A Day Out at Lambton Estate, Chester-le-Street

9 Sept

Last Sunday we set off for a change of scene and headed to Lambton Estate, just outside Chester-le-Street. As a 70s’ teeanger it will always be “Lambton Lion Park” in my mind, even if that had closed by 1980. The estate itself, however, has been a landmark for generations and only recently has the parkland been opened up to the public for regular visits.

We weren’t the only ones with the idea: it was busy and the parking limited. Following the signs to the official car park turned out to be the better option than trying to squeeze near the entrance.

A New Chapter for Lambton Estate

Lambton Park is steeped in history, and exploring it now feels a little like being let in on a well-kept secret. The grounds are open on Sundays from 10am to 4.30pm, with trails winding through woodland and alongside the river. From the paths you catch teasing glimpses of Lambton Castle on the far bank, a reminder of the estate’s long heritage.

One feature that stood out was Lamb Bridge, with its pair of stone lambs at either end. The riverbanks have shifted over time, giving the bridge an unexpectedly sharp arch that adds a touch of character to the walk. The pathways are easy enough to follow, though not always well-marked on the leaflet map, so you may find yourself walking by instinct as much as by plan.

View of Lambton Castle partly hidden by trees, seen across the river from woodland trails at Lambton Estate near Chester-le-Street — A glimpse of Lambton Castle across the river, seen from the woodland trails at Lambton Estate.

Highlights for Visitors

The estate offers a real sense of escape without being far from Durham. Woodland trails, riverside stretches, and castle views give plenty of variety, and there’s lots of space to pause and enjoy the scenery. For those who like to explore new places close to home, Lambton delivers the feeling of being somewhere special and tucked away.

That said, it’s important to know its limitations. The paths are not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs, which makes it less accessible for families with very young children or anyone with mobility needs. There are also no toilets or benches, so a little preparation goes a long way.

For walks more suited to wheelchairs and pushchairs, our page on walks in and around Durham City also includes a downloadable map of step free and accessible walks.

Practical Information for Visitors

Opening times: Sundays only, 10am – 4.30pm.

Parking: Limited; best to follow signs to the designated car park.
Facilities: No toilets or seating. Plenty of grassy areas if you bring a picnic.
Leaflet/map: Available on entry, though not always easy to navigate. A digital version can be downloaded in advance from the Lambton Estate website.

We stayed for a few hours, walking a couple of the trails and enjoying a picnic lunch on the grass. Despite the lack of facilities, it was a very pleasant day out - one of those spots where you feel you’ve discovered something new, even though it’s only a few miles from Durham.

Final Thoughts

Lambton Estate is not polished: the amenities are limited and the paths can be confusing, but that’s also part of its charm. It feels unspoilt, with space to walk, wander and simply enjoy being outdoors. With a bit of planning, it makes for a rewarding and refreshing outing.

Moira and her husband Adam have been Durham Pointers for nine years. They enjoy exploring days out across the region, sometimes with their wider family, sometimes just the two of them - always on the lookout for new corners of County Durham, Teesside, and North Yorkshire to share.