If you are holidaying in the UK this year and heading to the beautiful beaches and quaint villages of North Yorkshire, the moors, or the Yorkshire Dales, then chances are you will pass through the Tees Valley on the way. Notwithstanding Middlesbrough’s reputation for being a little rough around the edges, the towns of the Tees Valley, such as the historic market town of Darlington, attract countless visitors each year. Here is a small selection of things to do and places to go to if you happen to be in the Tees Valley:
Visit the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum
One of the region most popular museums, the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum in Marton, a borough of Middlesbrough, includes a collection of artifacts related to the British Explorer Captain James Cook’s life. The museum was opened in 1978 by Queen Elizabeth II on what would have been his 250th birthday. The museum is housed in a former farmhouse where Captain James Cook was born on 27 October 1728. The building was purchased by Staithes Community Council for £3,000, renovated, and opened as a museum on 13 September 1978 by Queen Elizabeth II during her Silver Jubilee celebrations.
Other popular museums in the Tees Valley include the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool, which currently hosts a Horrible Histories® Pirates exhibition and the Head of Steam museum on the 1825 route of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, which is popular with train lovers and kids alike.
Enjoy a Riverside Stadium tour
If you’re a sports fan, this is an experience not to be missed. The Riverside football stadium has been the home ground of Middlesbrough FC since 1995. It replaced Ayresome Park, which was the football club’s home since 1908. The Riverside Stadium tour allows visitors to get an insider’s view of what goes on behind closed doors at the historical football ground. Follow your guide through changing rooms and dugouts before taking your seat in one of two commentary boxes where you will learn how all the sounds come together to create the exciting stadium atmosphere football fans love.
Go to the beach
If you are not booking one of our group holidays for single parents this summer, why not visit one of area’s gorgeous beaches? Saltburn-by-the-Sea is just one of many great beaches along the North East coast. A great beach, with both sand and shingles perfect for paddling and swimming, it has a lifeguard and is also pushchair friendly. The beach can be reached via the oldest water balanced cliff tramway in England which connects the Victorian seaside town with the pier, the first iron pier built on the North East coast. Alternatively, you can park near the sea by Skelton Beck. When you get hungry, head to the Ship Inn, an old smuggler’s pub.
Eat at the Durham Ox
If you’re looking for a special place to eat or stay, the Durham Ox Inn, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, is an excellent choice. This traditional pub is 300 years old! The interior is quaint and full of character. The menu features traditional British favourites, such as Sunday roast, fish, chips, and bangers and mash, as well as a variety of gastro pub choices, such as lobster and scallops. The restaurant seats around eighty people at tables inside or outside on their patio when weather permits. During the holidays reservations are recommended because this place gets packed quickly. There is also plenty of parking available nearby.
Play golf at Rockliffe Hall
Between the Yorkshire Dales and Middlesbrough, just south of Darlington, you will find Rockliffe Hall Golf, a private golf club located in the North Yorkshire Moors. The legendary Jack Nicklaus designed this 18-hole course, boasting some of the most stunning views of any golf course in England. If you’re looking for an excellent way to spend your time while on holiday in Yorkshire, this is it. The club offers driving range facilities and an on-site shop where members can purchase equipment and hire clubs for their round of golf.
Hire a minibus in Middlesbrough
If you’re visiting friends or family in the Tees Valley and want to explore the area together, minibus hire in Middlesbrough is a great option. With a minibus, you can stop when and where you want. There is no need to use public transport or taxis. You’ll also be able to go where other forms of transportation won’t take you, including narrow streets and rough terrain. So next time you are in the area, be it for business or holidays, rent a vehicle, you will have no excuse for not visiting the beautiful beaches, the moors, or the Yorkshire Dales.
Step back in time at Preston Park
South of Stockton-on-Tees, along the River Tees, you will find Preston Park Museum and Grounds, a destination popular with local families as well as visitors to the area. Preston Hall was built in 1825 by David Burton Fowler. The building still has many original features, including wood panelling and fireplaces. The old mansion is now a museum teaching young and old about the history and ambitions of the two families that lived in Preston Park in the Georgian and Victorian times.
The impressive grounds feature a wonderful collection of plants and trees, including rhododendrons, magnolias, and azaleas. Families can explore the park’s river and woodland walks, the adventure playground, and the Victorian Street, including toy and sweets shops, a police station, a blacksmith, and many more Victorian shops, all of which are entirely run by volunteers. There are also plenty of other activities for children, such as a skate park and a miniature gauge railway.
Go to the theatre
If you are looking for an evening out, Middlesbrough Theatre offers an excellent choice of shows. It’s located 10 minutes from the town centre, has its own car park, and is also easily accessible by public transport. The theatre’s history goes back to the forming of the Middlesbrough Little Theatre society in 1930. The theatre was finally and formally opened on 22 October 1957 and has an impressive 484 seats and a 70’ wide stage.
Conclusion
Whether you are visiting family, stopping by on business, or holidaying in the area, there is much to do and around the Tees Valley. Make sure you check events and festivals when you are visiting – there is always something happening in the area.
About the author:
Single Parents on Holiday organise fabulous group holidays for single parents and their children as well as singles ski holidays and singles trips for solo travellers 40+ wish to travel without kids.
