Tees Valley is a region where countryside and coast meet – five unique boroughs that make one remarkable region and each with something new and exciting to discover and enjoy.
It’s the perfect place to visit this summer, whether you’re looking for family fun, are an ardent adventure seeker or a culture vulture.
You won’t be disappointed, whether it’s for a weekend staycation or a fun filled day out.
Family fun
Hopetown Darlington is one of the region’s newest attractions and a great day out for the family.
Marvel at vintage locomotives, meticulously restored carriages, and learn the rich heritage Stockton & Darlington Railway alongside interactive exhibits, exhibitions and play parks.
Also in the town, Theatre Hullabaloo is the only dedicated children’s theatre north of London and has a packed programme of great shows, while running the hugely popular Hullaballoo in the Park festival each summer.
Every August, Stockton’s streets come alive with the Stockton International Riverside Festival, offering exciting free performances of dance, street theatre, live music and more.
Adventure seekers
Water sports play a huge part of Tees Valley’s offer. Saltburn is one of the UK’s most popular surf spots, with two surf schools in the town helping you hit the waves.
In Stockton, the Tees Barrage is home to two international-standard white water rafting courses, with canoeing kayaking and paddleboarding also an option.
Test your physical prowess at the Teesside Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park, which will see you climb, balance and swing across huge obstacles to experience all the fun of the TV show for yourself.
If you’re more of a spectator, the thrilling Tour of Britain bike race is taking in the entire region in its second stage on Wednesday September 4, 2024. Kicking off in Darlington, it will run through Cleveland before finishing in Redcar.
Culture vultures
MIMA is one of the UK’s leading galleries for modern and contemporary art. With a dynamic program of exhibitions, workshops, and events, MIMA is a hub for creativity and innovation.
Don’t miss the chance to explore its diverse collection, featuring works from renowned artists around the globe.
Maritime history is brought to life at Hartlepool’s National Museum of the Royal Navy, which boasts an impressive collection of ships and naval artefacts including the HMS Trincomalee, the last remaining Royal Navy ship to be built in India.
Experience life aboard historic ships, uncover fascinating naval stories, and enjoy interactive exhibits.
And Hartlepool Folk Festival, from October 4 to 6, will welcome some of the biggest names in folk, roots and acoustic music including Barnsley Nightingale Kate Rusby, Peggy Seeger, Sandra Kerr and many more.
Where to stay
The region has a whole host of accommodation. There’s five-star luxury at Darlington’s Rockliffe Hall hotel, spa and golf course, or modern and stylish town-centre rooms at Stockton’s Hampton By Hilton.
For something a bit different, Guisborough’s North Shire offers cool glamping nests, while Hartlepool’s boutique Abbey Hill Cottages are sure to impress.
Campsites and caravan parks also dot the region, including Serenity Camping in Saltburn, for a home away from home.
