Chester-le-Street Riverside Park
County Durham
Riverside Park runs along the River Wear on the edge of Chester-le-Street, first laid out in the 1930s and redeveloped in the 1990s with artist-designed gardens, wildflower meadows and views across to Lumley Castle on the opposite bank. There is a designated dog exercise area here and dogs can be off lead along the riverside path itself, though they need a lead in the ornamental gardens and close attention near the mallards and mute swans on the water. A circular route of around 4km follows the riverside path north from the park, crosses Lumley Bridge and picks up the Weardale Way back past the castle grounds before returning through the gardens. The going is flat and easy throughout on surfaced paths, making it accessible for buggies and wheelchairs as well as dogs, and it forms part of the wider Great North Forest network of walking and cycling routes.
This is a dog friendly park with a designated off-lead exercise area, and dogs can be off lead along the riverside path itself, though they must be kept on a lead in the ornamental gardens. The River Wear attracts mallards and mute swans, which can be bold around picnics, so a dog that chases birds is best kept close near the water. There is no livestock on this route. The park has a cafe, toilets and a play area, and the cafe is dog friendly, making it an easy stop before or after a walk with your dog.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.0 km (2.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 10 min
- Walk Type
- River, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Cafe (dog friendly) and toilets in the park.
- Parking
- Car park at Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street (small charge).
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Chester-le-Street Riverside Park, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Stables At Lintz Green House
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £598 / 7 nights
Sycamore Cottage - Backworth
Sleeps 9 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £935 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in County DurhamFrequently Asked Questions
Is Chester-le-Street Riverside Park dog friendly?
Chester-le-Street Riverside Park is a great choice for a day out with your dog, earning a solid 8/10 on our dog friendly rating. There's a designated off-lead exercise area within the park, dogs are welcome along the riverside path, and the park cafe is dog friendly too — so there's somewhere comfortable to stop for a coffee after your walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Chester-le-Street Riverside Park?
Yes, dogs can be off lead in the designated exercise area and along the riverside path itself. The exception is the ornamental gardens, where leads are required, so it's worth knowing the layout before you head off on the circular route.
What should I know before visiting Chester-le-Street Riverside Park with my dog?
The River Wear is home to mallards and mute swans that can be quite bold, so if your dog has a tendency to chase birds, keep them close near the water. There's no livestock on the route, the paths are flat and surfaced throughout, and parking is available at the park car park for a small charge.
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