Try one of these parks to help your loved ones get out and about enjoying nature!
Taking a walk in the local park is the easiest way to enjoy the outdoors and get closer to nature. From exploring the winding pathways, to walking by a pond, lake, or river. Everyone loves to feed the ducks, from the little ones right up to Grandma and Grandad! It’s a great way to spend quality time with the family. Here are a few suggestions of parks worth a visit in Durham and surrounding areas.
Riverside Wildlife area and Lumley Castle. Chester- Le-Street.
This park has lots of green open space and is easy enough to spend a whole day there, especially in the warmer weather. There is lots of space to go for a nice stroll or why not have a picnic or BBQ! The paths are flat which makes it ideal for people who use a wheelchair. It is also very popular with dog walkers. There are plenty of walks along the edge of the River Wear in both directions, you can walk up past the Durham cricket ground in one direction, and the other way takes you towards the Lambton estate. There are plenty of seats, benches and picnic tables dotted throughout the park if you need to take a rest The river is home to a variety of ducks and swans, there are also quite a few herons which you can see swooping for a fish! Lumley castle and park are also within walking distance and share the same car park, so plenty to see and do for everyone.
The car park is wheelchair accessible and public toilets are available. There is also an on site café to enjoy treat.
Washington Wetland wildlife park, Washington.
This is a fantastic place to visit, with wide open spaces and wetlands full of the sights and sounds of nature. There is so much to see and do, from the stunning pink flamingos, migrating birds and the very cute ducklings, to the asian short-clawed otters- Mimi, Musa, and their son Buster!
The wetland centres are designed to give you an unforgettable experience and get you closer to nature. Each season brings its star species and spectacles so you can visit multiple times a year and see something completely different each time. The shop, restaurant and café are excellent and worth the visit on their own, so definitely something for everyone here.
There is a free wheelchair accessible car park and drop off point outside of the visitor’s centre.
Mobility scooters are available for hire – be aware that they need to be booked in advance of the visit. Public toilets are available and there is also an on site café, restaurant, and shop.
Herrington Country Park, Penshaw, Houghton-Le-Spring.
This park is such a beautiful open space with lots of paths for you to explore. It’s vast, so you don’t feel like you are on top of people even on the busiest of summer days. There is a small café where you can get a coffee and a bite to eat, plus usually a couple of ice cream vans dotted around the park too (who doesn’t like an ice-cream!). It has lots of interesting things to see on the walks, including some sculptures and benches that are creatively designed so keep your eyes open for those. The famous Penshaw monument is also just over the road and makes a wonderful back drop if you don’t feel like tackling the many steps up to the top. There are two areas to feed the ducks, swans, and geese. A small pond just near the café, and a large lake a bit further down in the park, both have parking nearby so easily accessible.
The café sells bags of bird seed too if you forget to bring your own. This park is also home to many exciting events such as an open-air cinema, the Sunderland Festival and Race for Life. It’s also hosted the National Cross-country championships, Radio1 Big Weekend festival, The Big Bike Ride and the 2012 Olympic Torch Celebration. There is a wheelchair accessible car park, public toilets and an on site café near the top car park.
Hardwick Park, Sedgefield.
A little further afield, but worth travelling to. Hardwick Park is a country park with a difference. Now a Visit England accredited attraction, it has survived since the 1750s when it’s the owner, John Burdon, created a sprawling ornamental park. Today, the remains of some of the original buildings he created can still be seen throughout the park which makes it feel like the area has a richer story to tell. Hardwick Park is a great place to spend the whole day. You can take a stroll through the park and admire the natural beauty of the woodland, lake, and wildlife, and it’s a great place to feed the Swans, Ducks, Geese and see the Herons. It also has a visitor centre which has excellent facilities including an interactive display, education room, café, and toilets. Throughout the year there are a variety of events, activities, and workshops for all to enjoy.
This too has a wheelchair accessible car park, public toilets and an on site café.
Support at home could be ideal for your elderly relative to receive companionship of a matched Care Professional. Our team support our clients to visit local parks and attractions, supporting their well being and social development.
Find out more about elderly HOME CARE IN DURHAM (needs hyperlink) with ‘Home Instead’ from our local team now.