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.
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
Extensive network of footpaths. Most are more than 1.5 metres wide, but narrower trails through wooded areas. Limited number of seating areas at varied intervals throughout the woodland. Access onto site is through access control barriers which permit motorised buggies.
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 but please do take all rubbish home with you. No BBQs please
Extensive network of footpaths. Most are more than 1.5 metres wide, but the trails are narrower through wooded areas
Cyclists are welcome on site but please stick to the main footpaths and avoid the woodland trails
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
Fencehouses,
Sunderland,
Tyne & Wear,
DH4 6GB
Groundwork North East and Cumbria
Andrea Baxter | Senior Community Ranger
Email: andrea.baxter@groundwork.org.uk.
Telephone: 0191 567 2550
The site has held the Green Flag Award since 2012.
