Whickham Hermitage.

The Hermitage, a grand house in Whickham, on the outskirts of Gateshead, was built in 1790 by Matthew Taylor. The Taylors were a wealthy family who owned wherries and keels on the River Tyne. The garden was lavishly laid out, and had some special features, such as a boathouse and bridge, and a two storey brick watchtower. Over the years the house changed hands many times, and the garden was left to run riot a become overgrown.
In 2002 a group of people from the community gained planning permission, and raised funds to restore the garden to its former glory, and Gateshead Council who now owned the property gave them a 10 year tenancy. It took them 'til 2006 to be able to open the garden to anyone who wants to visit, and it is free of charge. A coffee house was opened this year, and is the finishing touch to a great place to visit.
We went with our grandson this morning, and here he is in an area for children.