Best attractions and places to see around Hazlerigg, a village north of Newcastle upon Tyne, offer a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. The area features significant natural landscapes, including the Havannah Nature Reserve, a forest area recognized as a Site of Local Conservation Interest. Traces of its industrial past, such as the former Hazlerigg Colliery site, and archaeological findings like Iron Age remains, provide historical context. This region provides opportunities to explore both natural environments and historical points…
Last updated: October 5, 2026
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The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is an innovative tilting bridge for pedestrians and cyclists that has been connecting the Quaysides of Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne over the River Tyne since 2001. Designed by WilkinsonEyre and Gifford, it is the first bridge in the world to fully tilt to allow shipping passage, earning it the nickname "Blinking Eye Bridge." The bridge rotates to a 40° angle in just 4.5 minutes, allowing vessels up to 25 meters high to pass. At 126 meters long and weighing 850 tons, it is an engineering feat that forms part of the area's urban redevelopment and is an internationally acclaimed icon of modern British bridge building.
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Cycling guides for the wagonways in North Tyneside can be downloaded from the council's website https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/244/waggonways-routes
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The Willington Dene Viaduct is a historic railway viaduct in Wallsend. It was built between 1837 and 1839. Originally, it consisted of seven wooden arches, constructed using the Wiebeking system of laminated timber—an innovative technique at the time. In 1869, these were replaced by wrought iron arches, retaining the original design. The viaduct is 319 metres long and 25 metres high, and spans the valley of the Wallsend Burn with seven segmental arches. It has been a Grade II listed building since 1986 and is still used by the Tyne and Wear Metro.
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🚂 The Seaton Burn Waggonway, originally known as the Brunton and Shields Railway, was an industrial railway line operated between 1826 and 1920 to transport coal from collieries such as Brunton, Burradon and Seaton Burn to the River Tyne. The line was partly horse-drawn and partly rope-operated with stationary steam engines—an early form of funicular railway1. In 1837 the route was extended to North Shields, and around 1867 it was converted to standard gauge to connect with the wider railway network. Today, the former railway line has been converted into a traffic-free footpath and cycleway, part of the Waggonways network in North Tyneside. The path winds through green corridors and past traces of industrial heritage, and is popular with walkers, cyclists and nature lovers.
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...definitely worth a look if you're there!
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Historic castle, holds great events, interesting talks and movie screenings
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The most significant natural attraction in the immediate vicinity of Hazlerigg is the Havannah Nature Reserve. This forest area, once an industrial site, is now a Site of Local Conservation Interest, featuring woodlands, meadows, marshland, and ponds. It's particularly known for being a breeding ground for red squirrels. You can find more information about the reserve on Wikipedia.
Hazlerigg has a rich history. You can explore the former Hazlerigg Colliery Site, now part of the Havannah Nature Reserve, with traces like the 'pit terraces on Strawberry Terrace' and the old wagonway alignment on Coach Lane. Archaeological excavations have also revealed Iron Age roundhouse remains and Roman pottery fragments, indicating a long historical presence. For a more prominent historical landmark, the Newcastle Castle, which gave the city its name, is a short distance away.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Havannah Nature Reserve offers a great outdoor space for exploration. Many of the iconic bridges, such as the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Tyne Bridge, and High Level Bridge, are popular viewpoints and are considered family-friendly for walks and sightseeing. Newcastle Castle also welcomes families, offering an engaging historical experience.
Hazlerigg is a great base for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for running, cycling, and gravel biking. For instance, there are several running loops around Hazlerigg, including an easy 'View of Newcastle Hill – Weetslade Country Park loop'. Cyclists can enjoy routes like the 'Weetslade Country Park loop' or 'Pink Lane Bakery Gosforth loop'. Gravel biking options include the 'Waggonway Tracks – Killingworth Wagonway loop'. You can explore more options on the running trails guide, gravel biking guide, and cycling guide for the area.
Yes, the Havannah Nature Reserve offers various walking paths through its diverse landscape of woodlands and meadows. Additionally, the area around Hazlerigg provides several walking and running routes. For example, you can find easy to moderate running loops that are also suitable for walking, such as the 'North Gosforth Chapel loop' or the 'View of Newcastle Hill – Weetslade Country Park loop'. These routes allow you to explore the local scenery and historical traces.
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is designed to be accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, including those using wheelchairs. While the Havannah Nature Reserve has paths, their accessibility can vary depending on weather conditions and specific sections. It's always advisable to check local conditions for natural trails.
The best time to visit Hazlerigg's outdoor attractions, such as the Havannah Nature Reserve and the various walking and cycling routes, is typically during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is generally milder and drier, making outdoor exploration more enjoyable. Spring brings blooming flora, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Winter can be cold and wet, but the nature reserve still offers a peaceful experience.
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The iconic bridges, such as the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and Tyne Bridge, are highly praised for their architectural marvel and the spectacular views they offer, especially at sunset. The historical context, from former colliery sites to ancient archaeological finds, also adds a unique layer to the experience. The komoot community has shared over 550 photos and given more than 700 upvotes to the attractions in the area.
Yes, the area is renowned for its impressive bridges. The Tyne Bridge, opened in 1928, is an iconic symbol of Newcastle. The High Level Bridge, completed in 1849 and designed by Robert Stephenson, is a remarkable feat of engineering. Further afield, the Willington Dene Viaduct, built between 1837 and 1839, is a historic railway viaduct still in use today.
For attractions within Hazlerigg itself, such as the Havannah Nature Reserve, local parking options may be available near access points. For attractions in nearby Newcastle upon Tyne, such as the bridges or Newcastle Castle, various public car parks are available throughout the city centre. It's recommended to check specific parking information for each destination prior to your visit.
Hazlerigg village itself has local amenities including a fish and chip shop and a social club. For a wider selection of cafes, pubs, and restaurants, you'll find numerous options in nearby Newcastle upon Tyne, particularly around the Quayside area which offers views of the iconic bridges. Many of these establishments are easily accessible from Hazlerigg.


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