Top 10 things to do in Tees Valley
Tees Valley is a smaller area with a rich industrial heritage, the world’s first passenger railway line, and a coastline at Saltburn. It is more local than touristy, and good value.
- 1
Transporter Bridge
📍 MiddlesbroughLandmark, viewsA giant working transporter bridge over the Tees, with a visitor centre.
- 2
Captain Cook Birthplace Museum
📍 Marton, MiddlesbroughHistory, freeA museum about the explorer, in the park where he was born.
- 3
Saltburn Pier and Beach
📍 Saltburn-by-the-SeaSeaside, relaxedThe last remaining pier in Yorkshire, with a cliff tramway.
- 4
Preston Park Museum
📍 Stockton-on-TeesFree, historyA free museum in a park, with a Victorian street.
- 5
Head of Steam Railway Museum
📍 DarlingtonTrains, familiesA railway museum at Darlington’s North Road station.
- 6
Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art
📍 MiddlesbroughArt, freeA free gallery of modern art and craft.
- 7
Hartlepool Maritime Experience
📍 HartlepoolHistory, shipA restored warship, HMS Trincomalee, with a port experience.
- 8
Ormesby Hall
📍 Near MiddlesbroughHouse, gardensA Georgian mansion with gardens and a stable block.
- 9
Wilton Castle
📍 Near RedcarHistoryA castle-style house in Redcar and Cleveland. Check public access before visiting.
- 10
Stockton Riverside
📍 StocktonWalks, marketsA riverside walk with a market and Georgian streets.
Where to base yourself
Last checked: October 2026.