The region has been a hub for casual recreation for decades, evolving into a designated country park in 1984 to safeguard its distinctive ecology, eventually attaining Local Nature Reserve status in 2006.
Accessible by bus, with stops at Hartford Hall, Bedlington Front Street, and beside The Bank Top public house in Bedlington Station, the park also offers three convenient car parks: Furnace Bridge, Bedlington Bank's base at Attlee Park, and Humford Mill. Pedestrian access is facilitated through Spring Park Road, Church Lane leading to Humford Mill, and Hartford Hall, with the latter featuring a charming children's play area and picnic spots.
The valley's industrial heritage dates back to sandstone quarrying, now concealed by foliage, while the Bedlington iron and engine works (1736-1867) once thrived as a crucial industrial site, producing locomotives including the first to depart Kings Cross and those marking inaugural train journeys in Holland and Italy.
Adjacent to Furnace Bridge and north of the river lies Free Wood, distinguishing itself by its free accessibility, in contrast to the Ha'penny Wood on the river's south bank.
Attlee Park, adjacent to Bedlington Bridge, honors Clement Richard Attlee, former Labour Party leader and Prime Minister, hosting events like the Northumberland Miners’ Picnic.
Further upstream, Humford Mill offers a picturesque setting, featuring stepping stones for river crossing and an erstwhile open-air swimming pool post-pumping station closure.
Nestled at the park's western edge, Hartford Hall, constructed in 1807 and later refurbished into a Victorian mansion, once served as a miners’ rehabilitation center, its historic significance separate from the country park.