Things to Do in Teesside & Cleveland – Places to Visit & Explore
Teesside and Cleveland have plenty to offer, whether you are looking for a family day out, a walk in the countryside, a day at the seaside, a museum visit, outdoor adventure or somewhere new to explore.
From the coastline around Redcar and Saltburn to the countryside around Cleveland and the towns of Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool, there is something for everyone.
Tees Valley is made up of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees, with a wide choice of attractions, countryside, coastline, heritage and activities.
Explore the Great Outdoors
One of the best things about Teesside and Cleveland is the amount of open space available to explore.
For walkers, nature lovers and anyone wanting to escape the town for a few hours, there are parks, countryside, woodland, riverside routes and spectacular Cleveland scenery.
Roseberry Topping
Roseberry Topping is one of the area’s best-known landmarks and provides a popular destination for walkers and visitors wanting to enjoy the Cleveland countryside.
The official Tees Valley walking route covers approximately 6.5km and offers impressive views across the surrounding countryside.
Full information and walking route:
https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/visit/things-to-see-and-do/activities/roseberry-topping-walking-route/
Stewart Park
Stewart Park in Middlesbrough covers around 120 acres and includes woodland, parkland, lakes, nature trails and the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum. It is a great choice for a family day out or a relaxing walk.
https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/visit/things-to-see-and-do/activities/stewart-park/
Fairy Dell
Fairy Dell offers woodland walks, a lake, bridges, picnic areas and wildlife, making it a peaceful place to explore the outdoors in Middlesbrough.
https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/visit/things-to-see-and-do/activities/fairy-dell/
Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park
Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park is an excellent starting point for exploring the Eston Hills, with walking routes, woodland and countryside.
For more walking and cycling ideas across the area:
https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/visit/things-to-see-and-do/activities/category/walking/
Enjoy the Coast at Redcar & Saltburn
The Teesside coastline is another major attraction.
Redcar & Cleveland offers beaches, coastal walks, historic attractions and seaside towns, with plenty of opportunities for walking, watersports, family activities and relaxing by the sea.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Saltburn-by-the-Sea is one of the area’s most popular seaside destinations. Visitors can enjoy Saltburn Beach, the pier, Italian Gardens, miniature railway, independent shops and the famous cliff tramway.
Saltburn Cliff Tramway
The Saltburn Cliff Tramway is a particularly interesting heritage attraction. Opened in 1884, it links the Victorian town with the seafront and provides spectacular coastal views.
Redcar
Redcar offers a long sandy beach, promenade, coastal activities and attractions including Kirkleatham Museum and the surrounding heritage sites.
Discover Teesside’s Museums & Heritage
Teesside and Cleveland have a fascinating industrial, maritime and social history.
Dorman Museum
Dorman Museum in Middlesbrough explores local natural and social history and includes exhibitions covering Linthorpe Art Pottery and the work of Victorian designer Christopher Dresser.
https://teesvalleymuseums.org/visit/
Captain Cook Birthplace Museum
The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum is located within Stewart Park and explores the life and achievements of Captain James Cook.
Ormesby Hall
Ormesby Hall provides another opportunity to discover the area’s heritage and enjoy its surrounding grounds.
https://redcarcleveland.co.uk/enjoy/museums-heritage-redcar-cleveland/
Preston Park Museum & Grounds
Preston Park Museum & Grounds in Stockton-on-Tees combines local history, museum collections, gardens, open space and family activities.
https://teesvalleymuseums.org/visit/
Kirkleatham Museum
Kirkleatham Museum is housed in a historic Queen Anne building and features exhibitions covering the industrial, maritime and social history of Redcar & Cleveland. The surrounding grounds also provide space for walks and family activities.
https://redcarcleveland.co.uk/enjoy/kirkleatham-museum/
Land of Iron
For anyone interested in Cleveland’s industrial heritage, Land of Iron at Skinningrove tells the story of ironstone mining and the people who worked in the local mines.
https://redcarcleveland.co.uk/enjoy/inspire/land-of-iron/
A full list of museums and heritage attractions in Redcar & Cleveland can be found here:
https://redcarcleveland.co.uk/enjoy/museums-heritage-redcar-cleveland/
Family Days Out in Teesside
Looking for family things to do in Teesside?
There are plenty of attractions suitable for children and families, from farms and parks to museums, adventure attractions and beaches.
Newham Grange Farm is a popular family attraction in Coulby Newham.
Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park Teesside provides an indoor adventure experience at Teesside Park.
The wider Tees Valley also has attractions including adventure golf, entertainment venues and family attractions.
https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/visit/things-to-see-and-do/activities/category/attractions/
Wildlife & Nature
Teesside isn’t only about towns and industry. The area has excellent opportunities to discover wildlife and nature.
RSPB Saltholme is a popular destination for anyone interested in birds and wildlife, while the wider region has numerous walking routes, nature reserves, parks and open spaces.
Tees Valley also has a wide range of walking and cycling routes stretching from the North York Moors towards County Durham.
Discover Cleveland’s History
Cleveland has a fascinating connection with industry, mining and engineering.
At Land of Iron in Skinningrove, visitors can learn about Cleveland’s ironstone mining heritage and the industrial history that helped shape the region.
The official Redcar & Cleveland heritage information also includes Gisborough Priory, Saltburn Cliff Tramway, Kirkleatham Museum, Ormesby Hall, Guisborough Museum and other attractions.
https://redcarcleveland.co.uk/enjoy/museums-heritage-redcar-cleveland/
Explore Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough is at the heart of Teesside and offers a mixture of culture, entertainment, shopping, food, museums, events and attractions.
The town also provides easy access to the surrounding countryside, coastline and wider Tees Valley.
For a wider guide to things to see and do across the region:
https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/visit/things-to-see-and-do/
Visit Great Ayton & the Cleveland Countryside
The countryside around Cleveland provides some of the area’s most spectacular scenery.
Captain Cook’s Monument near Great Ayton is an iconic local landmark, while the surrounding countryside provides opportunities for walking and exploring.
The wider Tees Valley countryside includes walking routes, villages, woodland and spectacular views across Cleveland and North Yorkshire.
Things to Do All Year Round
There is no need to wait for summer to enjoy Teesside and Cleveland.
Throughout the year you can find:
- Family activities
- Theatre and live entertainment
- Museums and exhibitions
- Art and culture
- Walking and cycling
- Beaches and coastal walks
- Markets and festivals
- Outdoor activities
- Food and drink
- Sporting events
- Local attractions
- Seasonal events and celebrations
The official Tees Valley visitor website provides information about attractions, activities, places to visit and current events.
https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/visit/
Find More Things to Do in Teesside
Whether you live locally or are visiting the area, there is always something new to discover across Teesside, Cleveland and the wider Tees Valley.
From a walk around Roseberry Topping to a day beside the sea at Saltburn, a family visit to a museum, wildlife watching or exploring Cleveland’s industrial heritage, the region offers an impressive choice of activities and attractions.
Looking for things to do this week or this weekend?
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