January Jaunts that Won’t Break the Bank

Well we’re sorry, but the festive season is well and truly over. If, like many of us, you’re looking after the pennies after splashing out over Christmas, you might worry about being bored this month.

But don’t fret – we’ve got plenty of ideas to keep you occupied throughout January to your much-needed payday!

Put Your Best Foot Forward: Our region is full of diverse parks and walks, each with something unique to offer – great if you’re keen to get active and shift the Christmas pounds! Check out Teessaurus Park’s ten acres on the banks of the Tees in Middlesbrough, and take in some impressive sculptures of huge dinos. Or if you like your creatures a lot smaller – and more animated – visit Stockton’s Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park, which is home to a vast variety of birdlife in its meadows and lake.

Get to the Art of the Region: Teesside’s spirit of creativity can be seen in our fantastic contemporary art galleries, the most famous being MIMA in Middlesbrough. But there’s free entry to others further afield, including Redcar Contemporary Art Gallery and The Redcar Palace, all exhibiting the best of local, national and international creators.

Immerse Yourself in History: Darlington’s new Hopetown attraction recently scooped the North East Culture Award for best museum or cultural venue. You can see what all the fuss is about absolutely free and discover the town’s rich rail history. If you’re keen for more local tales, the Museum of Hartlepool tells the story of the town from the Bronze Age, highlighting its important maritime past.

Life’s a Beach: Okay, okay, so it’s January but that’s no excuse – just get wrapped up warm and see what our beaches have to offer. Saltburn boats a 200m Victorian Pier and you can take in the nearby Italian Gardens too. Alternatively, Hartlepool’s Seaton Carew provides everything you’d expect from a traditional seaside experience. Nothing warms you up like fish and chips – and that’s in abundance along our shoreline!

Enter the Spotlight: The New Year’s a great time to pick up a new hobby. In Darlington, you can book a free taster session to join the town’s Rock Choir, with rehearsals every week. The group has previously supported Comic and Sport Relief and even took to the stage at London’s Hammersmith Apollo. Stockton’s Georgian Theatre is also kicking off its popular Musicians Meet-Up for 2025 on Wednesday, January 15 – so if you’re a musician, activist or simply love the industry, pop along for a chat.