| So exceptional are the 900 year old castle and cathedral that give the city of Durham its dramatic skyline, they were declared one of the first World Heritage Sites in Britain. The Norman cathedral and castle are landmarks of a time when Durham was ruled by “Prince Bishops”, acting as Bishop and Soldier for the King.
More recently, the cathedral was the setting for ‘Hogwarts’ School in the Harry Potter movies.
As the home of the world’s first ever passenger railway, which ran between Stockton and Darlington in 1825, it is no surprise that there are several attractions in Durham and Tees Valley to commemorate this historic achievement. Follow our Train Trail, which takes you around eight uniquely different attractions. Visit Beamish Open Air Museum, winner of Enjoy England’s Excellence Awards for Best Large Attraction; there you will experience what life was like in the 19th and 20th Century. Wander down a Victorian Street at Preston Hall Museum in Stockton on Tees. See George Stephenson’s Locomotion No 1 at Darlington Railway Museum or visit the world of trains at ‘Locomotion’ in Shildon. Experience authentic rail travel for yourself and take a ride on a steam train at Weardale, Tanfield or Shildon - for more information visit www.traintrail.co.uk
This splendid museum is housed in a stunning French-style chateau set in the picturesque Teesdale market town of Barnard Castle. John and Joséphine Bowes founded The Bowes Museum over 100 years ago and today the popular attraction is one of Britain’s most fascinating experiences. The magnificent building contains an outstanding collection of treasures from European fine and decorative art to major temporary exhibitions of international quality and interest. A perfect day out whatever the weather.
One of the region’s most famous sons is Captain Cook, famous for his voyages around the world and mapping of Australasia. Visit the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum at Stewart Park in his hometown of Middlesbrough and from there follow his life on a 70 mile drive through Captain Cook Country from his school days in Great Ayton, life as an apprentice in Staithes and onto Whitby where he started his sea-faring journeys.
Find out more about the area’s maritime past at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, a reproduction of an 18th Century seaport, where the last of Nelson’s frigates the HMS Trincomalee is docked.
Take in the sea air at Tees Valley’s award winning beaches and Durham’s heritage coast.
Visit the Victorian spa town of Saltburn, with a glorious beach nestled against the backdrop of sheer cliffs, and a period pier, historic cliff lift and surf school. Explore the beaches at Seaham or Crimdon or take a bracing cliff top walk along the Durham Coastal Footpath and see flowers and wildlife of international importance.
Raby is one of the largest and most impressive of English medieval castles.
Wonder at its towers, turrets, embattled walls, interiors and artworks from the Medieval, Regency and Victorian periods. Walk in the ornamental gardens, see the herds of deer roaming the surrounding parkland, marvel at the horse-drawn carriages and enjoy tea and scones in the tearooms.
From the majestic rugged outline of the Cleveland Hills, to the remote high Pennines to vast stretches of moorland, this area boasts an impressive variety of landscape just waiting to be explored. You can walk, run, drive, cycle or sail through the Durham Dales of Teesdale, Weardale and Derwent Valley or the Cleveland Hills and nearby North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Visit the mighty High Force, England’s largest waterfall or climb to the top of Roseberry Topping for fabulous panoramic views of the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire Moors.
Tees Valley is proud of its premiership football team, Middlesbrough FC, who now also play in the UEFA Cup. Why not come and watch a match at the Riverside, one of the finest stadiums in the country.
Tank driving, surfing, white water rafting, flying lessons, rally driving, golf, clay pigeon shooting, hot air ballooning and more, the area is an ideal spot for those who are looking for an action-packed stay. More information on activities is available in an additional brochure please contact victoria.smiley@teesvalley-jsu.gov.uk if you would like a copy.
Durham is home to the Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall, one of the top 10 Spa Resorts in the World and voted Hotel of the Year by AA. Seaham is just 30 minutes from Durham Tees Valley Airport and offers breaks of pure indulgence. Chose from over eighty different treatments or one of their Day Rituals. Swim in the ozone-cleansed pool, work out in the TechnoGym, or just relax in the thermal baths.
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