Hartlepool

Situated on the coast of North East England, Hartlepool is a town that has seen a dramatic renaissance in recent years. Christian heritage was critically important to the town’s development and this story is retold inside the imposing St Hilda’s Church on Hartlepool Headland.

The Headland, or ‘Old Hartlepool’ is home to a number of historically important attractions such as the Heugh Gun Battery which served to protect the town from bombardment in December 1914. The Victorian resort of Seaton Carew offers miles of unspoilt golden beaches and a range of traditional guest-house accommodation and hotels.

Hartlepool’s award-winning marina is a real focal point for the town and draws people from far and wide to enjoy the surroundings and, in particular, the food. It is home to a growing number of top class restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. In fact, when it comes to eating out, there are now over two dozen places to choose from on the marina alone.

Hartlepool’s main attraction, Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, is also to be found here. This recreation of an 18th-century seaport portrays life at sea during the time of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar. A highlight of the attraction is the fabulously restored HMS Trincomalee – England’s oldest warship still afloat - which is open to visitors on the quay.