Maritime and Railway Heritage

An ingenious pioneer and a fearless explorer from North East England helped shape the world as we know it today.

As many of you may know Captain James Cook first reached Australia on 19th April 1770, thus becoming the first recorded European to have encountered its eastern coastline. However, what you may not know is that the man who would become the world's most famous navigator was born in Middlesbrough, Tees Valley. Visit his Birthplace Museum before admiring a full size replica of his ship HM Bark Endeavour in nearby Stockton-on-Tees.

For a real flavour of life at sea visit Hartlepool's Maritime Experience where an 18th century naval seaport, complete with the smells and sounds, recreates life at the time of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar. Don't miss HMS Trincomalee, Britain's oldest warship that's still afloat.

For the darker exploits of life at sea, visit Saltburn Smugglers Heritage Centre which tells the story of smuggling on the Tees Valley coast.

In terms of railway history, North East England is proud to have started the rail revolution in the 1800's, with the names George Stephenson and Timothy Hackworth standing proud as the inventors of the moving engine. Visit Darlington Railway Museum and Centre to see Stephenson's original "Locomotion".