Wharton Park
A beautiful, multi-level park in Durham offering playgrounds, an amphitheater, and stunning city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Wharton Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, multi-level park in Durham offering playgrounds, an amphitheater, and stunning city views.
"Amazing views of the cathedral and plenty of areas to explore, great for kids!"
🚗 Parking Tips
A small paid car park is available, with on-street parking nearby.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is quite steep in places, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Dinosaur Hunt
Throughout the park
Embark on a fun, app-guided dinosaur hunt that delights kids and adds an adventurous twist to your park visit.
Amphitheater Views
Bottom level
Discover a charming outdoor amphitheater, perfect for summer performances and offering lovely views.
Children's Playgrounds
Top and bottom levels
Enjoy multiple play areas catering to different age groups, including a toddler zone and a section for older kids.
Panoramic Durham Views
Various vantage points
Soak in breathtaking views of Durham Cathedral and the surrounding cityscape from elevated spots in the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating Wharton Park's Levels
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
A small paid car park is available, with on-street parking nearby.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is quite steep in places, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
📱 Download the App
Enhance your visit with the 'Love Exploring' app for the dinosaur hunt and local history.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic to enjoy the open spaces and make a day of it with family.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
A small paid car park is available, with on-street parking nearby.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is quite steep in places, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
📱 Download the App
Enhance your visit with the 'Love Exploring' app for the dinosaur hunt and local history.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic to enjoy the open spaces and make a day of it with family.
☀️ Check Event Schedules
Summer often brings performances to the amphitheater; check local listings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wharton Park is a highly-rated city park offering diverse attractions across its three levels, from playgrounds and an amphitheater to stunning views of Durham Cathedral. Visitors praise its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and family-friendly activities like the dinosaur hunt. Some note the park's steepness and limited on-site parking as minor drawbacks.
"Wharton Park has so much to offer for a city park and is set on 3 levels.
It is in a great location with the railway station a short walk away and a 10 minute walk from the city centre.
It has a small paid carpark and is flanked on both sides by paid on street parking at 40p per half hour a short walk away.
The cafe is modern and is on the top level next to the small car park with internal and external seating.
The toilets are well maintained.
The building has adjacent rooms offering activities during term time.
There is an outdoor gym opposite the car park and a playing field.
The younger children's playground is next to the cafe with CCTV protection. Rubber flooring helps protect the children when playing. Seating is provided for adults to watch their children play.
On the second level is an open theatre which has performances during summer.
On the bottom level there is a playground for older children partially surrounded by a wall.
It also includes a fenced basketball court and a well maintained community garden.
This level also has access to paid on street parking.
The park has amazing views of the cathedral. Plenty of seating & areas to explore. Children can even hunt dinosaurs.
It's clean and well maintained and has plenty of areas to relax if you want some peace and quiet."
S AT
"Lovely park for the kids, lots of areas to explore . And a lovely cafe"
Sarah Peel
"Lovely park with some great views. Theres some interactive adventures playground and lots of open space. Parking is reasonable although only a small car park."
Nicola
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wharton Park is conveniently located behind the railway station and is a short 10-minute walk from Durham city center. Visitors can also find paid on-street parking a short distance away.
Yes, there is a small paid car park at the top level of the park. Additionally, paid on-street parking is available nearby.
Absolutely! The park's proximity to the Durham railway station makes it easily accessible by train.
Yes, the park is described as pushchair friendly, making it accessible for families with young children.
Given its tiered layout, it's recommended to explore the park level by level. Consider starting at the top near the cafe and working your way down.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Wharton Park is a public park and entry is generally free, allowing visitors to enjoy its amenities without admission fees.
While specific hours can vary, public parks are typically open from dawn till dusk. It's always a good idea to check local council websites for any seasonal changes.
The playgrounds within Wharton Park are free to use, making it an accessible option for family fun.
The 'Love Exploring' app, which facilitates the dinosaur hunt, is typically free to download and use, adding to the park's value.
The amphitheater hosts various performances, especially in summer. Information on booking tickets for specific events would be available through local event listings or the park's management.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Wharton Park boasts multiple playgrounds for different age groups, an interactive dinosaur hunt via an app, and a miniature car track.
Yes, the park offers amazing views over Durham, including the iconic cathedral, from its various vantage points.
Facilities include well-maintained toilets, a modern cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, an outdoor gym, and a community garden.
Absolutely! Wharton Park has plenty of open space and seating areas perfect for picnics, making it a great spot for a family day out.
The park is spread across three levels and is described as quite steep in some areas, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a modern cafe located on the top level of the park, offering both internal and external seating.
While specific menus aren't detailed, cafes in public parks typically offer light meals, snacks, and beverages.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring picnics to enjoy in the park's open spaces, making it a budget-friendly option.
Being close to Durham city center, there are numerous restaurants and eateries within a short walking distance from the park.
Cafes in parks often have seasonal hours. It's advisable to check their operating times, especially outside of peak summer months.
📸 📸 Photography
The amphitheater, the community garden, and various vantage points offering views of Durham Cathedral are excellent for photography.
With its beautiful scenery, playgrounds, and the iconic Durham skyline in the background, Wharton Park is a great location for family photos.
Drone usage in public parks can be restricted. It's best to check with local authorities or park management regarding drone policies.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for capturing the park's landscapes and city views.
The park features info boards about local history, and the 'Love Exploring' app might offer historical context that can inspire unique photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
📸 Photographers & View Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Wharton Park's Playful Side
Beyond the traditional play structures, Wharton Park offers a unique interactive experience with its dinosaur hunt. This app-driven activity encourages exploration and learning as children search for hidden dinosaurs throughout the park.
For those seeking a different kind of fun, the park also features a miniature car track, adding another layer of entertainment for younger visitors.
The Ambitious Layout of Wharton Park
While this multi-level design offers a rich experience, it also means the park can be quite steep in places. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes to navigate the inclines effectively.
The park's location is also a significant advantage, being situated behind the railway station and a short walk from Durham city center.
This accessibility, combined with the thoughtful layout, makes Wharton Park a well-integrated and enjoyable urban green space. Community and History at Wharton Park
During the summer months, the park's amphitheater comes alive with performances, showcasing local talent and providing entertainment for the community.
This active use of the space fosters a sense of community and offers cultural experiences for visitors and residents alike. The park also houses rooms that offer activities during term time, further integrating it into the local community's fabric.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit