Thornaby Wood, Bassleton Wood and The Holmes

Bassleton Beck forms a lovely valley separating Ingleby Barwick and Thornaby. It includes both Thornaby Wood and Bassleton Wood, with the latter extending along the east bank of the River Tees. A short distance further north is The Holmes, a flat area of land surrounded on three sides by the River Tees which forms a huge meander known locally as Horseshoe Bend.

The Holmes is a lovely, tranquil spot. Once agricultural land it now comprises areas of meadow and woodland and is also home to one of a family of stone sculptures designed by Keith Barrett, inspired by the landscape of the area and work that the artist undertook with local school children.

The footpaths running through this area form part of the Thornaby Trail, a 9 mile (15km) walk which circles around Thornaby. Cycle routes pass close by, running down Bassleton Beck valley, alongside Queen Elizabeth Way and across Jubilee Bridge.

News

During 2023 work will be carried out to improve some of the footpaths in this area and along other sections of the Thornaby Trail.

Accessibility

The green space does not have toilets and there are no surfaced paths or designated disabled parking.

Facilities

Thornaby Wood, Bassleton Wood and The Holmes includes the following facilities:

• cycleway to the park
• surfaced paths

Opening times

The park is open at all times. 

Location

A number of paths connect Thornaby Wood to both Thornaby and Ingleby Barwick, including a public footpath which follows a green corridor between Bassleton Lane, Thornaby and Lowfields Avenue, Ingleby Barwick.

Bassleton Wood and the Holmes are accessible from various points in Thornaby including Chesterton Avenue, Bassleton Lane or Middleton Avenue as well as points in Ingleby Barwick including Lowfields Avenue, Thornwood Avenue or Roebuck Close.