Elba Park is an award-winning, 52-hectare greenspace on the outskirts of Sunderland, transformed from an industrial coal mining site into a thriving park. Named after a lost hamlet, the area was heavily mined from the 1600s until the mid-1980s.
Over a decade, the site was reclaimed through the National Coalfields Programme, moving nearly two million cubic metres of soil, planting 77,000 trees, and creating 3,700 metres of multi-user trails. Public artworks honour the area’s mining heritage, while diverse habitats support local wildlife.
Today, Elba Park provides open space for nearby residents, a sanctuary for nature, and a vibrant community resource, enriched by active volunteers and a dedicated Friends group.
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Open access
There are two open access car parks. One off Chester Road which is gravel surfaced with 10 spaces, including 2 tarmacked disabled bays///cards.elite.glue and another car park which is off Blind Lane and is tarmacked with 26 spaces. ///stop.storms.forget Both free to use. There are no electric vehicle charging points on site
A bus stop on Chester Road is five minute walk from the Chester Road Car Park
Sections of the circular route round the park are tarmacked whilst others are surfaced with compacted gravel. The three woodland trails are surfaced with gravel and are narrow in places.
There are no toilets available on site
There is no cafe on site, there is a coffee van available in the car park on weekends
Picnics are welcome on site and there is a designated picnic area near the Chester Road car park but please do take all rubbish home with you. No BBQs please
Trail and path markings around site for play, no formal children's play area
Extensive network of footpaths including tarmac, loose gravel and boardwalk. Most are more than 1.5 metres wide, but narrower trails through wooded areas
Cyclists are welcome on site but please stick to the main footpaths and avoid the woodland trails, there is no where on site to store or lock bikes
Well-controlled dogs welcome, please ensure your dog has good recall before allowing off-lead. There are a number of bins on site for disposal of dog waste
Elba Park offers plenty to discover, from its rich industrial heritage to its diverse natural landscapes. Five pieces of public artwork celebrate the area’s mining history, including the Pick Axe Bridge, Banner Artwork, Miner’s Memorial Statue, Waggonway Artwork and Lambton Worm Banner. From the hilltop near the Banner Artwork, visitors can enjoy impressive views of the iconic Penshaw Monument. A network of paths and trails winds through the park, providing a variety of circular and linear walking routes to explore. Families can enjoy the three woodland trails, each featuring brass rubbing posts showcasing local wildlife. Along the way, you’ll encounter a diverse range of habitats, from plantation woodlands and species-rich grasslands to valuable wetland areas. The reedbeds surrounding the main lake provide a home for Reed Warblers, while the open grasslands are alive with wildflowers, making the park a haven for both wildlife and visitors alike.
Fencehouses,
Shiney Row ,
Sunderland,
Tyne & Wear,
DH4 6GL
The site has held the Green Flag Award since 2012.
