Saltwell Park 150 Creative Crawl

In 2026, Saltwell Park celebrates 150 years of “The People’s Park”. To mark this major milestone, Northumbria University students worked alongside the Northeast Creative Network to create a special edition of the Gateshead Creative Crawl celebrating the history, landmarks and community spirit of one of Gateshead’s most loved public spaces.

Inspired by the park’s Victorian heritage and its long history as a place for recreation, wellbeing and togetherness, the Creative Crawl invites visitors to explore Saltwell Park through a series of illustrated stamp locations spread across the grounds. Each stamp highlights a different part of the park while encouraging visitors of all ages to rediscover the landscape, architecture and stories that continue to shape Saltwell Park today.

From boating lakes and bandstands to Saltwell Towers and woodland pathways, the project transforms the park into an interactive journey rooted in creativity, exploration and local pride. Existing Gateshead Creative Crawl box designs were specially adapted and reimagined by students to celebrate Saltwell Park’s 150th anniversary, creating a unique trail connected to the wider Creative Crawl experience across Gateshead.

The project also highlights the importance of young creatives, collaborative public art and accessible cultural activity within public spaces. By bringing creativity directly into the park environment, the Creative Crawl encourages people to connect with local heritage in a fun, engaging and memorable way.

Saltwell Park originally opened in the summer of 1876 after Gateshead Borough Council purchased the former estate of stained-glass manufacturer William Wailes. Designed as a recreational space for the town’s growing population, the park became known as “The People’s Park” and remains one of England’s finest Victorian public parks today.

The Gateshead Creative Crawl is a series of free, community-led creative trails and events taking place across Gateshead throughout the year. Led by Orbis Community and shaped by local artists, young creatives and community partners, each Creative Crawl encourages people to explore familiar places in new ways through playful, accessible and creative experiences. Visitors collect stamps across participating locations, discover installations, workshops and activities, and take part at their own pace while celebrating creativity, local identity and community connection.

The stamps draw inspiration from the memory of Steve Caulker, celebrating the lasting impact people can have on community, kindness and place.