Ponteland is the second largest settlement in the Borough, with a Parish population of 11,178 (1991 Census) and is located 8 miles northwest of Newcastle upon Tyne. A village has been located at the crossing of the River Pont since Norman times but significant growth has only occurred during this century, mostly in the post war years. The Darras Hall Estate was founded in 1910 and initially development proceeded slowly, with major new housing developments in the 1950's, 60's and 70's, establishing the Estate as a high quality residential area. The population of the Parish has trebled since 1971, with the number of households increasing almost four fold. Although its principle function is that of a commuter settlement providing high quality executive style housing to serve both Tyneside and the wider region, it also provides local employment at the Meadowfield Industrial Estate, the Northumbria Police Headquarters and in shops, offices and services throughout the community. Click here for map.

The settlement is well served with community facilities having a High School, two Middle and two First Schools, library, health centre, the Memorial Hall, Merton Way Hall, Ridley Youth Centre and halls at each of the four churches. The Ponteland Leisure Centre provides a wide range of sporting and recreational facilities including swimming pool. Additional sporting facilities are provided by the Ponteland Golf Club and the Ponteland Lawn Tennis and Bowls Club.

There are frequent bus services to Newcastle and a market day service to Morpeth and these are supplemented by a range of school buses linking Ponteland with its rural hinterland. The Tyneside Metro light rail system has been extended to serve Newcastle Airport, a mile from Ponteland and a park and ride facility has been provided at Callerton Parkway, just inside the Newcastle City boundary.

For an on-line guide to Ponteland, please click here.