Hardwick Park
Walk Highlights
- Location:
- Stockton-on-Tees
- Postcode:
- TS21 2DN
- Parking:
There is a large dedicated pay and display car park at Hardwick Park, located off the A177, near Sedgefield in County Durham. Parking charges apply (check Durham County Council website for current rates). The car park provides direct access to the visitor centre, cafe, play areas, and the start of the main paths and trails. It can get very busy, especially at weekends and during school holidays, for this popular County Durham attraction.
- Distance:
- 3.00 miles
- Time:
- 1.10 hours
- Difficulty:
- Easy
- Terrain:
The terrain in Hardwick Park, County Durham, is generally flat to gently undulating. Main paths around the lake and visitor centre are often well-surfaced (tarmac or compacted gravel) and accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Woodland trails and paths through wider parkland can be earth or grass, more uneven, and muddy after rain. This County Durham park offers good accessibility on its core routes.
- Facilities:
- Toilets, Cafe
- Get Directions:
-
Get driving directions to the starting point:
Dog-Centric Details
- Stile-Free Walk:
- Yes
- Poo Bins Available:
- Yes
- Secure/Fenced Area:
- No
- Dog Water Source:
- No
- Dog Notes:
Hardwick Park in County Durham is very popular for dog walking, and dogs are welcome. There are extensive areas for off-lead exercise throughout the woodlands and parkland, but dogs should be kept under control, especially near the lake with waterfowl, play areas, the visitor centre/cafe, and when other park users are present. Some specific areas, like around certain historical features or conservation zones, may request dogs on leads. Dog waste bins are widely available throughout this County Durham park. Please clean up after your dog. The cafe often has dog-friendly outdoor seating.
- EV Charger Nearby:
- Yes
- Fuel Station Nearby:
- No
- Livestock Information:
- Off-Leash Policy:
- Full Off-Leash
- Dog Traffic:
- Moderate
- Seasonal Advice:
- Height Restriction:
- No
- Printable Version:
- PLUS Feature
Explore Hardwick Park in County Durham, a beautiful Grade II* listed historic parkland offering delightful walks around a picturesque serpentine lake, through mature woodlands, and past restored 18th-century garden features and follies. Located near Sedgefield, this popular Durham County Council run park provides a wonderful green oasis with a network of accessible paths suitable for walkers, families, and nature lovers. Hardwick Park is renowned for its scenic beauty, its rich history (once part of the Hardwick Hall estate), and its excellent visitor facilities.
Well-maintained paths and trails wind their way through Hardwick Park, leading visitors around the main lake (with its islands and bridges), through areas of established woodland, and across open parkland. Key features include several restored historic garden buildings and follies (like the Temple of Minerva, Gothic Ruin, and Banqueting House), a visitor centre with a cafe and gift shop, children's adventure play areas (including a Gruffalo Sculpture Trail), and areas managed for wildlife conservation. This County Durham park is excellent for a family day out or a peaceful stroll through a historic landscape.
- Discover Hardwick Park in County Durham, a beautiful Grade II* listed historic parkland near Sedgefield.
- Walk along accessible paths around a scenic serpentine lake, through mature woodland, and past restored 18th-century follies.
- Excellent facilities including large play areas, a visitor centre, cafe, and often events.
- A popular County Durham park for families, recreation, and enjoying diverse wildlife habitats within a historic setting.
Walks in Hardwick Park can range from gentle 1-2 mile accessible loops around the main lake and near the visitor centre, to longer 3-4 mile routes exploring the full extent of the park, its varied trails, and woodland sections. This County Durham park offers something for all abilities.
Information Accuracy
Conditions can change. Please verify critical information locally. Your safety is your responsibility.
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