Druridge Bay Country Park is a large park with a lake, woodland, visitor centre and beach just off the A1068, three miles south of Amble.
The park is situated on Druridge Bay itself, between Amble and Cresswell. The park comprises a large freshwater lake, woodland, and grassland and meadows. The park also contains three miles of beautiful beaches and sand dunes.
A network of paths allows you to explore the whole park and discover the wildlife and landscapes of Druridge Bay. A visitor centre, cafe, toilets, play area, and car parking are all available for you to make the most of your visit to the country park.
The park gates are open during daylight hours throughout the year.
There are no permit requirements to fish in the sea. Details of size limits and protected species are available from the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority
Camping facilities for tents, caravans and campervans are available at Druridge Bay campsite.
Druridge Bay has an extensive history of human habitation. Mesolithic remains, early Bronze Age cemetery and artefacts, and ancient peat beds have all been found along the coast.
During the Second World War, Druridge Bay was identified as a site of potential invasion due to its ease of access from mainland Europe and its relative remoteness. Dozens of anti-tank blocks still line the beach and pill boxes can be found along the coast.
The site was the location of an opencast coal mine, one of many found in south-east Northumberland. The mine closed in 1983 with the intention to convert it to a country park for people to enjoy and as a home for wildlife. The large pit was lined and filled to create Ladyburn Lake.
Planting and management over the intervening years has led to the country park becoming home to coniferous and deciduous woodland, wildflowers and waterfowl, and ecologically-rich sand dunes that line the coast.
More information about the history of the area and its present wildlife can be found in the visitor centre.
The Country Parks are operating normal opening times, toilets facilities are open as normal
The visitor centre contains a newly refurbished Cafe, historical information centre, viewing platform, and small shop selling books, maps, and gifts. There is also a children’s play area and picnic area nearby. You can also purchase water sports permits for the Lake from here.
The main toilets and information area of the visitor centre are open daily from 9am to 5pm.
A toilet is available 24/7, this is located on the building near the dog drinking station.
Druridge Bay Country Park, Red Row, Northumberland, NE61 5BX
There are three car parks in the park, the largest of which is found at the far end of the access road, adjacent to the visitor centre.
The following car parking charges apply:
A weekly parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9am. Please note that the park and car parks may be busy around this time. If you are interested in putting on an event at the park please email druridgebay@northumberland.gov.uk
Druridge Bay regularly holds large events through out the summer. For major events, additional staff will be on duty to assist with parking.
Sailing, Canoeing, Stand up Paddle Boarding and Windsurfing are all accessable on Ladyburn Lake all year round.
Permits are required - Permits can be purchased from the Visitor Center/ Cafe, (Open everyday).
Coquet Shorebase Trust are based at Ladyburn lake and can help offer training facilities in water sports and also hire of water craft. (They do not issue permits).
Find out more information about the Coquet Shorebase Trust.
The current charges for water sports permits are:
For education, commercial and charity groups email: druridgebay@northumberlan.gov.uk
Buy a permit
Fishing is not permitted in this area. Failure to purchase a watersports permit may be treated as an offence. Both could result in a fine.
To view the country byelaws for Druridge Bay click here.
Launching drones from County Council land is only allowed with the consent of the Council and where a formal license agreement has been signed. The council reserves the right to refuse consent and where consent is granted will require evidence of your Civil Aviation Training Certificate and public liability insurance.
Telephone: 01670 760968 Email: druridgebay@northumberland.gov.uk
We ask that anyone wishing to bring a group, this may include School groups, Education groups, Clubs, Scouts & Cadets etc please let us know through the above contact details.
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