The Rising Sun Country Park is a green oasis of 162 hectares, set in the heart of North Tyneside.
Walk to be Thursday 23rd October meeting at the country park car park.
Easiest way I think is south on the A19 towards the Tyne Tunnel and turn off at the Holystone roundabout and follow to Holystone way turning left just before ASDA supermarket, it is well signposted. We all will meet for 1pm and discuss the route, there are many. Check out the picture of the car park and follow the white arrow passing the overflow car park, we may have to use that if the main is full. My recce route went through the supermarket car park and ended up at the café in the car park area that was pleasant to sit outside.
Again if anyone needs a lift let me know đ
See the Information Leaflet below which includes a pictorial map showing routes and interest points around the park.
Boasting a nature reserve with ponds, woodlands and extensive grasslands; a farm and Countryside Centre, the site is a haven for wildlife and an ideal place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
Admission is free. Parking and accessible parking is provided within the grounds (or in the neighbouring ASDA Benton car park).
Facilities and attractions:
- extensive footpaths, bridleways and cycleways to explore
- selected routes are wheelchair-accessible
- bird hides
- cafe with terrace and park views
- free parking with picnic and barbecue area
- educational visits
- childrenâs play area and water play feature
- events programme and activities
- volunteer opportunities
- hire our facilities for meetings, functions, events and parties
- regular cycling and Nordic walking groups
- toilet facilities
- Changing Places facility
The Country Park actively promotes healthy living and provides a resource for outdoor activities, healthy home-cooked food and encourages sustainable practices.
Venue details
Address:
Rising Sun Countryside Centre
Whitley Road
Benton
NE12 9SS
United Kingdom
Accessibility:
Accessibility guide for this venue
Email:
risingsun@northtyneside.gov.uk
Telephone:
(0191) 643 2244
Fax:
(0191) 643 2242
Opening times
The wider park is open all day, every day of year.
Centre grounds: Open from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday; and 9am to 4.30pm on Saturday, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Countryside Centre Car Park: Open from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday; and 9am to 4.30pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
The café is open for refreshments including freshly made sandwiches, scones and hot/cold drinks, with outdoor seating on the terrace from 9am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday and 10.30am to 3.30pm weekends and bank holidays.
Thanks to North Tyneside County Council for the above info.
Stroll Report
This was the final walk of the year as the November weather could be nasty and any country walks would likely be compromised with cold, wind, rain or possibly snow.
An enjoyable walk mainly through the forest and plantation copses. It started off sunny but rained a little later on and as it was only a couple of miles, just over an hour we all came prepared with macs and warm clothing it was no problem. Pics show us at the Swallow pond hide and the Dukes pond, lots of wild life on the water, swans and ducks of various types.
The Café was welcoming at the end of the walk and we feasted on cakes, scones tea & coffee. Kevin organised a walk themed quiz that was fun with some clever questions.
I would like to thank the group for a nice bottle of wine presented to me by Kevin at the Friday meeting - went down well on Saturday evening!
See you all Spring 2026
John
