Days Out Around Ponteland: Golf, a Zoo and Country Escapes

One of the pleasures of Ponteland is how quickly the town gives way to open Northumberland countryside. That makes it an easy base for a day out — a family trip to a zoo, a round on a championship golf course, an afternoon's birdwatching, or simply a walk along the River Pont. Here is the best of what is on the doorstep. For things to do in the town itself, see our things to do in Ponteland guide.

Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens — the family day out

Just north of Ponteland, Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens (also known as Northumberland College Zoo) is the area's headline family attraction. Set within the college's 400-acre campus, the zoo is home to well over 100 species — from ring-tailed lemurs, wallabies and alpacas to reptiles and the smaller animals of the petting barn, where feeding and handling sessions run through the day. There are animal talks, play areas, and river and forest trails to explore, plus seasonal events through the year.

It began as a training facility for the college's animal-care students and has grown into a genuine day out, open at weekends and during school holidays — always check current opening times and prices before you set off. The hall and grounds are also a popular wedding venue.

Close House — championship golf

For golfers, Close House is the standout in the wider area. A short drive south-west of Ponteland (between Heddon-on-the-Wall and Wylam), it is home to the only Lee Westwood-designed courses in the world — the Colt and the Filly — and has hosted the British Masters on the DP World Tour, in 2017 and again in 2020, with Westwood as the club's attached tour professional.

Beyond the courses, there is a 20-bay floodlit Toptracer driving range and golf academy, hotel accommodation (courtyard suites, the Lodge and the Pavilion), and dining at the No.19 bar and restaurant. It is a destination in its own right, whether you are playing a round or just practising at the range.

Ponteland Golf Club — a round on the doorstep

Closer to home, Ponteland Golf Club gives the town its own well-established 18-hole course, a parkland layout that is a good deal more relaxed (and more affordable) than a resort day at Close House — ideal for a regular round without leaving the NE20 area.

Prestwick Carr — birdwatching on the wetland edge

Between Ponteland and Dinnington lies Prestwick Carr, a large area of low-lying wetland and a Site of Special Scientific Interest managed by Northumberland Wildlife Trust. It is one of the region's better-known birdwatching spots, especially in winter, attracting waders and songbirds and known for all five native British owl species, otters, and ground-nesting birds like snipe and redshank.

A practical note: there is no public access into the reserve itself — it is best viewed from the quiet minor road along its northern edge, where there is a small layby to pull into. Take binoculars, park considerately, and watch from the lane.

Country and riverside walks

You do not need a car to enjoy the countryside here. The River Pont runs through the town with riverside paths and parkland, and open country begins immediately beyond the built-up edge, with walks around the surrounding villages of Medburn, Milbourne and Prestwick. The traffic-free Reivers Cycle Route — a long-distance coast-to-coast trail — passes right by Darras Hall, making for an easy off-road walk or ride straight from the estate.

Round off any of these with lunch or a Sunday roast at one of the town's pubs, such as the historic Blackbird on the site of Ponteland's old castle.

Useful links

Check current opening times and events at Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens and Close House, and see Northumberland Wildlife Trust for Prestwick Carr. New to the area? Our moving to Ponteland guide covers the bigger picture, and the things to do guide has more in and around the town.