Apedale Country Park | 70%
Loomer Road, Chesterton, Newcastle, ST5 7LB or Blackbank Road, Knutton, Newcastle, ST5 6AX
3 2 4 5 3 4 2 5 3 4 = 35/50
Ways to Wellbeing Score = 70%
Summary
Apedale sits on an elevated site with panoramic views of the surrounding towns of Newcastle and the City of Stoke-on-Trent beyond. It’s Heritage Centre (from the Loomer Road entrance) gives an insight into our industrial past – with its drift mine available for occasional tours, sitting comfortably alongside the developing light steam railway.
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – but car park and toilets close at night.
Connect (People & Nature) ***** 3
Cafe | Heritage visitor’s centre | Community events | Light steam railway (small charge may apply) | Picnic area
Be Active (Body) ***** 2
Challenging/hilly terrain for walks | Cycling permitted (links to cycle routes) | Horse riding permitted (with consent) | Good for dog walking (must be on lead)
Take Notice (Place) ***** 4
Far reaching views of surrounding towns & city | Large pit wheel/mining monument | Conservation areas | Great crested newt ponds | Farm animal grazing | Wildlife garden
Keep Learning (Mind) ***** 5
Displays and exhibits in heritage centre (optional donation) | Mine tours (small charge may apply) | Steam railway rides | Industrial heritage learning
Give (Spirit) ***** 3
Volunteer opportunities | Nature conservation | Woodland management
Care (Planet) ***** 4
Sustainable energy station (former visitor centre now re-deployed for alternative use) | Examples of ground source/solar/wind power generation | Conservation areas (with restricted public access)
Be Creative (Self) ***** 2
Some artwork and heritage features | Wildlife and landscape photo opportunities
Value ***** 5
No entrance fees | No parking fees (3 car parks)
Upkeep ***** 3
Usually well maintained and litter free | Occasional car park fly tipping noted | Good support on maintenance from volunteer team
Secure/Feeling Safe ***** 4
Sometimes manned by ranger | Relatively remote location
Conclusion
A good park for learning about our coal mining and industrial heritage. It’s a shame the Energy Station didn’t remain open, as this offered a nice contrast of modern day sustainable energy to historical fossil fuels. From the pit wheel monument there are great panoramic views over the local towns and beyond. Some of the footpaths are steep, so might be challenging for the less mobile.