Our region is packed to the brim with fantastic parks waiting to be explored. Stockton’s Ropner Park has been restored to its Victorian splendour, with play area, tennis courts and bowls club, while Preston Park’s 100 acres are packed with things to explore – such as the Quarry Wood Nature Reserve.
Get up close and personal with some prehistoric sculptures at Middlesbrough’s Teessaurus Park, explore the Ironmasters’ Trail and learn about the iron and steel industry which one dominated that stretch of the river Tees.
Also in Middlesbrough is the beautiful 120-acre Stewart Park, originally home to Marton Hall built in 1858. Today you can meet the animals in pets’ corner or explore the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum – for £4 for adults, £3 for children or free for under threes.
You’ll find Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park in Redcar & Cleveland, a great gateway from which to explore the Eston Hills. It is packed with woodland walks, panoramic views, a sculpture trail, arboretum and more.
And Darlington’s South Park is a Grade II registered historic park a short stroll from the town centre, which regularly hosts outdoor concerts on its bandstand.
For the curious among you, Middlesbrough’s Dorman Museum is full of varied permanent galleries, including space and Middlesbrough through time, while also housing the largest public collection of Linthorpe Art Pottery. It’s open from 10am – 4pm Tuesday to Sunday and is free!
In Redcar, the Kirkleatham Museum and Grounds features semi-permanent displays covering local industrial, maritime and social history housed in a magnificent 1709 Queen Anne building. Its grounds are equally as beautiful, with lots to explore – perfect for kids of all ages.
If it’s seaside you’re after, Redcar and Hartlepool have you covered. Why not take a stroll along Saltburn’s pier and sweeping beach, or stroll through its Victorian Valley Gardens. Hartlepool’s Seaton Carew provides everything you would expect from a traditional seaside experience, with walks from Hartlepool Marina to the Tees Estuary and Blue Lagoon Beach.
So take advantage of all to do for free and get exploring our fantastic region.
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