The Great Community Garden Crawl returns on Saturday, 20 June 2026, inviting people to explore North Tyneside’s community green spaces. Now in its third year, the event continues to grow and attract new visitors each summer.
What Is the Community Garden Crawl?
The Community Garden Crawl is an open garden day that celebrates community gardening across the borough. On the day, five local gardens will open their gates to the public. Visitors can explore each space, meet the volunteers involved and find out how to get involved.
VODA’s Grow & Eat project organises the event alongside The Meadows Community Garden in Meadow Well, West Moor RA Gardening Group in West Moor, Station Master’s Community and Wildlife Garden in Whitley Bay, The Secret Garden Club at Whitley Bay Young People’s Centre and Lovaine Community Garden in North Shields. Grow & Eat is supported by North Tyneside VODA, Active North Tyneside and Public Health.
About the Community Garden Crawl
The Community Garden Crawl brings together local gardens for a shared open day across North Tyneside. Created through collaboration between community gardening groups, the event gives people the chance to discover local green spaces and the people who care for them. Over time, it has become a popular annual event that encourages people of all ages to enjoy gardening, nature and community life.
What to Expect on the Day
The event is for everyone. Whether you are new to gardening or more experienced, you will feel welcome. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy garden tours, bug hunts, pond dipping, crafts and other family‑friendly activities. Meanwhile, volunteers will share ideas, tips and inspiration to take home.
The event is free, and several gardens are close to Metro stations. As a result, many visitors choose to visit more than one location.
Gardens and Opening Times
The Secret Garden Club
Whitley Bay Young People’s Centre, Hillheads Road, Whitley Bay, NE25 8HR (behind the ice rink)
Open 10am–5pm
The Station Master’s Community Wildlife Garden
Opposite Clarence and Waterford Crescents, Whitley Bay, NE26 2DZ (next to Whitley Bay Metro Station)
Open 10am–3pm
Lovaine Community Garden
Junction of Lovaine Place and Cecil Street, North Shields, NE29 0DH
Open 10am–3pm
The Meadows Community Garden
The Meadows, Waterville Road, North Shields, NE29 6BA
Open 10am–3pm
West Moor Gardening Group
West Moor Community Centre, Benton Lane, West Moor, NE12 7NP
Open 9.30am–3.30pm
Plan Your Visit
Each garden shares information about facilities and accessibility. Therefore, visitors are encouraged to check the event map before setting off. You can view and download the map at voda.org.uk/garden-map.
Put the date in your diary, dress for the weather and enjoy discovering the green spaces in your neighbourhood. Nature, community and inspiration await.
