
Where to go · Tyne and Wear
Forest bathing at Holywell Dene
North Tyneside's only remaining ancient semi-natural woodland: oak, ash and beech in a deep valley cut by the Seaton Burn.
Holywell Dene follows the Seaton Burn through a deep, steep-sided valley between Holywell and Seaton Sluice. North Tyneside Council describes it as the borough's only remaining ancient semi-natural woodland, mainly oak, ash and beech, and otters and kingfishers use the burn. The dene runs across the boundary into Northumberland and is managed jointly by the councils on either side. It is a local nature reserve rather than a visitor attraction, so expect few facilities and few people.
There is a small free car park off Hartley Lane (B1325), and from there paths follow the burn through the woods. The National Trust's walk from Seaton Delaval Hall also reaches the dene by bridleway, if you would rather combine it with a visit there. Paths can be muddy, so wear boots.
Practical
- Managed by
- North Tyneside Council, jointly with Northumberland County Council
- Parking
- Small free car park off Hartley Lane (B1325)
- Terrain
- Unsurfaced paths along the burn, muddy in places
- Nearest station
- Whitley Bay Metro, about 2 miles
- Opening and entry
- Open access, free
- Official page
- northtyneside.gov.uk
Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.
Guides nearby
A guide within 15 miles of Holywell Dene
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Judith Smith
She Discovers
North Shields, Tyne and Wear
UnclaimedTrained by Forest Therapy Hub
Public group sessions
More woodlands in Tyne and Wear
All venues in Tyne and Wear
Chopwell WoodMixed conifer and broadleaf wood above the Derwent Valley, with an easy trail through the pines
Derwent Walk Country ParkAncient Derwent Valley woods and an old railway path, starting from Thornley Woodlands Centre
Gibside600 acres of woodland around a Georgian landscape garden in the Derwent ValleyPhotos: Chopwell Wood, Anthony Foster (CC BY-SA 2.0); Derwent Walk Country Park, Anthony Foster (CC BY-SA 2.0); Gibside, Trevor Littlewood (CC BY-SA 2.0).