Update as of 26/04/23
We visited Elba Park again today and followed the heritage trail. Elba Park was built on the old Lambton Coke works; it provided employment for men from the local area. This walk will take you past all the areas of interest that reflect the history of the site.
You can find out more about the trail and download a step by step walking route, HERE
Recently we have re-discovered a park that we used to walk in all the time, Elba Park.
Many years ago we used to walk our then dog Jess in Elba park and it was lovely and quiet and the perfect place to do some outdoor training with her.
A few things have changed since we were last there but that's a good thing. I thought the park would have been destroyed by now as originally it was only supposed to be there until the houses were built and then a road would be put through the park.
However it is still there for now.
Elba Park sits on the site that once was Lambton colliery. Coalfields programme reclaimed the site over a 10 year period which has seen 77 thousand trees planted.
The park sits on 53 hectares of open fields and a gorgeous woodland trail.
For the kids you can take along a few scraps of paper and a crayon and try out the rubbings. On the woodland trail you will find so many trees with tons of berries on them. In the summer you will be greeted by wildflowers and lots of insects.
You can choose a number of pathways to take which are all basically part of a circular walk.
You will also find a nice wooden walkway that goes along the lake. Here you can feed the ducks and swans. However be careful because when the walkway is wet it is very slippy there's also a small bridge which links another path.
The only issue we had was the path was very uneven with mini potholes but once you get further away from the car park the path is better.
Around the park you will find various sculptures to commemorate the coal mining history. Located at one entrance is a plaque with the Lambton worm story.
I think we will revisit in the warmer weather and have a few picnics here as there are loads of spots for one.
Need to know
Car parks located at various points but the main carpark has space for 10 cars.
No Toilets
No café
No Playpark
Open all year
Terrain is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Ducks and swans to feed (please feed seed)
Sculptures dotted around to enjoy
Picnic tables
Loads of spots for a picnic but please take your rubbish with you.
Postcode
DH4 6DE
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