Riverside Park

Dotted around the park there are also a number of sculptures by local sculptor Graeme Hopper. Perhaps his most poignant piece is a sculpture tucked away amongst the trees made to honour those who have lost a child - a beautiful teardrop sculpture which was made with support from the stillbirth charity 'Sands'. Some of his other sculptures in the park include 'Afternoon Tea' and 'Play Table' within the gardens and 'Finley' a dog sculpture with his own seat, installed in 2018. Further into the park he has created a large seat with swans, which has been designed so you can lay out your picnic on it while you look out over the river.

By the riverside, there are large open green spaces with wild flower meadows and walks where you can spot some wildlife - mainly Mallards and Mute Swans who will be after your lunch if you get too close. The Riverside Park is one of twelve 'gateway sites' for the Great North Forest. The Great North Forest is a walking and cycling route which is just over 100km long and covers areas such as Penshaw Monument and Marsden Rock. It aims to get people outside and enjoy the countryside. The park also boasts a Green Flag award which recognises well managed parks and this is reflected in the park which is well looked after.

In the middle of the park there is a boat which reflects the history of the area. The boat was actually a ferry which transported passengers from Chester-le-Street to the nearby village of Lumley in the late 1800s. The 'Half Penny Bridge' built in 1898 made the ferry redundant and the bridge was replaced in the 1960s.

As you would expect, the park has a café and loos and there is plenty of parking available. You'll get plenty of steps in if you walk all the way along the riverside too, and it's a great place to visit if you're in the area.