068 Bedlington road.
Contact information
For more details contact:
Location: Plessey Woods Country Park, Shields
Road, Plessey, Nr Bedlington, Northumberland NE22 6HZ.
Telephone: Morpeth 824793.
Country park parking permit
You can purchase an annual parking permit to park your car
at the Council's country parks without needing purchase a daily
ticket. For more information on country park parking permits
click here.
Other country parks in the area
