Free Things to Do in Gosforth

Not everything good costs money. Gosforth has a genuinely impressive range of free activities — from vast open spaces and organised runs to library sessions, nature reserves, and a free farm. Whether you're on a budget, filling a weekend with kids, or just looking for something to do that doesn't involve a cafe queue, here's the complete guide.

Town Moor

The Town Moor is Gosforth's greatest free asset — over 1,000 acres of open grassland, larger than Hyde Park and Central Park combined. Walk, run, cycle, fly a kite, have a picnic, or just sit and watch the cattle graze (April–October). It's right on your doorstep and it never costs a thing. See our walks guide for routes.

Town Moor Parkrun

Town Moor parkrun is a free, timed 5K every Saturday at 9am. Over 27,000 runners have taken part. All abilities welcome — walk, jog, or race. Just register once and bring your barcode. Children under 11 must be accompanied by a running adult.

Junior parkrun runs every Sunday at 9am — a free 2K for ages 4–14. Followed by the Exhibition Park playground and cafe. A brilliant free family routine.

Jesmond Dene

Jesmond Dene is three kilometres of wooded valley following the River Ouseburn — waterfalls, bridges, ancient trees, and some of the most beautiful walking in any English city. Free entry, open year-round. The northern entrance is walkable from South Gosforth.

Pets Corner

Pets Corner at Jesmond Dene is a free community farm with goats, sheep, rabbits, peacocks, and more. Open daily 10:30am–4pm (last entry 3:45pm). Donations welcome but not required. A family favourite — young children love it, and it costs nothing. See our family activities guide.

Gosforth Library

Gosforth Library on Regent Farm Road offers completely free activities:

Under-5s Storytime — Tuesdays 11am and Fridays 10:30am during term time. Lego Club — for ages 4+ during term time, all materials provided. Free WiFi and a calm space for reading, studying, or working. Book lending — obviously.

Monday–Friday 9–5, Saturday 9–1. No booking needed for regular sessions.

Gosforth Central Park

The park behind the shopping centre has free tennis courts and a free basketball court. Just turn up and play — no booking, no cost. The playground is free too, and Etto on the Park cafe overlooks it if you decide to treat yourself afterwards.

Paddy Freeman's Park

The playground, lake walks, and tennis courts at Paddy Freeman's Park are all free. Connects to Jesmond Dene for a longer walk. See our playgrounds guide.

The Grove

The Grove is a three-time Green Flag Award winner — a peaceful pocket of green space between Elmfield Road and Moor Road North with mature trees, wildflower areas, and quiet paths. Perfect for a free, short dog walk or nature wander.

Gosforth Park Nature Reserve

Gosforth Park Nature Reserve is free with NHSN membership (or a small visitor pass fee). Open days offer free access to 60 hectares of ancient woodland, wetland, and wildlife — over 1,600 species recorded. Check the NHSN website for open day dates.

Free Events

The Gosforth Civic Theatre runs free activities for young people Monday to Wednesday evenings. The Cumberland Arms in Ouseburn has free folk sessions most evenings in the back bar. The Gosforth Farmers Market at All Saints Church is free entry with no obligation to buy (though you'll want to).

The free day out: Start with parkrun on the Town Moor (9am). Walk to Paddy Freeman's Park for the playground and lake. Continue into Jesmond Dene to Pets Corner. Finish at the library for Lego Club (if it's term time). Total cost: zero.

Know another free activity in Gosforth? Get in touch via our contact page.