Close Attractions

Hartlepool's Maritime Experience is a visitor attraction just down the road in Hartlepool. The concept of the attraction is the thematic re-creation of an 18th-century seaport, in the time of Lord Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar. HMS Trincomalee, a Royal Navy frigate and Britain's oldest warship afloat is at the centre of the quay. She was built in Bombay, India in 1817. The 190th anniversary of the ship's official launch was on Friday 12 October 2007.

There are hundreds of exhibits in the museum charting the history of the town from prehistoric times right up to the present day. One of the most popular features is the description of the Hartlepool monkey legend. Others include a full size coble boat, a lighthouse, a shell from the Bombardment of Hartlepool and many ships' models and engine displays.

The site saw some improvements in 2006/2007 including a renewed Fighting Ships which is an audio/visual tour of a warship. There is now a new character which is Jim Henshaw, a young powder monkey.

In June 2016 operation of the site was taken over from the local council by the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and it was rebranded as NMRN Hartlepool.

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Saltholme nature reserve is a 5 minute drive south of Seaton Carew and is the perfect place to start birdwatching. Thes family friendly wetlands have a visitor centre, hides and screens where you can watch yellow wagtail and terns as well as many other species. It includes a family discovery zone, cafe,childrens play area and nature trails. Close by it is also possible to view seals basking on the mudflats. Definitely a day out for the whole family!

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Surrounded on three sides by the sea, the Magnesian Limestone headland or peninsula called the Heugh at Hartlepool is more familiarly known as Old Hartlepool. Hartlepool may not always readliy accept association with Teesside, it has its own natural harbour to the north of the river, but in recent centuries its industrial history has been very closely tied up with the River Tees. In prehistoric times Hartlepool's headland is thought to have been an isolated tidal island covered by thick forests. In the nineteenth century during excavation of the adjacent marshy area called the Slake, trunks of trees from the ancient forest were found embedded in the clay along with antlers and the teeth from deer that seem to have inhabited the area in large numbers many years ago.

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Seaton Carew Golf Course is situated on the North East Coast of England within sight and sound of the sea. From spring to autumn the course is ablaze with the colour of wild flowers. The area is well known to botanists and has been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest By the Nature Conservancy Council. The course offers a challenge to the experienced player as well as the novice. The wind frequently blows, changing its nature from day to day. Visitors are welcome. The course is seldom closed because of the sandy nature of the soil.

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Middlesbrough's town centre today is quite different from the original town planned by Joseph Pease and Partners in 1829. The early town, now called 'St Hilda's' after the parish church that stood here until 1969, was centred on a market square, where the first town hall was built in 1846. Immediately to the south of this early town, lay the railway line and station of 1877.Gradually the centre of commerce, trade and local government shifted south of the railway and in 1899, the old town hall, was succeeded by the grand structure, in Corporation Road.

Rumours that Middlesbrough Football Club was founded over a tripe supper are certainly interesting but have proved to be false. The club was actually formed in 1875 by the local cricket club. The club's history has not been one of success - with no real silverware in the trophy cabinet. They did flirt with success under Jack Charlton in the late Seventies but the only reward was the Anglo-Scottish Cup! Fast Fact: Boro legend David Armstrong made 305 consecutive league appearances for Boro in the mid-70s. Fast Fact : Middlesbrough Football Club were formed by the members of the Middlesbrough Cricket Club in 1876.

Dominated by Durham Cathedral and Castle overlooking the river wear Durham City is a fantastic day out for all. It is no more than a 30 minute drive from the guest house. For shoppers there is the Durham Indoor Market, a victorian market established in 1851 with over 80 stalls. On Saturdays there are additional stalls in the Market Place. Prince Bishops Shopping Centre is a new shopping mall with high street shops well represented. The multi-storey car park contains a Shopmobility - advice centre for disabled visitors. Millburngate Shopping Centre on the north side of the River Wear has undercover shopping with a variety of retail outlets and a supermarket and multi-storey car park. More shops in nearby North Road. There are venues throughout Durham for exhibitions, drama and music, from concerts in the Cathedral to street entertainment during the summer. And for walkers there are some amazing riverside walks which take in a loop out of the city centre and return. Just make sure you bring your camera!

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The University is collegiate, with colleges providing residential, social and welfare facilities for their student members, and creating a sense of community for staff and students together. Its academic teaching and research programmes are delivered through departments contained within three faculties: Arts and Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences and Health.

Whether historical, entertaining or controversial, Darlington town centre has many places to visit and interesting things to see for both residents and visitors to the area. The market place in the centre of Darlington is one of the largest market places in the country and is now largely free from traffic. The popular market is held on Mondays and Saturdays. Following recent resurfacing, the market place is proving to be a popular venue for many special events of interest to both residents and visitors. The streets in the town centre of Darlington range from shiny, modern arcades and broad avenues of larger stores to the spacious market place and the quaint old yards with their higgledy-piggledy rows of interesting, little shops.