Probably the most popular bit of the Dene. Don't expect anything wilder than a pot-bellied pig - this is a collection of farm animals and birds. But nevertheless, it's a sure thing for the kids.
Every Sunday on the Armstrong Bridge. It normally starts about 10 am, and goes on until dusk or rain stops play. You can get anything here, from watercolours of Newcastle to hand-made leather. Always very popular, and well worth a look.
There are two running clubs who regularly use Jesmond Dene. I'm a member of Claremont Road Runners, so I'll give them an unashamed plug. Claremont meet at Northumbria University Sports Centre on Mondays and Wednesdays. But well worth a mention are Heaton Harriers. They meet at the Blue Flames club (Whitley Road) on Tuesdays and Thursdays - so you could even go to both. Heaton Harriers organise a series of four Dene races (normally in May, June, July and August), plus a women-only race. The races are about three-and-a-half miles, and completely off-road.
If horse riding is your thing, check out Stepney Bank stables - 0191 233 2046.
There are football pitches for local league football at Paddy Freeman's, opposite Freeman Hospital. If anyone knows who plays there, we'll give them a plug. Thanks.
There are two tennis course at Paddy Freeman's, opposite Freeman Hospital and left a bit. The courts are administered by the bowling club, who will occasionally come to take your money. There is also an expensive David Lloyd club, opposite Freeman Hospital and right a bit. They have rather nice indoor courts, plus a gym and swimming pool, but it will cost upwards of £50 per month to join. Finally, there's even a Real Tennis court just off Castles Farm Road, though it's used for other things (badminton) as well.
And this is the bowling club. There's also a second bowling green in Heaton Park, close to the playground.
There are two children's playgrounds in Jesmond Dene, close to both the bowling greens. One is next to Paddy Freeman's pond in High Heaton, and the other is in Heaton Park, about 400 yards from Heaton library.
The local cubs and scouts meet at St. George's Church Hall, Newton Road. The contact is Mike Cox on 0191 281 0652.
There is a small boating lake at Paddy Freeman's field.
Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, Tel: 0191 281 5010
Millfield House
is cheap and cheerful, serves coffee, cakes and ice-cream for the kids.
It's also the home of the Rangers, so you can get information here plus a little
exhibition about the Dene.
http://www.jesmonddenecafe.co.uk
Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, Tel: 0191 281 3281
It's expensive, but it comes highly recommended.
Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle, NE2 2EY Tel: 0191 212 3000
"No gimmicks, no fuss - just a genuinely warm welcome and an invitation to indulge". Again highly recommended.