Those of a certain age will remember the
North-East’s contribution to the 60s and 70s fad of UK-based safari parks,
namely, ‘Lambton Lion Park Chester-le-Street and Bournmoor, it existed for eight short years during 1972-1980.
This odd tourist attraction came about on
the whim of the then Lord Lambton, who no doubt fancied squeezing a little bit
more money out of his substantial County Durham estate. Jimmy Chipperfield (of
circus fame) was consulted in 1970, and two years later African beasts were
roaming the banks of the River Wear whilst astonished locals looked on from
their cars. The site was officially opened by Lucinda Lambton in July 1972.
The venture was a huge success and in 1975
the decision was taken to upgrade the site – the set-up eventually being
relaunched as ‘Lambton Pleasure Park Magic Castle
Given its early success, I’m not altogether
sure why the park closed in 1980, though there are whispers on the internet
about problems with escaping animals and general lack of funds.
After its closure, there was little in the
way of public access to the site and the estate fell into general decline.
However, it is currently undergoing redevelopment, and has even been used as
the setting for the BBC ’s period drama, The Paradise,
during 2012.
Some great pics here.
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