Darlington's Parks and Green Spaces

Darlington is has more green spaces and parks than any other urban area in the North East of England. Its network of 16 parks and 10 nature reserves stretch right across the town.

Each one offers a uniquely different experience.  There’s the Victorian splendour of South Park which is the oldest park in the region. West Park is the town’s newest green space; the site of an old chemical works. For sheer excitement it is hard to beat with a bike track and a thrilling play area.

Green Spaces Information Leaflet [pdf document 1mb] and Green Spaces Map [pdf document, 793kb]

West Park

West Park is a delightful 12 hectare modern sculpture park. This award-winning site has been created with both people and wildlife in mind. A large, diverse and interesting place of hills, sculptures, woodlands and play areas, a day spent at West Park is one full of adventure, discovery and wonder. With its purpose built bike track, natural play areas, sculptures and even stream where water voles are present; children will find many diverse opportunities to interpret the environment around them in a safe, interesting and educational way. This unique family friendly park with huge sculptures and poetry bridges offers fresh air and a chance to let off steam, with gently climbing slopes to get great views of the surrounding countryside.

For further information, please visit West Park [external link]

Cockerbeck

Cockerbeck is a parkland area that is beginning to recapture some of its wild heritage. A site of former wildflower meadows and a link to the wider countryside, visitors are now able to enjoy a pleasant bike ride along the new winding cycleway with wooden bridges, enjoy the new timber play area or simply look for butterflies in the new wildflower meadows.

The Denes

The Denes is one of Darlington's strategic parks and is unique in that it is a linear park that winds its way gently alongside the Cockerbeck right into the heart of the town to the River Skerne for over 1.5km. It is made up of seven diverse areas, from wildlife, to formal play, bowling to walking the dog, so its no surprise that this area has proved so popular with both local people and wildlife.

With the help of local people and success with funding, The Denes area will continue to provide a high quality green space experience for many visitors for years to come.

More information about the Denes

North Park

This is a large undulating green space away from the centre of town providing the ideal location for a brisk walk or early morning stroll. With its multi use games area, which includes disabled access, friendly roundabouts and football pitches, alongside a popular bowling green, means that active outdoor enjoyment is well catered for at North Park. Together with its bandstand and picnic tables, this green space is ideal for a full family day out.

North Lodge Park

This park is Edwardian and located near to the centre of town, which provides one of the few places for many people to enjoy some peace and solitude. Anyone with an interest in their local history will enjoy the varied mixture of trees left over from the Pease's garden, or the North Lodge Villa built in 1832, or even the bandstand which shows poetry from local residents. The park also has a new play area, footpaths and furniture, along with a new notice board, for you to keep informed of local events.

Rockwell LNR

Rockwell connects the heart of the town with countryside along a restored section of the River Skerne and provides a vital and relaxing link for people and wildlife.

Eastbourne Park

Located in the south east of the town this vital large green space is on the doorstep of many local residents and features a bowling green and new play area for all ages to enjoy.

South Park

Darlington's premier park continues to provide a high quality experience for each new generation. From award winning flower beds, to a lake, bandstand and fountains, South Park gives many examples of what is possible for a modern park, ensuring all residents of Darlington continue to enjoy and are engaged in their local green space.

More information about South Park

Darlington's Parks Map

Parks

What’s your favourite park? 

We want local people to have their say about our parks and how they could be improved.

The GreenSTAT visitor survey system is designed to provide a national measurement system for all parks and green spaces; examining who visits and why, as well as finding out what they think.

Please Rate Your Park [external link] today!