The Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, is inviting local residents to enter their pets in a January 2026 ‘Dog of the Month’ competition. This community activity encourages people to visit the heritage site and enjoy the local scenery while showing off their favourite four‑legged friends.
To take part, owners should comment with a photo and a short message about their pet on the centre’s official Facebook post (the centre has also used Instagram for entries). The organisers say they will award bonus points for pictures taken at the Heritage Centre itself or within the Land of Oak & Iron landscape (the project area covers 177 square kilometres), effectively incentivising visits to the site’s café, shop and exhibition spaces.
The site is hosted by Groundwork NE & Cumbria and features a variety of dog‑friendly spots, including the on‑site Café Shrub, which advertises a ‘doggie treat’ menu. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, such as the trails in Chopwell Wood or the Derwent Walk Country Park.
According to Gateshead Council, the centre is located on Spa Well Road (Winlaton Mill, NE21 6RU) and is open daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Beyond the competition, the facility serves as a hub for people to learn about the local industrial history while enjoying the outdoors.
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