Virginia Water

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Durham

England

Virginia Water

Beneath Chartershaugh Bridge The bridge carries the A182 Washington Highway across the River Wear.
Beneath Chartershaugh Bridge Credit: David Robinson

Virginia Water is a picturesque lake located in the county of Durham, England. Covering an area of approximately 200 acres, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

With its crystal-clear waters, Virginia Water provides an ideal spot for various recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the lake, making it a haven for water enthusiasts. The calm and serene atmosphere makes it a perfect place for relaxation and unwinding.

In addition to the lake, Virginia Water is also known for its pool, pond, and freshwater marsh. The pool is a smaller body of water adjacent to the lake, which is home to a variety of aquatic plants and wildlife. The pond, on the other hand, provides a habitat for a diverse range of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

The freshwater marsh surrounding Virginia Water is a wetland area teeming with life. It is home to numerous plant species such as reeds, sedges, and rushes, which provide a sanctuary for various animals, including frogs, dragonflies, and water voles.

Overall, Virginia Water offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Its tranquil setting, diverse wildlife, and stunning views make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

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Virginia Water Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.871451/-1.5478584 or Grid Reference NZ2953. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Beneath Chartershaugh Bridge The bridge carries the A182 Washington Highway across the River Wear.
Beneath Chartershaugh Bridge
The bridge carries the A182 Washington Highway across the River Wear.
Chartershaugh Bridge The bridge carries the A182 Washington Highway across the River Wear.
Chartershaugh Bridge
The bridge carries the A182 Washington Highway across the River Wear.
River Wear from the New Bridge, Lambton Park
River Wear from the New Bridge, Lambton Park
Weardale Way approaching Chartershaugh Bridge The bridge carries the A182 over the River Wear
Weardale Way approaching Chartershaugh Bridge
The bridge carries the A182 over the River Wear
Approaching Chartershaugh Bridge Built in 1975 to carry the A182 dual carriageway over the River Wear <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.bridgesonthetyne.co.uk/charters.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.bridgesonthetyne.co.uk/charters.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>. Named after a nearby mining settlement - originally 'Chaytor’s Haugh'. Chaytor were a prominent mine-owning family, and 'haugh' an area of flat riverside land <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.sunderlandecho.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/the-stories-behind-washingtons-many-place-names-with-areas-called-after-scotland-and-mrs-uncle-sam-3140225" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.sunderlandecho.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/the-stories-behind-washingtons-many-place-names-with-areas-called-after-scotland-and-mrs-uncle-sam-3140225">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.
Approaching Chartershaugh Bridge
Built in 1975 to carry the A182 dual carriageway over the River Wear LinkExternal link. Named after a nearby mining settlement - originally 'Chaytor’s Haugh'. Chaytor were a prominent mine-owning family, and 'haugh' an area of flat riverside land LinkExternal link.
No Entry signs bar entry to the Lambton Estate Rather incongruously stuck on the outskirts of Washington is the estate (and castle!) of Lord Lambton.  Although bits have been sold off over the years, it still occupies an area of around 3 km2.  Here at the Eastern end the road leads into the estate but No Entry signs bar the way.
No Entry signs bar entry to the Lambton Estate
Rather incongruously stuck on the outskirts of Washington is the estate (and castle!) of Lord Lambton. Although bits have been sold off over the years, it still occupies an area of around 3 km2. Here at the Eastern end the road leads into the estate but No Entry signs bar the way.
Bridge over the River Wear The dual carriageway running North-South through Washington (the Washington Highway) crosses the River Wear here.  Constructed in the 1970s.
Bridge over the River Wear
The dual carriageway running North-South through Washington (the Washington Highway) crosses the River Wear here. Constructed in the 1970s.
Old car wheels dumped by the River Wear Much effort goes into improving the environment in this area.  But the fly tippers continue ...
Old car wheels dumped by the River Wear
Much effort goes into improving the environment in this area. But the fly tippers continue ...
Cattle in a field on Lord Lambton's Estate
Cattle in a field on Lord Lambton's Estate
St. George's Church
St. George's Church
Rowan avenue
Rowan avenue
Chartershaugh Bridge Opened 1975, crossing the River Wear.
Chartershaugh Bridge
Opened 1975, crossing the River Wear.
Blind Lane Blind Lane is in Chester-Le-Street; it lies north of and parallel to the A693; the road is residential and has detached bungalows. Being a cul-de-sac it's aptly named - perhaps for that very reason.
Blind Lane
Blind Lane is in Chester-Le-Street; it lies north of and parallel to the A693; the road is residential and has detached bungalows. Being a cul-de-sac it's aptly named - perhaps for that very reason.
Arc of wall with gates The wide arc of walling with imposing gateposts but rather less grand gates at the northern access point to the parkland at Lambton Castle. The opening is from Bonemeal Lane.
Arc of wall with gates
The wide arc of walling with imposing gateposts but rather less grand gates at the northern access point to the parkland at Lambton Castle. The opening is from Bonemeal Lane.
Underpass beneath Bonemill Lane The underpass has a broad tarmacked way passing through it but obstructing posts show that it's not intended for general use by vehicles. It was also flooded at the time the image was made.
Underpass beneath Bonemill Lane
The underpass has a broad tarmacked way passing through it but obstructing posts show that it's not intended for general use by vehicles. It was also flooded at the time the image was made.
Road junction at Vigo Lane The junction is effectively a staggered crossroads. Rickleton Way is in the foreground, Vigo Lane is opposite and it continues behind the camera position.
Road junction at Vigo Lane
The junction is effectively a staggered crossroads. Rickleton Way is in the foreground, Vigo Lane is opposite and it continues behind the camera position.
Flats and shops at centre of Rickleton A tarmacked area with raised, brick-built shrubbery beds at the centre of the development in Rickleton
Flats and shops at centre of Rickleton
A tarmacked area with raised, brick-built shrubbery beds at the centre of the development in Rickleton
The East Coast Main Line south of Low Flatts Road Bridge Looking south towards Chester-le-Street on a bright Sunday morning in late April.
The East Coast Main Line south of Low Flatts Road Bridge
Looking south towards Chester-le-Street on a bright Sunday morning in late April.
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Virginia Water is located at Grid Ref: NZ2953 (Lat: 54.871451, Lng: -1.5478584)

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham

What 3 Words

///splash.exist.final. Near Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham

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