RIVERSIDE: GROUND & SPECTATOR GUIDE

Opened: 1995

The home of Durham, Emirates Riverside was built in 1995 and has seen triumph and disaster.

Durham have won three Championship titles since the move, but have also faced a points deduction from the ECB.

The ground itself is overlooked by Lumley Castle and became an international venue in 1999. 

There can be few greater sights in English cricket than the haunting, all-encompassing majesty of Lumley Castle overlooking the Riverside.

The risk of developing any ground is that it loses its soul, becoming a nondescript, concrete arena.

However, Durham’s home has no such flaws; the turrets of the fourteenth-century fortress poke out above the canopy, interrupting the horizon. It is a landscape that personifies a proud region.

Such pride has been necessary in recent times; a ground built on a vision of bringing international cricket to the northeast threatened to lead a county’s demise. Financial strife – much of which was brought about by efforts to upgrade the arena – appeared to have cast both county and stadium into the relative cricketing wilderness in 2016.

Yet, it seems fitting that the World Cup should return to a ground that has given English cricket so much – England won the Ashes here in 2013. The venue’s first ever ODI came two decades ago during the 1999 tournament as Pakistan took on Scotland.

Four years later, it would become Britain’s first new Test venue in more than a century when England beat Zimbabwe inside three days.

The place has played host to some super players: the Australian duo of Mike Hussey and David Boon, alongside local stalwarts Paul Collingwood, Steve Harmison, Ben Stokes and one Gary Pratt. In a part of the world full of character, the Riverside is a perfect match.

Allan Donald of South Africa in action during a tour match against Durham in 1998

Ottis Gibson took a 10-wicket haul at the ground during his Durham days back in 2007 as he single-handedly rolled through Hampshire.

However, it is hard to look past an Ashes victory, not least a series-clinching one.

In 2013, with England having already regained the urn after drawing the third Test at Old Trafford, Ian Bell scored his third hundred of the series before Stuart Broad took six second-innings wickets to seal England’s glory.

Address: Durham County Cricket Club, Emirates Riverside, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3QR

By car: The ground is situated a mile outside Chester-le-Street. There are two car parks at the ground.

The Emirates Riverside has a designated drop-off and pick-up point for all cars and taxis.

A road closure may be in place on B1284 Rotary Way immediately play finishes. The club say it is advisable for vehicles to be at the pick-up point approximately 15 minutes before close of play. All vehicles must turn left when exiting from the pick-up point.

Details regarding road closures for major events will be made available on the Durham CCC website two to three weeks prior to the event taking place.

By public transport: Chester-le-Street rail station is served by Northern Rail, CrossCountry & First TransPennine trains. The station is a 20-minute walk from the ground. East Coast services stop at both Durham and Newcastle instead.

There is a shuttle bus service available from Durham Station to and from Emirates Riverside.

Several buses beginning their journeys in Newcastle stop near the Riverside.

Fabio’s

Either side of a £5.95 daily lunchtime menu and an equally good value traditional Sunday lunch, Fabio’s serves the best of Italy: pasta, pizza, meat and fish, all at a reasonable price (£15-20 per head for two courses)

191 Front St, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3AX

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Viaduct

If hearty, honest fare is ticking your boxes, Viaduct has you covered. Complete with Spanish Wednesdays, steak Thursdays and a three-course lunch for £9.95, Sunday’s homemade Yorkshire puddings complete the line-up (£7.95 per head for two courses)

184 Front St, Chester-le-Street, Chester le Street DH3 3AZ

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Hollathon’s

To put it simply, Hollathon’s has it all; a wide-ranging menu with flavours from Italy to Thailand, there is something for everyone. Look out for the regular themed nights (£15-20 per head for two courses – cheaper during happy hour)

6-9 Ashfield Terrace, Chester le Street DH3 3PD

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Finbarr’s Restaurant

Slightly further from the ground itself is Finbarr’s. For a fine-dining experience, it is hard to beat; a menu featuring a range of classics served in a comfortable, homely atmosphere (£30-40 per head for two courses)

Aykley Heads House, Aykley Heads, Durham, DH1 5TS

Website

The Church Mouse

A proper regional country-style pub with a Travelodge nearby, the Mouse features a stunning garden, as well as a regular vegan menu (£15-25 per head for two courses)

Front Street, Waldridge, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH2 3RJ

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The Distillery

The upmarket gin bar features a wide range of gins and offers regular promotional deals

1-2 Red Rose Terrace, DH3 3LN

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The Sticky Wicket

A brand new sports bar located at the Riverside ground itself, it is promising live music, live sport, and good food and drink. It is opening in time for the World Cup

Durham CCC, Emirates Riverside, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3QR

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The Wicket Gate

The international stadium’s local Wetherspoons, there’s plenty on tap for a good night out

193 Front St, Chester-le-Street, Chester le Street DH3 3AX

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The Dun Cow

Located by Durham University, The Dun Cow is listed as a heritage pub, with its historic interior complimented by its tranquil atmosphere

37 Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HN

Hollathan’s

As well as its fashionable restaurant, Hollathan’s has a bar, which includes an extensive list of draught beers, flavoured vodkas and cocktails

6-9 Ashfield Terrace, Chester le Street DH3 3PD

Website

The Riverside is the world’s most northerly Test venue.