Durham is known for its scenic rivers, serene lakes, and beautiful countryside—perfect settings for dogs who love the water. With a mix of peaceful riverside retreats and picturesque reservoirs, Durham has plenty of spots where you and your dog can enjoy a day of swimming and adventure. Here are the top five dog-friendly swimming spots in Durham for a refreshing day out. List of dog swimming spots around UK can be found here.
1. Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street
Riverside Park, nestled along the banks of the River Wear, is a lovely park with scenic areas where dogs can safely enjoy the water. The park has designated spots along the river where dogs can paddle and play, with shallow, calm sections that make it easy for them to enter and exit the water. With expansive green spaces, Riverside Park is an ideal spot for a picnic and a day of fun.
After a dip in the river, explore the park’s walking paths or enjoy views of Lumley Castle, which overlooks the area.
Riverside Park itself has parking, toilets, picnic spots, and a café with outdoor seating.
Find it here: Riverside Park – Chester-le-Street
2. Derwent Reservoir
Derwent Reservoir, near Consett, is a beautiful place for a walk with sweeping views over the water — but it’s an operational drinking-water reservoir run by Northumbrian Water, and reservoirs of this kind are almost always off-limits for swimming because of cold-water shock, underwater machinery and sudden depth changes near the dam. Treat this as a walking destination: the trail around the reservoir is excellent, and there are quieter spots nearby (see the River Wear stretches at Riverside Park) for an actual paddle.
The walking trails around the reservoir provide stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for both swimming and exploration.
Worth knowing: there’s parking, picnic areas, and toilets, plus a café in nearby Edmundbyers village.
Map it here: Derwent Reservoir
3. Hardwick Park
Hardwick Park in Sedgefield is a historic park with a beautiful lake where dogs are allowed to swim in designated spots. The park is known for its scenic lakeside paths, unique stone bridges, and picturesque woodland areas. The lake is shallow near the edges, making it a safe place for dogs to paddle and cool off on warm days.
With wide open spaces, beautiful gardens, and shaded trails, Hardwick Park is a fantastic spot for a full day out with your dog.
There’s on-site parking at Hardwick Park, plus a visitor centre, toilets, and a café with outdoor seating.
Directions: Hardwick Park – Sedgefield
4. High Force Waterfall and the River Tees
High Force, one of England’s most famous waterfalls, offers a stunning riverside experience in the North Pennines. While dogs can’t swim directly near the waterfall due to its strength, there are calmer, accessible areas of the River Tees further downstream where dogs can safely enjoy the water. The river’s gentle flow in these spots makes it a great place for dogs to cool off while you admire the impressive landscape.
The riverside trails provide scenic walks with views of High Force and the surrounding Pennine countryside, perfect for adventurous pups and their owners.
There’s parking, a visitor centre, and toilets near High Force itself, and Middleton-in-Teesdale nearby has dog-friendly pubs.
Pin dropped here: High Force Waterfall – River Tees
5. Cow Green Reservoir
Cow Green Reservoir, high in the North Pennines AONB and National Nature Reserve, is a wild and beautiful spot for a walk — genuinely remote, with big skies and moorland all around. It’s an operational reservoir, though, so treat the water itself as off-limits for swimming rather than a paddling spot, and take care on the open moorland: there are no fences and few landmarks, so a dog without a rock-solid recall can vanish over a rise in seconds. There is nobody about to help either, so make sure his recall comes back reliably before you trust it up here.
With its isolated setting, Cow Green Reservoir is perfect for a peaceful outing, and the nearby walking trails provide scenic views of the Pennine countryside.
Parking here is limited, so pack essentials for the day; Middleton-in-Teesdale nearby has dog-friendly cafes and shops.
Get directions: Cow Green Reservoir
Essentials for a Dog-Friendly Day in Durham
To make the most of your outing, remember these essentials:
- A long line: Durham’s moorland and riverbanks are unfenced for long stretches, so a 5–10 metre long line is what lets a dog range and explore properly while his recall is still coming together. It’s earned its place ahead of any gadget we’ve owned. Most of our training bits come from Calmshops.
- Fresh Water and Bowl: Fresh water is essential, especially if your dog has been in rivers or reservoirs.
- Towel and Blanket: A towel for drying off and a cosy blanket make the day more comfortable for your pup. For coats that need more than a towel, our UK dog groomers database covers Durham too.
- Car seat dog cover: keeps the car clean and dry on the way home, which matters more than you would think after a swim in the Tees.
5 more dog-friendly swimming spots in Durham:
Seaham Beach
Description: Seaham Beach is a long stretch of sand beneath grassy cliffs, part of the Durham Heritage Coast. It’s renowned for its sea glass and offers ample space for dogs to run and play. Dogs are welcome year-round, making it an ideal spot for a seaside adventure.
Nearby Amenities: Parking is available near the beach, and the nearby town of Seaham offers dog-friendly cafes and shops.
Blackhall Rocks Beach
Description: Situated on the Durham Heritage Coast, Blackhall Rocks Beach features a mix of sand and rocks, backed by cliffs and dunes. It’s a peaceful spot where dogs can enjoy the shoreline and shallow waters. The beach is dog-friendly year-round.
Nearby Amenities: Limited facilities; it’s advisable to bring your own provisions. Parking is available near the beach.
Crimdon Park Beach
Description: Located just north of Hartlepool, Crimdon Park Beach is a pleasant sandy stretch backed by dunes. It’s a quiet spot, perfect for dogs to run and play. The beach is dog-friendly year-round.
Nearby Amenities: Parking is available near the beach, and there are picnic areas nearby.
Easington Colliery Nature Reserve & Beach
Description: This nature reserve offers a mix of coastal landscapes, including a beach where dogs can play and swim. The peaceful atmosphere and variety of terrains make it an enjoyable spot for dogs and their owners.
Nearby Amenities: Parking is available at the reserve’s car park. The nearby village of Easington Colliery has cafes and shops.
Horden Beach
Description: Horden Beach is a quiet, lesser-known beach with a mix of sand and pebbles, backed by cliffs. It’s a tranquil spot where dogs can enjoy the open space and shoreline. The beach is dog-friendly year-round.
Nearby Amenities: Limited facilities; it’s advisable to bring your own provisions. Parking is available near the beach
Water Safety in Durham
Reservoirs like Derwent and Cow Green can carry blue-green algae in warm weather — check for green or foamy discolouration and keep dogs out if in doubt, as symptoms in dogs can appear within minutes and include vomiting, seizures and collapse. Standing or slow-moving water can also carry leptospirosis; ask your vet whether your dog’s vaccinations cover this if he swims regularly.
FInal Run
From the scenic shores of Derwent Reservoir to the iconic landscape near High Force, Durham’s dog-friendly swimming spots offer some of the best outdoor experiences for water-loving dogs. Each location provides a unique combination of natural beauty, tranquillity, and space to explore. So pack your essentials, pick a spot, and enjoy the beauty of Durham with your furry friend by your side! Have a Durham vet in mind before you set off, and if your dog stops hearing you the moment he is in the water, a County Durham dog trainer can work on that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider before taking my dog swimming at Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street?
Before visiting Riverside Park, ensure your dog is comfortable with water and can safely enter shallow areas. Keep an eye on them near the river currents. Also, bring towels for drying and check for any park rules regarding dog swimming to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Are there facilities available for dog owners at Derwent Reservoir?
Yes, Derwent Reservoir offers parking and picnic areas suitable for a day out with your dog. Toilets are available nearby, and a café in the village of Edmundbyers provides refreshments. These amenities make it a convenient spot for both swimming and exploring with your dog.
Is Hardwick Park suitable for dogs that are not confident swimmers?
Hardwick Park’s lake has shallow edges, making it a safe environment for dogs that are new to swimming or prefer to paddle rather than swim. The calm waters and designated swimming spots provide a gentle introduction to water activities for less confident dogs.
Can I combine swimming with hiking when visiting these dog swimming spots in Durham?
Absolutely. Many of the top swimming spots, like Derwent Reservoir and Riverside Park, feature walking trails and scenic paths. These areas offer a great chance to combine swimming sessions with leisurely walks, providing both exercise and adventure for you and your dog.
Are there any safety tips for swimming with dogs at Durham’s outdoor water spots?
Always supervise your dog closely when swimming, especially near rivers or lakes with currents. Avoid areas with steep banks or strong flows, provide fresh water to prevent drinking from natural sources, and rinse your dog after swimming to remove any debris or potential irritants.
