Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
Created in the 1930s, Riverside Park has always been popular with visitors. It was redeveloped in the 1990s and now includes artist-designed ornamental gardens, an events' arena, play area and a park centre with cafe and toilets.
Chester-le-Street Bowling Club
The park centre is home to Chester-le-Street Bowling Club, which is always keen to welcome newcomers to the game. The greens are open to the public throughout the summer months.
Riverside walk
Walk along the River Wear, stop for a picnic at one of the seats along the way, or head for the wildlife area with the pond and grassland meadow.
You can drive into the park car park at any time, and there is 24 hour access to the park.
Splash Pad
The splash pad is only open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays up until the school summer holidays (19 July).
Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
Opening hours
Mondays and Fridays (from 3 June to 19 July)
- 11.00am to 3.00pm
Weekends (from 25 May to 8 September)
- 10.00am to 6.00pm
Summer holiday (from 22 July to 8 September)
- 10.00am to 6.00pm
Gardens
Walk around our beautiful gardens, near the park centre. Each area reflects a different star or planet. The gardens are open at all times.
Riverside Park is situated just off the A1, close to Durham County Cricket Ground. It's approximately a 15 to 20 minute walk from Chester-le-Street town centre.
Address for satnav
Riverside
Chester-le-Street
Durham
DH3 3SJ
There's approximately 600 parking spaces, including blue badge holder bays at and next to the park. This includes additional parking, opposite Durham County Cricket Club, and at Leisure website: Riverside Leisure Complex.
The car parks are open 24 hours a day. Car park charges are:
- 80p for up to one hour
- £1.20 for up to two hours
- £2 for up to four hours
- £3.10 for up to six hours
- £4.20 for over six hours
There are a number of accessible parking bays at the park. The park centre is fully accessible for people with disabilities, and the paths around the park are accessible to visitors of all abilities.
Riverside 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.
Dogs
Riverside Park welcomes responsible dog owners and their dogs. Dogs are allowed off their lead along the riverside walk areas, but they must be on a lead in the gardens.
The Public Space Protection Order authorises officers to enforce against owners who do not have their dog on a lead in specified areas. A designated dog exercise area is available and dogs can be exercised off their leads in this area.
Dogs, even on a lead, are not allowed in the children's fenced off play area.
Dog foul must be picked up and disposed of in the bins provided.
The river
Do not enter the river. It can look inviting but several people have drowned in recent years. In an emergency, lifebelts are located along the riverbank.
In partnership with
- Green Flag Awards
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