Carlisle Park is a multi-award winning park in the heart of Morpeth, Northumberland.
Situated on the south bank of the River Wansbeck, it contains the William Turner Garden, formal gardens, an aviary, play areas, a paddling pool, ancient woodland, picnic areas, toilets, tennis courts, bowling greens, a skate park and much more.
Children's activity sheet Children can take part in an activities at William Turner Garden and Carlisle Park sheet when visiting the park to see if they can spot the different wildlife, flowers and trees. There's also some craft ideas on there too to keep them busy. The activity sheet has been sponsored by external bodies including King Edward VI School's Parent/Teacher Association and Morpeth Town Council.
Drone use 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.
Carlisle Park is home to a statue of Northumberland suffragette, Emily Wilding Davison which was unveiled in September 2018. The statue was commissioned by Northumberland County Council and created by internationally renowned sculptor Ray Lonsdale from County Durham.
Morpeth Floral Clock was restored in 2018 and, as one of just four working floral clocks in the country, takes pride of place in Carlisle Park. The clock was restored by the council after The Friends of Morpeth's Floral Clock raised funds, enabling it to be restored with the traditional carpet bedding.
A mixture of lawns, annual bedding and herbaceous borders, with trees such as monkey puzzle, gingko biloba and maple provide a beautifully colourful place to relax. A small aviary is located here, which houses birds rehomed by people who no longer want them.
Ha’ Hill is an 11th century motte and bailey that towers to the west of the formal gardens. It originally had a wooden tower at the top and was built to defend Morpeth from invasions. It’s a great place to view the gardens and the town. Steps to the top of Ha’ Hill are from Postern Woods and behind the sports area. Ha' Hill is home to a small flock of rare breed Shetland sheep who help to manage the hill. Please don't feed the sheep as we need them to graze on the vegetation, and if you're taking dogs on to the hill please keep them under control.
Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, the castle replaced the tower on Ha’ Hill with a solid stone building. Following the siege of 1641, all that remains is the gatehouse and a small section of castle wall. The gatehouse was recently restored by the Landmark Trust and is now a popular holiday home.
Carlisle Park contains one of the few remaining working paddling pools in the North East, which is popular with children of all ages. The play areas by the river are suitable for children aged up to 13. A toddlers-only play area is located on the south west border of the park. The paddling pool is managed by Morpeth Town Council
Just over the footbridge from the Riverside Leisure Centre, the bowling greens and tennis courts provide a space for sports activities. Please contact Active Northumberland at the leisure centre for all enquiries. Extremely popular with skaters, bladers and BMXers, the skate park is between the tennis courts and Ha’ Hill, with access from the Ha’ Hill side. It is maintained by Morpeth Town Council.
A charming herb and knot garden created to celebrate the achievements of William Turner, the botanist born in Morpeth around 1508. More information about the William Turner Garden.
The best place to spot wildlife in Carlisle Park, the woodlands stretch from the River Wansbeck to the formal gardens. You might see fox, roe deer, rabbits or grey wagtails. Listen out for great spotted woodpecker, chiff chaff, robins and many other birds. Visit in spring for bluebells and wild garlic. Please let us know if you see a squirrel - red or grey.
The Right Honourable Philip Howard met local schoolchildren and community groups and also helped plant a new tree, 90 years after his ancestors opened the park in September 1929.
Carlisle Park is one of nine parks and green spaces to retain its prestigious Green Flag award for the third year running in 2019. The awards recognise and reward the best parks and green spaces across the country.
Morpeth bus station and train station are both within 15 minutes’ walk of Carlisle Park and some bus services stop outside Castle Square.
There is no parking in Carlisle Park. However, a drop-off point can be arranged for visitors with special needs. Contact the park office on 0345 600 6400 for more information.
Morpeth is a vibrant town with a good range of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.
For more information about Morpeth, including places to stay, please contact Morpeth Tourist Information Centre or call 0345 600 6400
Download the access statement for Carlisle Park and the William Turner Garden.
Address: Carlisle Park Office, Off Castle Square, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 1YD
Tel: 0345 600 6400 or Contact Northumberland County Council
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