Wharton Park visitor information

Car park: gates close at 5.00pm

Toilets: 10.00am to 4.30pm

Café: Friday 11.00am to 1.00pm; Saturday and Sunday 10.00am to 3.30pm

Wharton Park occupies a plot near the railway station. With commanding views of Durham City, it hugs the hillside to the north of the city centre.

The park is a 10 minute walk from Durham City centre, either via North Road under the railway viaduct, or up Framwellgate Peth. It is well signposted from the centre.

Address for satnav

Wharton Park
Framwellgate Peth
Durham
DH1 4FJ

Entry to the park by car is via the main entrance on Framwellgate Peth. When travelling northbound on the A691 from Milburngate roundabout, the park entrance is located approximately 500 yards up on the left. The entrance has a stone wall signed Wharton Park.

• There is limited parking for 25 cars which includes three blue badge holder bays.
• 70p per half hour with a maximum stay of three hours
• Correct change is required for the ticket machine as there is no change facility in the park.
• Vehicle access to the park is restricted between 9.00am and 5.00pm each day, gates close at 5.00pm.

To access the car park please use the main entrance to the park on Framwellgate Peth. When travelling northbound on the A691 from Milburngate roundabout, the park entrance is located approximately 500 yards up on the left. The car park is at the top of the hill.

We have two electric vehicle charging points within the park. Find out more about charging electric vehicles.

Coach drop-off

If you are a group arriving by coach please note that coaches are unable to turn around in the Wharton Park car park. We have a designated drop off point located at the North Road entrance to the park. Contact Wharton Park for advice on suitable parking for coaches should they wish to stay for the duration of the visit.

Wharton Park is built on a hill and access for many visitors may be a problem. We have improved access to the park where possible but this is a difficult site due to the steep inclines around the park. 

Heritage Centre and viewing area access

From the car park located at the top of Framwellgate Peth you can access the Heritage Centre with ease and use our disabled viewing area to look down on the Amphitheatre and over the park and city.

Ampitheatre and lower levels of the park access

Should you wish to access the Amphitheatre and lower level of the park such as the Community Garden area, we would advise you to use the North Road ramped access point. Using this entrance will still involve an incline however this is far less steep than accessing via the upper car park.

Wharton Park has been awarded a Green Flag Award. These awards recognise well managed parks and open spaces for all to enjoy. The Green Flag Awards are the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the UK.

There is a designated barbecue area situated on the grassed area next to The Way sculpture, near the picnic benches. Unauthorised fires are not permitted in any other areas of the park. We ask that all barbecues are disposed of responsibly. Please ensure your barbecue is fully extinguished and cool before putting it into the bin.

Dogs

Wharton Park welcomes responsible dog owners and their dogs. However, the park has a dog on lead policy. The Public Space Protection Order authorises officers to enforce against owners who do not have their dog on a lead. Dog foul must be picked up and disposed of in the bins provided.

Please note that guide dogs and well behaved dogs are allowed inside the café, all other dogs must remain outside.

BBQs

BBQs are permitted at Wharton Park but only in the designated area and there is limited space. The space available is next to the picnic tables behind the main car park. You must place the BBQ on the concrete base and not on the grass or benches. Please take all rubbish with you and ensure all BBQs are fully extinguished before you leave the park.

Love Exploring app 

Does your little one love dinosaurs? Why not download the Love Exploring app. Using augmented reality, the app allows you to search for prehistoric creatures around the park - bringing them to life as they leap out of your phone or tablet in 3D.

The Love Exploring app can be downloaded from the App Store by iPhones running iOS 9.3 upwards and from the Google Play Store by smartphones running Android 4.4 upwards. How many dinosaurs can you find?