South Park

South Park has something for everyone.

Listen to free outdoor concerts, enjoy the fabulous flowerbeds, talk to the parrots in the aviary or play your favourite sport in our multi-use games area.

We have a full programme of events throughout the year including Race for Life, Proms in the Park and the Macmillan Toddle.

South Park is a grade II registered historic park. It has held a Green Flag Award since 2006.

Dogs are welcome at South Park. We do ask owners keep their dogs on a lead on the paved areas and to be considerate of other park users.

How to find us

Road

Due to limited car parking around South Park we recommend you use the town centre car parks and access the park by foot through Victoria Embankment.

Train

It's easy to get to South Park from Darlington railway station; walk from the station, down Parkgate towards the town centre and follow the signs.

Bus

South Park is accessible by bus - for more information please visit Traveline North East [external link].

Cycling

There are cycle paths linking from the town centre through Polam Lane on to South Park. Cyclists can access most areas of the park. We ask cyclists not to cycle in the play area or the main bowling green.

Facilities

• Toddler and a junior play park
• Multi-use games area
• Bandstand
• Skate park
• Bowling green
• Green gym
• Aviary and café

Toilets

Toilets (including accessible toilets) are open all days including weekends at the following times;

• Winter months (from Monday 30th Oct 2023) 8:30am until 4:30pm
• Summer months (from Sunday 31st March 2024) 8:30am until 6:30pm

Opening times

The park is open 24 hours a day all year round. Staff are based in the clock tower lodge from 9:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday.

South Park café

The South Park café offers hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice cream.

You can call the café on 01325 405136.

Opening times

• 10:00 - 5:30 Monday - Friday
• 8:15 - 5:00pm Saturday
• 8:15 - 4:00pm Sunday

If busy the team will try and stay open a little longer.

Outside In education centre

The Outside In education centre offers a range of activities for Key Stage One and Two children, as well as nursery and reception classes.

For more information or to make a booking please call Durham Wildlife Trust on 0191 584 3112 in partnership with Darlington Borough Council

Prices

• Full day £4 per child
• Half day £3 per child

Friends of South Park

The Friends of South Park (FOSP) is an active group who volunteer their time for projects and to help out with gardening around the park.

They group meets at South Park on the first Saturday of the month at 10am. If you would like to take part, gardening tools are provided. Bring sensible clothing and footwear.

For more information visit the Friends of South Park website [external link].