Cleadon recreation ground (former garden of Cleadon House)

The grounds to Cleadon House were laid out in the picturesque style of the mid to late 18th century, decorated by the gothic grotto (HER 8159) that overlooked a lake and terraces. The house had its principal elevation overlooking the grounds, with open views channelled through woodlands to the grotto, lake and pastures beyond. Some vestiges of the grounds survive. The house was virtually detached from its grounds by gravel extractions in the early 20th century followed by woodland planting that also wraps around the grotto. Some large mature trees, principally Chestnut survive from the earlier period. The lake has gone. The former sweep of pasture is now laid out as football pitches. At the southern end there is a children's play area and bowling greens. LOCAL LIST