Nestled between Tynemouth and North Shields, Northumberland Park has attracted visitors to its woodland paths, gardens, pond and bowling green since it first opened on 11 August 1885.

The park has recently benefitted from a multimillion pound facelift, which has included creating a new tea room and community space, restoring or replicating lost Victorian features, a new sculpture trail and an improved play area.

To celebrate the special anniversary, the Duchess of Northumberland will be marking the occasion by visiting the park and planting a commemorative tree.

The ceremony takes place on Tuesday (11 August); 130 years to the day since Algernon George, the then Duke of Northumberland, first opened the Victorian park and also planted a tree.

The Duchess of Northumberland said: “A great deal of history lies within the park and an enormous amount of hard work and dedication has been put into the recent restoration project and archaeological works, the results of which will be extremely important to the educational value of the site. I look forward to following the progress of Northumberland Park and hearing about the difference the new facilities have made to visitors. I am honoured to be part of the parks history.”

North Tyneside elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn, will join the Duchess of Northumberland on her visit and also plant a tree. Ahead of the event, she added: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the Duchess of Northumberland on this very special day and hope to see many residents there, too. The park has been completely transformed and is looking absolutely stunning.

“My heartfelt thanks to the New Friends of Northumberland Park who are so passionate about the park and have helped us hugely every step of the way. I would also like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund for their grants, Kier North Tyneside who carried out many of the restorations and to council staff for all their hard work.”

The project was made possible by funding from North Tyneside Council and a £2.2m National Lottery boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BLG).

Ivor Crowther, Head of HLF North East, said: “Northumberland Park has undergone an amazing transformation and is now back at the heart of the community as a place to play, work, get in touch with our natural heritage and spend time with our families. A huge thank you to National Lottery players and the hard work and dedication of all those involved in the success of this project.”

Further information

For more information contact North Tyneside Council's press office on (0)191 643 5076.