Herrington Country Park is a major example of regeneration of the North East's industrial past. It was opened in 2003 on the site of Herrington Colliery (which became an opencast mine in the 90's) to become a 150 hectare park offering numerous walks, cycle and bridal paths, lakes, a childrens play park, a skateboard park, an ampitheatre, sculptures and a memorial garden.

It has since become the venue for the annual Durham County Show and the North East Motor Show and has hosted large open air concerts including Radio 1's Big Weekend.