5 of the North East’s best autumnal locations you can enjoy for free

We think the North East is beautiful all year round, but some areas of our region really come into their own during autumn! 

Fall for the North by visiting some of these stunning autumn locations that won’t cost you a penny. Our low-priced fares mean you can jump on a bus to these stunning spots for just £2.

Jesmond Dene

Jesmond Dene’s extensive network of footpaths and beautiful waterfalls make it a great place for a walk at any time of year. The park is particularly picturesque in autumn when the leaves are golden, red and orange. 

Keep an eye out for otters and kingfishers, which are occasionally spotted along the river. 

Pets Corner, which can be found next door to the visitor centre, is home to goats, peacocks rabbits and more. It’s perfect for keeping young children entertained and is free to enter, although donations are appreciated. 

Our North Tyne Rocket 355 and QuayCity services both stop close to Jesmond Dene.  

Tynemouth and Whitley Bay

Although many of us dread the clocks changing in autumn, the later sunrise means we can enjoy watching the sun come up without setting our alarms for the crack of dawn.

Head to the coast to watch the sun rise over the waves and enjoy a coffee as you stroll along the sand. 

Our Coaster 1 service stops at both Tynemouth and Whitley Bay seafronts.

Durham riverside

Autumn brings out the best in Durham’s riverside scenery, when the River Wear is lined with red, green and orange trees.

The Durham Riverside Walk, a 5km circular route, takes in views of Durham Cathedral and Castle. Finish off the walk with coffee and cake in one of Durham's many cafes. 

Many of our services stop in Durham, plan your journey here.  

Tyne Green Country Park

Combine a stroll in Tyne Green Country Park to enjoy the autumn colours with a visit to Hexham, a town regularly named as one of the happiest places to live in Britain.

Just a fifteen-minute walk from the town centre, the Country Park has something for everyone, including a playground, an outdoor gym, space for rounders or a football match and picnic benches. 

Our Tyne Valley 10 services travel from Newcastle to Hexham.

Chopwell Wood

Forestry England counts Chopwell Wood, just 10 miles from Gateshead, among one of the top spots to experience autumn in the North East.

The 7km Boundary Walk is the most challenging marked trail in the park. If you’d prefer to pick up the pace and get your pulse racing, parkrun takes in the woods every Saturday at 9am.

There is an easy access trail which has been designed with wheelchair access in mind. 

The Red Kite Ranger 47 stops at Hookergate Lane/Chopwell Woods Road. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Chopwell Woodland Park entrance.