Seven perfect places for a picnic in the Tees Valley
Itineraries | Published on: 23rd June 2021
The Tees Valley has plenty of amazing spaces which provide the perfect location for dining in the great outdoors. Enjoy lunch with a view, settle in a secluded spot or turn your picnic into a day trip at a Tees Valley attraction.
Picnic at Kirkleatham Museum for a day the whole family will enjoy.
Pop into the museum to learn about the region’s industrial heritage and hear all about the Anglo-Saxon era, discover a whole host of exhibitions and displays or pop in for a workshop or two. Children can let off some steam in the state-of-the-art play park or choose to meet an array of fascinating birds at the neighbouring Kirkleatham Owl Centre.
After a fun-filled day at the museum, explore the grounds to find a sunny spot to settle down in, or pop to a picnic bench and enjoy your al fresco experience.
Head to Preston Park for a picnic partnered with history and fun.
Surround yourself in a wonderful selection of woodland trails and walks by the water as you explore the grounds, before finding a perfect place to throw your blanket down.
Why not make a day out of it, and pop into Preston Park Museum?
Take a step back in time as you stroll the replica Victorian street, lined with an old-fashioned sweet shop, toy store and even a blacksmith!
Once you’ve had a marvellous Museum experience, please your little ones with a visit to the adventure play area or take to the tropical universe of Butterfly World, packed with fascinating creatures and tropical plants.
Dine in the great outdoors at Summerhill Country Park in Hartlepool. Potter around to find the perfect place to pop your blanket down, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this 100-acre beauty spot!
Seek out sculptures, spot fascinating wildlife and find plenty of ponds with viewing platforms dotted around the park. Fancy a climb? Make a beeline to one of eight climbing boulders in the park.
This local nature reserve and outdoor activity centre is an ideal place to picnic in the Tees Valley.
Fancy a picnic at one of Britain’s Top Ten Secret Beaches? Pop to Marske Sands Beach to find a peaceful spot to tuck to into your sandwiches this summer.
The golden stretch of coastline is the perfect place to appreciate stunning views and fresh sea air, whilst the little ones have plenty of space to play around in the sand.
After enjoying a seaside picnic, work those sandwiches off and walk the England Coast Path, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the region’s countryside and coast.
Get close to nature whilst grabbing a bite to eat at RSPB Saltholme.
Wind your way around wilderness trails and wildflower walks or enjoy the summer song of Kestrels and skylark on the Kestrel Trail. Explore your wild side as you watch thousands of water birds in the pools or watch cows and sheep graze on wet grassland.
Once you find a picnic bench, you can take in views of the Tees Transporter Bridge and Temenos, whilst enjoying all the fascinating wildlife around you. Don’t forget to stop by the fantastic adventure play area before you go, with its wildlife-themed swings and things.
No picnic? No panic! Just pop into the café located in the visitor centre, and grab a treat or two from the gift shop.
Experience a feast fit for royalty as you throw your picnic blanket down at Raby Castle.
Eat whilst enjoying the beautiful grounds and stunning lakeside views, which are accompanied by resident deer. Before stuffing your face, don’t forget to marvel at the castle’s fascinating exterior, with medieval towers, turrets and embattled walls dating back to the 11th Century.
Once you’re done, why not tour around the castle, discover the walled gardens, or let the children run wild at the Woodland Adventure Playground
Teessaurus Park
Dine in the company of dinosaurs whilst enjoying a delightful picnic by the riverside. Situated by the River Tees, Teessauras Park is a rawsome spot for a picnic. Discover life size dinosaur sculptures like a towering tyrannosaurus and bright brontosaurus dotted around the 10-acre site, before dining in the great outdoors with views of the river.
Once you’re done, why not walk off those sandwiches by taking to the Teesdale Way and heading to Tees Barrage on foot?
Share your favourite picnic spots with us using #EnjoyTeesValley on social media. Explore our website for more fun-filled days out in the region.
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