The sports enthusiast has plenty of choice in County Durham, whether watching their favourite pastime or taking part.

Enjoying pride of place is Durham County Cricket Club. The Riverside Ground at Chester-le-Street, overlooked by Lumley Castle, is acknowledged as one of the best grounds in the country and has staged one-day internationals and Test Matches.

Although the County has no Football League team of its own, interest in the sport is huge and there are strong, almost tribal, affinities with near neighbours Sunderland AFC and Newcastle United.

County Durham's small, intimate and friendly racecourse at Sedgefield offers competitive National Hunt meetings.

As Durham is a university city it comes as no surprise that Rugby Union and rowing have a strong following, and the city's annual regatta is the oldest rowing event in Britain, pre-dating even Henley.

There are plenty of opportunities to take part in sport with numerous excellent leisure centres and good quality golf courses throughout the County. Sporting enthusiasts can enjoy facilities for canoeing, sailing and angling, for walking and cycling, or settle for a family day out at one of the County's country parks and picnic areas.

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