Wharton Park

Durham County Council secured £2.45 million from Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery, to undertak

Wharton Park is the main public park in Durham City, covering approximately 4.7 hectares. It was formerly under the ownership of William Lloyd Wharton as part of the extension of his grounds at Dryburn House in the mid-nineteenth century. It was he who financed and designed the original park layout made available to the people of Durham in 1857. The original park layout, as well as its most significant landscape features, are largely intact today and serve as a reminder of the role that the park has played in the social history of Durham City. The park is located just to the north of the city centre within the Durham City Centre Conservation Area. There are a number of listed structures within and around the park. There is a single Grade II listed structure, the belvedere or Battery, within the park and several listed buildings and structures around the park which have a significant relationship to it. After a restoration of the park, in May 2016, Wharton Park re-opened with a new heritage centre, café, outdoor fitness equipment, improvements to the play equipment and restoration works to the amphitheatre, miniature car track, putting green, battlements, footpaths, signs and entrance features. The ‘People’s Park’ of Durham City is fast becoming a destination in its own right with plans to assist in achieving and retaining Green Flag status and re-establishing itself as a venue for events, activities and live performances. In line with the original aims and objectives of William Wharton, this project will contribute to improving the health and fitness of the local community which is just as important today as it was 150 years ago.

10/12/2025

🦌🦌🦌
Join us to turn pieces of wood into a Christmas decoration you can cherish for years and tell all your family and friends how you made it yourself.

It is a great way to enjoy family time building your very own wooden reindeer. You will also have the chance to make some accessories to go with it. A hat or scarf perhaps?

The recommended age is for children aged 6+ younger children are welcome to attend the workshop however they would require closer adult supervision and support using some of the tools. All materials are included in the ticket price, the wood used to build the reindeer is sourced from our parks and countryside meaning you will be taking a piece Durham home with you.
Online booking is required the ticket price includes making 1 wooden reindeer for £25. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the workshop.
Please note there are limited spaces. To book visit https://events.durham.gov.uk/1/Home/List

08/12/2025

06/12/2025

Do you want to build a reindeer? 🦌🦌🦌

Get creative and festive with us and enjoy family time to build your very own wooden reindeer. You will also have the chance to make some accessories to go with it. A hat or scarf perhaps?

The recommended age is for children aged 6+ younger children are welcome to attend the workshop however they would require closer adult supervision and support using some of the tools. All materials are included in the ticket price, the wood used to build the reindeer is sourced from our parks and countryside meaning you will be taking a piece Durham home with you.

Online booking is required the ticket price includes making 1 wooden reindeer for £25. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the workshop.
Please note there are limited spaces. To book visit https://events.durham.gov.uk/1/Home/List

04/12/2025

We are thrilled to announce that The Handlebards will return to Wharton Park in summer 2026 with the outdoor theatre performance As You Like It on Thursday 13 August in our ampitheatre.

Tickets would make a great Christmas gift for loved ones this year!

Tickets are on sale from midday on Thursday 4 December and can be purchased online by visiting https://www.handlebards.com/show/as-you-like-it-wharton-park/

15/11/2025

Get creative this festive season at Wharton Park, try your hand at building a wooden reindeer with our education team and park assistant rangers on Saturday 13 December at 10.00am.

The recommended age is for children aged 6+ younger children are welcome to attend the workshop however they would require closer adult supervision and support using some of the tools. All materials are included in the ticket price, the wood used to build the reindeer is sourced from our parks and countryside meaning you will be taking a piece Durham home with you.

The wooden reindeer is a wonderful festive decoration and could make a lovely handmade Christmas gift for a loved one which would be enjoyed year after year over the festive period.

Online booking is required the ticket price includes making 1 wooden reindeer for £25. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the workshop.

Please note there are limited spaces. To book visit https://events.durham.gov.uk/1/Home/List

05/11/2025

Wharton Parks Café is now operating under Winter opening hours.

The Café is closed Monday to Thursday opening Friday to Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Pop into the Café and enjoy some Winter specials, see details below.

Hot Soup and a Bun £4.50
Soup of the Day served with a bun
Available 11.00am to 3.00pm

Coffee and Cake Break £5.75
Any hot drink with a slice of cake
Available 2.00pm to 3.30pm

Address

Durham City

Telephone

+443000262655

Website

http://www.durham.gov.uk/whartonpark

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