About Tyne Tees BCC.

North East England comprises the counties of Northumbria, Tyneside and Wearside, along with Durham and Teesside in the south. As such we are privileged to a have access to some of the most attractive landscapes in Great Britain, we have towns and villages of historic significance, as well as having a number of the countries most cultural and vibrant Cities located on our door step.

Northumberland and Durham stood at the heart of the old Kingdom of Northumbria with its rich Anglo Saxon and Celtic-Christian traditions. The Prince Bishops of Durham ruled like Kings and were entrusted with the defence of the Border between England and Scotland. There are many excellent examples of castles on the Northumberland Coast with Bamburgh, and Warkworth amongst the best to visit. The world heritage site of Durham Cathedral and Castle are a must to see as is the spectacular “Holy Island” of Lindisfarne.

The region’s more recent past enshrines the earliest years of the industrial revolution and here the world’s earliest railways developed in the region and the world's first passenger railway was created between Stockton and Darlington. Beamish Open Air Museum will give you a wonderful days excursion into life in the Durham Coalfields around 1825 - 1913 and the National Railway Museum at Shildon, Co Durham is only a short drive away.

The Romans have shaped and influenced at lot of the North East of England and there are many great examples to see just how they lived and worked in the North East.

Northumbria

Northumberland is England's most northern county, a magical place filled with ancient castles, golden sand beaches, rolling hills, rugged moorland and friendly little Northumberland towns and villages.
Northumbria is often referred to as 'The Best Kept Secret' in England, this the most northerly county, covers an area of some 1935 square miles.
Adjacent with the Scottish Borders and the North Sea, the 100 mile long Northumberland Coast is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Northumberland Coastal Route provides access to the many towns and villages located along this magnificent stretch of coastline, for which much of the area is unpopulated, tranquil, with mile-after-mile of clean and safe award-winning golden sandy beaches, and quiet country lanes.

At the heart of Northumbria lies Kielder Forest and reservoir, the park is home to the biggest man-made lake in northern Europe and the biggest working forest in England. It covers an area of 250 square miles and offers visitors of all ages attractions and activities, from camping at the local C&CC site at Bellingham, to walking, mountain biking, fishing, an abundance of wildlife, as well as star gazing at the forest observatory.

Probably the most iconic feature of the area is the "Wall", Hadrian's Wall was a Roman frontier built in the years AD 122-30 by order of the Emperor Hadrian. It was 73 miles long and ran from Wallsend-on-Tyne in the east to Bowness on the Solway Firth in the west. Nearly 2,000 years have passed since Hadrian’s Wall was originally built and in 1984, The wall was granted UNESCO World Heritage Status, finally putting to an end the “recycling” of the stone quarried and used by the Roman legions to build Hadrian’s Wall.
Of the 15 Roman Forts originally built as part of Hadrian’s Wall, only 8 remain today, 5 of which can be found in Northumberland, 2 in Newcastle and 1 in Cumbria. The best known of the remaining forts are that of Vindolanda and Housesteads, both of which have been extensively excavated.
Several museums can be found close to Hadrian’s Wall. Many of these museums display the artefacts found during the ongoing excavations of the forts giving visitors the chance to gain a valuable insight into the lives of those who lived on, and defended Hadrian’s Wall.

Tyneside

NEWCASTLE - THE HOME OF GEORDIES

Newcastle City Centre is a friendly and vibrant modern metropolis that is cosmopolitan and chic. The mixture of architecture styles and contrasting wide lane thoroughfares and narrow mysterious lanes make this one of Britain's most exciting and surprising cities. It is a place of glorious shopping, cultural interest and exhilarating beauty.

Originally flourishing during the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, the region of Tyneside has all but thrown off its industrial past since the decline of manufacturing and shipbuilding - the area's major employers at one time.
Although the area's past connections with the coal and steel industries are only really evident in some of its older buildings, there are a few examples of Tyneside's heritage still operating to this day, such as the functioning shipyard in Wallsend.
In recent decades there has been a large degree of reinvention of Tyneside, with many new architectural sights to take in: the spectacularly beautiful curved Millennium Bridge that links Newcastle to Gateshead has, rightly, become a source of great civic pride.
For visiting culture-lovers, there stands the stunning Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art on the banks of the Tyne

THE ANGEL

The Angel of the North is a major visitor attraction. It is seen by over 150,000 visitors a year and more than 90,000 drivers on the A1 - and you could be one of them!
Since spreading its wings in February 1998 Antony Gormley's, The Angel of the North has become one of the most talked about pieces of public art ever produced.
Rising 20 meters from the earth near the A1 in Gateshead, the Angel dominates the skyline, dwarfing all those who come to see it. Made from 200 tonnes of steel, it has a wingspan of 54 metres. Getting up close and personal with the Angel is an experience you'll never forget!

For visiting culture-lovers, there stands the stunning Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art on the banks of the Tyne.
A number of less state-of-the-art but no less interesting attractions are also present on Tyneside: the one-time home of the Venerable Bede - St Paul's Monastery - where the renowned monk and scholar penned much of his work is situated in Jarrow.

In North Tyneside lie the ruins of Tynemouth Priory and Castle, an 11th century Benedictine monastery built on the remnants of a Saxon castle; among the many quality local museums and galleries are one of the country's most visited arts venues, The Liang Art Gallery, which houses an extensive collection of both international and local art

METROCENTRE

Finally if retail therapy is an appeal, the North East of England has been pioneering a retail revolution. Since opening in 1986 Metrocentre has become more than bricks and mortar. It is now part of the social fabric of the region where people come to meet as well as shop.
Metrocentre celebrated its 25th birthday in 2011, and is seen as one of Britain's best and Europe's largest shopping and leisure centres it has everything you could possibly need for the perfect day out. With almost 330 shops including major department stores, Metrocentre has something for everyone all under one roof, themed areas; The Forum, The Studio and The Village where you can find that unique or unusual gifts for every member of the family or friends! As well as free parking, late night shopping and 7 day a week opening times, Metrocentre is home to 50 restaurants, many open late into the evening, and also leisure attractions – ensuring complete enjoyment for all! All with free parking, late night opening and open seven days a week.

Wearside

SUNDERLAND - "MACKEM" COUNTRY

Sunderland is a city with a difference - a modern, bustling centre that is balanced with a relaxing green environment, stunning coastal scenery and a refreshing attitude to life.

In Sunderland, quality of life and quality of environment go hand in hand. The rapidly improving city centre has an enviable location, set right on the mouth of the River Wear next to a beautiful coastline and surrounded by easily accessible countryside. Add to that a range of outstanding heritage, cultural and sporting attractions and you'll find that Sunderland has everything you need for an ideal short break.

ROKER & SEABURN BEACHES

Just north of Sunderland City Centre both Roker and Seaburn beaches provide a wonderful seaside playground for adults and children alike.

Closest to the city, Roker is an ideal place for water sports, with the Marine Activities Centre and other facilities close by.
At the north end of the beach, the swathe of sand gives way to interesting geological structures, with rugged cliffs and 'cannonball' limestone rock formations. Further north the wide stretch of golden sand at Seaburn and its green, traffic-free promenade are used throughout the year as both a place of play and a place of relaxation.

SUNDERLAND AIR SHOW

These award winning beaches and their nearby parks also play host to a number of Sunderland's annual outdoor events, one such spectacle is the thrill of the annual international air show.
On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July from 10am to 6pm, The coastline at Seaburn and Roker in Sunderland will be filled with the sights and sounds of the thrilling Sunderland International Airshow, With breathtaking display teams and precision flying in the air and a massive choice of activities on the ground, there's something for all the family at this FREE action-packed weekend.

ST PETERS CHURCH

From the adrenaline rush of the Red Arrows at the Sunderland International Airshow to St Peters Church, an Anglo-Saxon church in Monkwearmouth is one of the UK’s first stone built churches. Built in 674AD, the tower and west wall have original Saxon feature with in-situ carved decorations.

The Anglo-Saxon church of St Peter's at Monkwearmouth is one of the UK's first stone built churches. Built in 674AD, the tower and west wall are original Saxon features and the church also has on display fragments of the oldest stained glass in the country, made by 7th Century European craftsmen.

SUNDERLAND MUSEUM AND WINTER GARDENS

The award winning Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens is another must-see attraction in Sunderland, where the museum tells the city’s story from its early foundations to the present day accompanied by the stunning indoor winter gardens, boasting over 2,000 tropical flowers and plants.
Here you can discover new facts like, which is the largest seed in the world or just take a relaxing seat by the indoor pond home to some spectacular Japanese Koy fish.
The museum will let you discover the history of the city, from its pre-historic past to the present day. Exciting displays interpret the wide variety of collections, using hands-on exhibits, modern computer interactive and video presentations.
Brilliant for the whole family and kids of all ages, many happy hours can be spent in this award winning attraction.

Washington

The picturesque town of Washington, Sunderland is also well worth a visit. Divided into small villages, Washington became a new town in 1964 and part of Sunderland in 1974 and is steeped in history dating back as a settlement to at least Anglo Saxon times. You will now find breathtaking views of the countryside and fascinating history and heritage attractions, including the impressive Washington Old Hall, where five generations of George Washington’s ancestors once lived.

One of the UK's 'great little houses', Washington Old Hall is a charming 17th Century manor house, which still has some remnants of the original 12th Century dwelling that was home to the direct ancestors of the first President of the United States, George Washington. Restored to its original Jacobean condition, the Hall houses a treasure trove of George Washington memorabilia whilst the beautiful gardens are well worth a visit

WASHINGTON WETLAND CENTRE

Set in 45 hectares of stunning wetland and woodland on the River Wear, Washington Wetland Centre is one of the North East's biggest conservation success stories.
Washington lies on the banks of River Wear between Newcastle and Sunderland and provides an inspirational example of how sound conservation management allows wildlife to thrive even in the midst of urbanisation and of the benefits a green and tranquil place brings to urban communities.
The centre gets its distinctive feel from its groves of ancient and plantation woodland, the oldest of which, Spring Gill Wood, is carpeted with bluebells and wood sorrel in spring.

Water for the neighbouring ponds and wetlands is cleaned by one of the centre’s two reed beds.
The other is a breeding and feeding haven for reed buntings (a national priority bird), reed warblers, sedge warblers and a variety of dragonflies, as well as invertebrates and amphibians. The site’s largest body of water is Wader Lake – a premier viewing point for shoveler, tufted duck, oystercatcher, lapwing, redshank, little ringed plover, curlew, common tern and, recently, avocet. One of the North East’s largest heronries can be seen across the lake and grey herons often visit the nearby stretch of river.
Among the site’s exotic water birds are pink Chilean flamingos and Eurasian cranes, a bird which became extinct in Britain 400 years ago but is now poised for reintroduction

County Durham

Land of the prince Bishops - County Durham, has something for everyone; it's seeped in Mining Heritage, many Castles and Museums, with Durham City featuring as the jewel in the crown of an extraordinary county.

The Durham Dales and Vale of Durham are diverse landscapes, dotted with market towns and picturesque villages. The Durham Dales and North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are home to moorland and forest, whilst the stunning Durham Coast begs to be explored

DURHAM CITY

With its iconic Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site -

Durham Cathedral is regarded as the finest Norman building in Europe. It is the burial place of both St Cuthbert, a great northern saint and the Venerable Bede.
Durham Castle, together with the Cathedral, was awarded the status of a World Heritage Site in 1986 providing international recognition for this unique, historic and scenic site. Standing side by side on a prominent hill top site and encircled by the wooded slopes of the meandering River Wear, the Castle and Cathedral overlook the medieval City of Durham with its fascinating narrow streets.

In the City streets below, stylish boutiques and quirky craft shops jostle for attention alongside top-name brands, whilst Durham Indoor Market, still retains its Victorian charm.

THE DLI MUSEUM

The City is also proud of its Military heritage and is home to the DLI Museum "The Durham Light Infantry" - County Durham's own Regiment.
The DLI Museum remains one of the North of England's finest military museums. It tells the story of one of the most famous County Regiments in the British Army. More importantly, it tells the story of ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives.
Hear the story of the Durham Light Infantry, told through exciting recorded accounts of important individuals.
Enjoy opportunities to get hands-on with the museum's interactive displays, object handling events and craft workshops.
See beautiful uniforms, extravagant headgear and decorative silver from the regiment's early years.
Weapons, personal items and individual memorials telling the stories of the horrors of the First World War.
Military kit, including a Bren Gun carrier, and campaign medals from the Crimea through to Korea.
New exhibition about the recent tour of 3 RIFLES in Afghanistan - 'Courageous Restraint.'
With talks, fascinating accounts, handling and craft workshops for all ages, a well-stocked gift shop, café serving drinks, homemade cake and light lunches, there really is something for everyone at the DLI Museum.

BEAMISH MUSEUM

The world famous Beamish Museum is an open-air museum telling the story of the people of North East England. Visit the town, colliery village, working farm, Pockerley Manor and 1825 railway, recreating life in the North East in the early 1800s and 1900s. Beamish stands in 300 acres of beautiful countryside and is not a traditional museum - most of the houses, shops and other buildings have been dismantled, brought to Beamish and rebuilt.

RABY CASTLE

The dramatic 14thC castle built by the mighty Neville's has been home to Lord Barnard's family since 1626. In the well-preserved halls and chambers history comes vibrantly to life. Throughout the castle the rooms display fine furniture, impressive artwork and elaborate architecture. Visitors can also enjoy the deer park, large walled gardens, coach and carriage collection, woodland adventure playground, picnic area and gift shop. Part of the stables has been converted to a tearoom where former stalls have been incorporated to create an atmospheric setting.

LAMPTON WORM / PENSHAW MONUMENT

If legends and myths are an interest, nothing is more fascinating than a battle between Knights and dragons. Country Durham boasts its own famous legend.
The Lambton Worm is a legend in the North East England in the UK. The story takes place around the River Wear, and is one of the area's most famous pieces of folklore in England.
The story revolves around John Lambton, an heir of the Lambton Estate, County Durham, and his battle with a giant worm (dragon) which had been terrorising the local villages
In some versions of the story the hill is Penshaw Hill, that on which the Penshaw Monument now stands, but locally the credit goes to the nearby Worm Hill, in Fatfield. what In most versions of the story the worm is large enough to wrap itself around the hill 7 times. It is said that one can still see the marks of the worm on Worm Hill.
John Lambton then fights the worm by the river. The worm tries to crush him, wrapping him in its coils, but it cuts itself on his armour's spikes. As pieces of the worm are chopped off they are washed away by the river, preventing the worm from healing itself. Eventually the worm is dead.

STOCKTON , DARLINGTON & SHILDON

Question, why have the afore mentioned towns have a place in history !
Yes that's right County Durham boasts the birth place of the modern railway.

County Durham is where wooden railed wagon-ways developed firstly into colliery railways, rattling a few miles from mines to ships, before going on to carry passengers and freight throughout the country. This technology spread worldwide. Fittingly, County Durham, boasts not one railway museum but two, Darlington Railway Museum is housed in the old North Road station building, built in 1842, on the route of the world famous Stockton and Darlington Railway.
The recently refurbished Museum tells the story of Darlington and the impact of railways. The locomotives in the main area of the museum are complemented by new exhibitions and displays for people of all ages.
Within the town of Shildon, less than ten miles from Darlington railway Museum is the home of the "National Railway Museum", Discover over 300 years of history and over a million wonderful objects.
Marvel at iconic locomotives, watch engineering work in progress in the Workshop, browse our object-filled Warehouse, or let off steam in the outdoor play area.

TEESDALE

Discover heritage and culture, Experience peace and tranquillity, Be outdoors and active, Enjoy speciality shopping and fine dining, Visit exhibitions, festivals and events. Home to the magnificent Bowes Museum, imposing Raby Castle and England's highest waterfall, High Force.
Teesdale is one of the most picturesque Durham Dales in North East England.

Explore the historic market town of Barnard Castle with its elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, medieval castle, riverside walks, specialist shopping and antiques area. Explore picturesque villages, drive along quiet roads, walk and cycle for miles through magnificent scenery, sail or fish on Teesdale's reservoirs and rivers. Visit Middleton in Teesdale, the historic centre of Teesdale's former lead mining industry and gateway to the stunning scenery of the upper dale and High Force.

WEARDALE

Weardale is at the heart of the Durham Dales. With Teesdale on one side, and Derwentside and Allendale on the other, it is the perfect location for getting outdoor and active with a walking or cycling holiday.

Discover our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty extending from the gentle rolling hills and valleys of lower Weardale to the high, wild fells of the North Pennines with its beautiful hay-meadows and nesting sites for some of Britain's rarest birds.

Weardale was once the hunting forest for the Prince Bishops of Durham, second only in size to the King's New Forest. By the sixteenth century deer-parks had gone out of fashion and the Bishop was reaping huge rewards from Weardale's lead-mining industry and later in the nineteenth century from limestone quarrying in Weardale, which have both left a rich industrial heritage in the valley.

Today, visitors can enjoy shopping in the Durham Dales Centre at Stanhope, Weardale, before taking a leisurely trip on the heritage railway line to Wolsingham with its cafe culture; explore underground at Killhope, Weardale's award-winning Lead-mining Museum or experience the peace and tranquillity of the historic High House Chapel and Weardale Museum in Ireshopeburn.

DARLINGTON

Darlington is located in the Tees Valley, and is often slated as 'the gateway to the Tees Valley'. An attractive market town with a population of over one hundred thousand residents and is the birthplace of Railways. This is celebrated in the town at Darlington Railway Centre and Museum. The world's first passenger rail journey was between Shildon and Stockton-on-Tees via Darlington, on the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825.
The town later became an important centre for railway manufacturing, with three significant works. To commemorate the town's contribution to the railways, David Mach's 1997 work "Train" is located alongside the A66, close to the original Stockton-Darlington railway. It is a life-size brick sculpture of a steaming locomotive emerging from a tunnel, made from 185,000 bricks.

Darlington is close to the Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales and Cleveland Hills; the North York Moors are also within easy reach of the town. Both the River Tees and River Skerne pass through the town, the River Skerne later joining the River Tees which then flows into the North Sea.

Teesside

TEES VALLEY

Tees Valley is located in North East England, nestled between North Yorkshire and County Durham. The five Tees Valley Boroughs - Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton on Tees - all boast their own distinctive character.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Once dubbed 'an infant Hercules', Middlesbrough is the urban hotspot of the Tees Valley. In True North east style, Middlesbrough, joins both Newcastle and Sunderland with a monumental and iconic structures.

The Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge is the best known landmark in Teesside. Its famous shape is visible from miles around and represents a proud industrial heritage.
Built in 1911 under a 1907 Act of Parliament, the Transporter Bridge, which spans the River Tees, is capable of carrying 600 people at a time. You drive or walk into a cradle that is suspended beneath the main span of the bridge and which carries its load of cars and pedestrians across the Tees some 160ft above the river in just two and a half minutes

Middlesbrough also boasts the birth place of Captain James Cook, the famous 18th century explorer and navigator whose achievements in mapping the Pacific, New Zealand and Australia radically changed western perceptions of world geography

James Cook was born on 27 October 1728 in "Marton" a small village near Middlesbrough, in his memory, the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum opened on the 28th October 1978 – the 250th anniversary of Cook’s birth. It is housed in a purpose-built building close to the granite urn marking the site of Cook’s birthplace cottage in Stewart Park, Marton, Middlesbrough. The museum tells the story of one of the world’s greatest navigators and mariners through themed display galleries, temporary exhibitions, associated activities and events and a
lively education programme.

Redcar & Cleveland

The area is extremely varied geographically. The Tees estuary is highly industrialized and urbanized. Much of the remainder of the lowland parts of Cleveland is farmland. East Cleveland marks the northern end of the chain of cliffs that runs along the North Yorkshire Heritage Coast. South Cleveland is extremely hilly, forming the escarpment of the North York Moors.

One of the best known symbols of Cleveland is the distinctive hill of Roseberry Topping, which overlooks Newton under Roseberry on the Great Ayton to Guisborough road.

Its original roughly conical form was undercut by extensive mining, giving it a jagged appearance that many have thought reminiscent of the Matterhorn mountain

Cleveland's coastline stretches from the mouth of the Tees to the Heritage Coast of Staithes. We have one of the longest unbroken stretches of beach in the United Kingdom running from South Gare in the north-west to Saltburn in the south-east. The character of the coastline is one of astonishing contrasts - dramatic sea cliffs, sweeping bays and long stretches of sandy beaches.

Starting from the Tees mouth at South Gare, you can begin to understand the contrast of the coast. Here you will find coastal views are dominated by Redcar's steel industry, but alongside this you also have a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which is protected by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

Following the sands of Coatham we come to the popular resort of Redcar, where fishing cobles land on the beach to sell their catches straight from the boat. The stretch of beach near Redcar Lifeboat Station has gained a Seaside Award for its cleanliness and good water quality.

Two miles south along the coast we reach Marske, a quiet and serene part of the coast where boats
still group on the slipway.

On to Saltburn which developed as a Victorian resort. The foreboding cliffs tower above the crashing North Sea which shadows the sand and shingle beach. An impressive recently restored pier extends 200 metres from the shoreline.

The sea at Saltburn offers some of the best surfing conditions in the country. The stretch of beach near the pier has also gained a Seaside Award which reflects our on-going efforts to keep our coastline as beautiful and clean as possible. The Seaside Award takes into account water quality, beach safety, dog-free zones, quality of signage for tourists and beach cleanliness. We have in place a weekly cleaning programme for the area of the beaches patrolled by lifeguards.

The coastline from Saltburn to Staithes is a designated Heritage Coast. Travelling along we come to the traditional fishing village of Skinningrove, it faces directly on to the sea with its fine secluded and quiet stretch of beach.

From here we reach Boulby, the home of the highest cliffs on England's East Coast and Britain's deepest mineshaft.

HARTLEPOOL

THE HISTORIC QUAYSIDE

A naval seaport was a hive of activity. Businesses prospered and flourished supplying the huge demand from the Royal Navy and merchant ships. Everything from candles to canvases, swords to sailcloth.
The quayside recaptures the atmosphere of such a seaport, boasting an interesting range of period shops and buildings in authentic architectural styles. You'll discover a Chandler, Gunsmith, Swordsmith, Naval Tailor, Architect, Printer and even the impressive Admiral's House. Don't miss the displays at the rear of each building for more insights into 18th century life.
The entire quayside is there for you to enjoy. For added authenticity your visit is enhanced by the quayside guides, who are always in full period costume. Displays of musketry, cannon firing and sword fighting are regular events.
Period Shops and Houses
A naval seaport was a hive of activity. Businesses prospered and flourished supplying the huge demand from the Royal Navy and merchant ships. Everything from candles to canvases, swords to sailcloth.
The quayside recaptures the atmosphere of such a seaport, boasting an interesting range of period shops and buildings in authentic architectural styles. Don't miss the displays at the rear of each building for more insights into 18th century life.

The Shops are the first things you will encounter, but the entire quayside is there for you to enjoy. For added authenticity your visit is enhanced by the quayside guides, who are always in full period costume. Displays of musketry, cannon firing and sword fighting are regular events.
As well as the permanent attractions at Hartlepool's Maritime Experience, there is an extensive programme of events and activities throughout the year, particularly during each school holiday.

SALTHOLME & SEAL SANDS

RSPB Saltholme opened in early 2009, and is set against a landscape of the declining steel and petrochemical industries. Covering 380 hectares of former brownfield site and marshlands, Salthome has been transformed into a superb wildlife reserve. Saltholme is home to a large colony of breeding common terns, which arrive each spring to nest on the cockleshell-covered islands.

Seal Sands is the southern part of the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve, and is located between Hartlepool and Middlesbrough and although the nuclear power station and chemical works will be on the horizon it is a place where you can get up close to the animals and birds. In fact it is the only area of inter-tidal mud flat between Lindisfarne and the Humber and there is very little human disturbance and as a result during the autumn and winter months it can get up to 30,000 ducks and waders.
The northern side at North Gare is a large expanse of sand-dune and mudflat and the hide provides a good view of Shelduck, Knot and Redshank. The hide on the southern side at Greatham Creek gives a good view of birds, but also seals.
Seal Watching. Sightings are pretty much guaranteed and around 100 seals can be seen. Visiting at low tide you will see the seals lounging about on the sandbank in the middle of the lagoon. However a visit when the tide is in will bring them up Greatham Creek and out onto the mudbanks and a walk along the footpath will give you the closest view.

STOCKTON ON TEES

Stockton-on-Tees is a market town, The town's High Street is reputed to be the widest in England,
however Stockton is most famous for its associations with the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which operated the world's first steam-hauled passenger train in 1825. The town also has the world's oldest passenger railway station building, and also contains much Georgian architecture, one notable example is the Georgian theatre, reputed to be the world oldest being constructed in 1766.

If adrenaline is the appeal, come and experience the UK's Newest White Water Rafting Centre. With a £4.6 million redevelopment. Get ready to experience the thrills, obstacles and drops of world class Water Rafting. The fantastic new course can offer guaranteed white water with four massive 'Archimedes Screws' turning up the heat.

Located adjacent to the Stockton on Tees barrage, the White Water Centre is a must for adrenalin enthusiasts. Treat your friends and family to a memorable day out as you negotiate your way around the course.

The White water centre is one of only two courses in the UK, to feature the RapidBloc system as used by the Team GB Canoe Slalom squad. You too can experience the way they shape the water before the 2012 Olympics.

If that's not enough also on offer are adrenalin packed high speed powerboat trips which take you on the River Tees and out to sea, crashing through the waves bobbing, weaving, turning and jumping in a top of the range craft with all the necessary safety equipment.
Also offer other Water Sports activities which include White Water Kayaking, Flat Water Canoeing, Bell Boating and Sailing which are all ideal experiences Water Sports Activities

Camping with Tyne Tees