Herrington Country Park
This super, large park in Sunderland has a number of cycling and walking trails and interesting environmental sculptures. There is also a boating lake, a nature pond and a sculpture trail. The park is ideal for an easy family cycle ride.
The Great North Forest Heritage Trail runs through the park so you could continue your cycle/walk along this route. Also of interest is the Penshaw Monument just to the north of the park.
This folly is situated on Penshaw Hill and dedicated to John George Lambton, first Earl of Durham. The video below shows the splendid views from this iconic landmark which appears on the badge of Sunderland Football Club. The riverside James Steel Park in Washington can also be visited in this area.
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Herrington Country Park Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Herrington Country Park Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Herrington Country Park OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Herrington Country Park Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Penshaw Tea Rooms are conveniently located at the northern side of the park. The Nursery and Tea Room have been expertly converted from an old stable block. Inside there's exposed character beams and grand windows framing the exquisite views of Penshaw Monument and its surroundings. There's also a lovely large garden area with fine views up to the site. It's the perfect place to relax on a warm summer day. You can find the tea rooms at East Barnwell Farm, Chester Rd with a postcode of DH4 7NJ for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The park is a fine place for a dog walk and includes some off lead areas too. The Penshaw tea rooms mentioned above also welcome dogs in the outdoor area.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
A couple of miles west of the park you can extend your walking in the expansive Lambton Park. On certain days the large estate is open to the public. Here you can explore woodland, parkland and a lovely river gorge on a network of footpaths.
Head a few miles south along the Great North Forest Heritage Trail and there's Hetton Lyons Country Park to explore. There's a fine lakeside cycling and walking trail here with good facilities including watersports and a cafe.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Tyne and Wear Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Child cycling near the Entrance to Herrington Country Park. Herrington Country Park was opened in 2003 on the site of a former colliery and opencast mine. What was once an eyesore with a very large slagheap is being transformed (trees take time to grow!) into a large pleasant leisure area.
Pond in the Country Park. The main pond in the country park is designated as a boating lake. The jetty shown in the middle of the picture is where model boats are launched. It's also regularly used for feeding the waterfowl.
Top point in Herrington Country Park. The topmost point in the country park (80m?) is marked by a sculpture meant to symbolise a fortress with defenders. Good views from here.
Penshaw Monument as seen from Herrington Country Park. Taken from the highest , and (roughly) middle, point of the Park. The path up to the monument can be seen winding down the hill below it.
The South-Western part of the Country Park is in the foreground. In the distance is New Herrington village (an ex pit-village).
Lady Beatrice Terrace. Formerly managers' houses for Herrington Colliery, these houses now overlook the Country Park.
Visitor Centre and car park view.
Durham County Show in the summer. Nowadays very much a 'townies' show. Funfair, stalls, horse, dog and other domestic animal shows, but virtually no farm exhibits.