Always love a visit down to the Riverside - there's plenty to keep little ones entertained and can easy spend your day there. When the Splash Pad is open (operated by the local Council), it can definitely get busy but the kids all love it so it's worth taking your little one down for some fun! There's obviously the park which is a decent size along with other little bits to play on in the surrounding field. Ample room for picnics, football etc and the cafe is typically open and serves decent food for decent prices! Nearly always an ice cream van around for a treat.
If you don't have little ones, I still think Riverside is a lovely place to visit! It stretches all down the river so you'll have a lovely walk and can see all the ducks, swans and the herons if you're lucky (or just better sighted than myself!). Can easy get your daily steps in with a stroll around the park.
Parking is paid in the surrounding car parks - there's loads of room to park, if you can't find a space in the main playground car park then you can head over the roundabout and find other large carparks so you should always find a place to put your car.
The only thing that can let it down is the public leaving their mess/rubbish around, but that is by no means a reflection of the hard work put in by those responsible for the park as it is a really lovely place to go to...
Read moreRiverside Park in Chester Le Street is truly a gem of a destination, providing a perfect spot for those seeking to unwind and relax in a beautiful outdoor setting. The park is situated alongside the River Wear, which adds to its charm and beauty, and is home to a delightful array of swans and ducks, who swim and frolic in the river.
One of the highlights of Riverside Park is its expansive, well-maintained play park, which is perfect for children of all ages. The play park boasts a range of equipment, including swings, slides, and climbing frames, and is sure to keep little ones entertained for hours on end.
Beyond the play park, Riverside Park offers a wealth of open, free spaces for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to play a game of football, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply take a leisurely stroll, there are plenty of places to do so within the park.
The park is also well-equipped with amenities, including public restrooms and ample parking, making it a convenient and accessible destination for visitors of all ages.
Overall, I highly recommend a visit to Riverside Park in Chester Le Street. Its picturesque setting, range of activities and facilities, and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a day out with the family, a quiet afternoon of relaxation, or a fun-filled gathering...
Read moreFrom a splash pad for children to a riverside meadow walk for grown-ups, it has everything you might want from a park.
There is ample parking, an underpass away from the Emirates Durham County Cricket Ground's car park. Green open spaces abound. On Saturday mornings there is a 5K Park Run and a Junior Run on Sunday mornings.
There is a skate park which seems to be used and a very well equipped Children's Play Area with slides and forts and swings and assorted rides and climbing frames, along with a supervised Bouncy Castle. In the summer there is a Splash Pad -- an area for children to run amongst fountains and jets of water -- if you hear shrieks of laughter and squeals of excitement, it's probably from there.
Centrally placed is a cafe with outdoor seating and toilets. When we were there, there was also an ice cream van. Beyond that things are more sedate. The bowling greens were laid out for croquet when we were there, with a match going on. In that area are formal gardens, flower beds, hedges, paths and so on.
That leads naturally to a wild flower meadow beyond the park gates. At the end of the meadow, a riverside cycle path continues further, or you can turn back along the river with plenty of benches,...
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