Gateshead Council have launched a new campaign to promote the breadth of things to see and do in rural Gateshead.
With over half of Gateshead made up of countryside, Gateshead’s Great Outdoors aims to raise awareness of the rural offer and to encourage local people to make the most of all the fantastic places on their door steps.
Councillor Linda Green, Cabinet Member for Communities and Volunteering, said:
“Gateshead is often perceived as primarily an urban area, so we are keen to open people’s eyes to all the wonderful hidden gems that the area has to offer. Gateshead’s countryside boasts a rich industrial heritage and is also a beautiful natural environment packed full of opportunities for great days out and places for families to explore.
“We are confident that Gateshead’s Great Outdoors will contribute toward our commitment to support economic growth in the borough’s rural communities.”
The campaign is part of a longer-term project by Gateshead Council to improve the infrastructure and connectivity of rural Gateshead, and increase local awareness of the businesses and attractions located in the area.
Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said:
“At NewcastleGateshead Initiative we are responsible for marketing NewcastleGateshead on a national and international stage and we are incredibly proud of the positive profile our region has as a vibrant destination. However, many local people don’t realise just how diverse Gateshead’s landscape is or how many wonderful things there are to see and do just a stone’s throw away from their own homes.
“We are delighted to be delivering a campaign that showcases and celebrates rural Gateshead and look forward to working with Gateshead Council as the project develops.”
The marketing campaign, delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative, is part of Gateshead Council’s Rural Economic Strategy to support an area that includes the likes of Chopwell, High Spen and Crawcrook in the west and Lamesley in the south.
Highlights include the picturesque Derwent valley which brings together a mixture of woodlands, meadows, wetlands and riverside across the Derwent Walk Country Park, and is steeped in history with reminders of the area`s industrial past permeating the landscape. The valley’s winding paths and open spaces are a haven for nature and offer a taste of countryside, all just minutes from the A1.
Visitors to Gateshead’s Great Outdoors can explore the little-known Old Hollinside Manor and historic Gibside where architectural masterpieces can be found amidst stunning scenery, and delve into the area’s pioneering industrial heritage at Tanfield and Bowes railways. Former industrial locations have now been transformed in to tranquil settings such as Path Head Watermill whilst Ryton Willows is a perfect spot for peace and quiet on the banks of the Tyne.
There are lots of things for families to see and do in rural Gateshead, including countryside walks and cycle rides in the Derwent valley and Chopwell Wood, getting closer to nature at Birkheads Secret Gardens, and hands on with the animals at Daniel Farm. There are also a fantastic range of places to shop and eat, from a sparkling afternoon tea at Bradley Gardens near Crawcrook, to organic local produce at the Paddock Farm Shop and Field House Farm Butchers at High Spen.
The Gateshead’s Great Outdoors marketing campaign sees the launch of a new website, brochure, advertising, and promotion on Heart FM including a competition offering families the chance to win a selection of prizes for fun days out in Gateshead.
For more information on things to see and do in Gateshead’s Great Outdoors visit www.gatesheadsgreatoutdoors.com
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For media enquiries contact:
Jessica Dare Media & PR Executive 0191 440 5749 jessica.dare@ngi.org.uk
Images: https://we.tl/avqNvcmbiv NewcastleGateshead Initiative is a destination management and marketing agency; a public-private partnership supported by Gateshead and Newcastle City Councils, working with around 170 private sector partner organisations across NewcastleGateshead and the wider region www.ngi.org.uk