It’s conker season! Where to find them in the North East

Autumn is here, and it’s not just leaves that are falling from the trees. It’s also conker season! Conkers are medium-sized, round, brown seeds that come from horse chestnut trees. They usually fall from the tree and split from their green spiky shells, revealing the brown, shiny conker inside.

Conker hunting is an autumnal tradition among some North East families. The best part of this activity is that it’s completely free, so you don’t have to break the bank when finding ways to keep the kids occupied in the upcoming half term. A game involving hitting conkers against each other until they break can also be played, and is believed to have been thought of in the 1800s. We have found the best places you will find conkers in the North East, so get the family together and see who can find the most!

Jesmond Dene

Jesmond Dene is a large park located in the Jesmond area of Newcastle. Along with conkers, you will also find a beautiful waterfall. The park is also home to many exotic trees and wildlife.

Jarrow Hall Park

Jarrow Hall Park is a beautiful park in the Jarrow area of South Tyneside, located on the grounds of the Bede’s Museum and the Jarrow Hall House. The park has picnic tables, as well as a play park for children with slides, swings and climbing frames. The park has a huge horse chestnut tree that conkers fall from.

Chopwell Wood

Near Gateshead, Chopwell boasts a huge 360 acre park. It is packed with hidden gems to discover, such as The New Hands sculpture which was made and put into the park in 2006.

Saltwell Park

Another Gateshead nature spot, Saltwell Park is smaller at 55 acres. Saltwell Park hosts various events such as fireworks displays and small music festivals. The park also has a large lake and a gothic mansion named Saltwell Towers. Inside of Saltwell Towers is a tearoom.

Heaton Park

Heaton Park is situated in the Heaton area of Newcastle. Enriched in history, the park was refurbished in 2011 with Heritage Lottery Funding. The park also has play areas, a vast woodland and other open spaces to take the family.