High Gosforth Park: Where Gosforth Meets the Countryside
Newcastle Racecourse, the oldest nature reserve in the North East, a 4-star hotel, and the edge of open countryside. Here's the guide to High Gosforth Park.
High Gosforth Park is where suburban Gosforth gives way to something more open and expansive. This is the northern edge of the area — home to Newcastle Racecourse, the Gosforth Park Nature Reserve, the Grand Hotel, and a growing cluster of leisure and entertainment options. It feels different from the rest of Gosforth — quieter, greener, and closer to the Northumberland countryside than the city.
Newcastle Racecourse
The racecourse has been at High Gosforth Park since 1882, when the Northumberland Plate — known as "The Pitmen's Derby" — moved here. Today it hosts around 70 fixtures a year and is one of the premier flat racing venues in northern England. Major events include the Northumberland Plate (June), Ladies Day (July), and festive racing at Christmas.
Beyond horse racing, the racecourse grounds host events year-round — including Skate Island (roller disco, April–May), live music events, and fireworks displays. It's a versatile entertainment venue that happens to have a racecourse attached.
The Nature Reserve
Gosforth Park Nature Reserve is one of Gosforth's genuine hidden gems — established in 1924, it's the oldest nature reserve in North East England. Managed by the Natural History Society of Northumbria since 1929, it covers 60 hectares of reed bed, open water, and mixed woodland with over 1,600 species recorded — including bitterns, barn owls, roe deer, and rare orchids.
Access is via NHSN membership or visitor passes on arrival. The reserve runs guided walks, bat watches, pond dipping sessions, and educational events for children and adults. It's a genuinely wild green space minutes from the suburbs — and most Gosforth residents have never visited. See our best-kept secrets guide.
The Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel Gosforth Park is a 4 AA Star hotel with 178 rooms set within the grounds. It has an on-site spa (Beauty at Gosforth Park, established 27 years), a gym, heated swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and free parking. Rooms typically start from £70–100 per night, making it a practical option for race days, spa breaks, and visiting family. See our hotels guide.
Golf and Leisure
High Gosforth Park is a golfing hub. The Northumberland Golf Club is the area's premier course — a championship heathland layout designed by Colt and Braid that regularly hosts The Open Regional Qualifier. High Gosforth Park Golf Club is more accessible, with an 18-hole course, a 28-bay floodlit driving range with Toptracer technology, and an 18-hole mini golf course from £4. See our golf guide.
Location and Access
High Gosforth Park sits to the north of central Gosforth, accessed from the Great North Road. It's about a 5-minute drive from the High Street. There's no Metro station at the Park itself, but Regent Centre (Yellow line) is the closest, about 10 minutes by car or bus. Ample free parking at the racecourse and hotel.
The northern edge of the Park borders open countryside — Northumberland farmland is genuinely just minutes away, and the transition from suburb to rural is remarkably quick.
This guide covers the main attractions of High Gosforth Park. For events at the racecourse, check our [events page](/events).