Active Movement Metro
At Bede Community Primary School, we are always looking for ways to help children develop healthy, active lifestyles. This year, we have been working alongside RISE North East to explore how we can make physical activity more accessible, affordable and enjoyable for younger children and their families.
One challenge many families face is knowing what opportunities are available nearby. While organised clubs and activities can be fantastic, they can also be expensive or difficult to access regularly. We wanted to show that being active does not always require a membership, specialist equipment or a large budget.
Together with RISE, we have created our Active Movement Metro – a map of local Metro stations linked to nearby parks, play areas, swimming pools, tennis courts, walking routes, cycling spaces and other opportunities for active play.
The idea is simple:
- Travel by Metro to a local station.
- Take a short walk to one of the featured destinations.
- Enjoy an active day out with family or friends.
- Discover affordable ways to move, play and explore our local area.
The map highlights a wide range of opportunities across Gateshead, Newcastle, Hebburn, Jarrow and South Shields, including:
- Parks and play areas
- Swimming pools
- Tennis courts
- Walking and cycling routes
- Nature trails
- Open spaces for games and exploration
- Beaches and coastal walks
Many of the locations are free to access, and those that do have a cost are often far cheaper than organised activities or family attractions.
We hope families will use the Active Movement Metro as inspiration for weekend adventures, after-school activities and school holiday outings. It is a great way to encourage children to be active, spend time outdoors, build confidence in their local community and create positive family experiences together.
Take a look at the map below and see how many destinations you can explore!
Why Active Movement Matters
Regular physical activity helps children to:
- Develop strength, balance and coordination.
- Improve physical and mental wellbeing.
- Build confidence and resilience.
- Develop social skills through play.
- Establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
We would love to hear about your adventures. If you visit any of the locations on the Active Movement Metro, share your experiences with us and let us know which destinations become your family favourites.