The UK festival season gets started in Tees Valley this summer as BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend hits Middlesbrough in May 2019. To make sure your weekend in Tees Valley is a big one, here are a few suggestions of things to do whilst you’re here.
Feeling brave? You can take in the industrial landscape of Tees Valley from 160ft up the iconic Transporter Bridge before bungee jumping off it! In fact the Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough is the only bridge in England that you can bungee off so you really couldn’t do this anywhere else.
Jumps happen every month between March - December.
Take to the water and explore the River Tees that winds its way through Tees Valley on kayak, canoe, paddle board, power boat or raft. Choose between a leisurely pace by rowing boat with RiverShack or really get the blood pumping by taking on the Olympic standard white water rafting course at Tees Barrage in Stockton. Whilst you are there why not tower above the river by having a go on Air Trail – the UK’s biggest sky trail high ropes adventure course.
You might be surprised to learn that seals call Tees Valley their home with both Hartlepool and Stockton popular resting places for harbour and grey seals. You can take a Seafari from Hartlepool Marina for some seal spotting (or dolphin spotting in warmer months) or spot them in Tees Barrage or at Greatham Creek.
The picturesque town of Saltburn with its beautiful coastline and Victorian charm is the perfect spot to catch some waves. On or off the board there is lots to explore here too. You can take a ride on the oldest water balanced cliff tramway in Britain that is still in operation, stroll along the long stretching pleasure pier, spend your pennies in the seaside arcades and of course no trip to the beach is complete without sampling some deliciously fresh fish and chips.
If all the adventure has helped work up an appetite and you are lucky enough to be visiting during Orange Pip season (the last Saturday of every month from April to September) you can sample some of the region’s best street food at the Orange Pip Market in Middlesbrough.
But don’t worry if you miss it, Baker and Bedford Street are lined with cool independents offering the tastiest artisan food and drink all year round. Make sure you make time for a cocktail stop at The Nuthatch located in both Middlesbrough and Stockton and try their signature cocktail served in a unique bird shaped glass – perfect to capture for your insta story.
If all that wasn’t reason enough to pay Tees Valley a visit in 2019 then you’re bound to be tempted by a packed summer of more big events including Take That at the Riverside Stadium in June, Jess Glynne at the Darlington Arena in August and the Great North City Games in Stockton in September.
Whether you are visiting the area specifically for the Big Weekend or if you are just looking for an action packed weekend away, Tees Valley is the perfect place for a big adventure!
For more ideas on things to do and what’s on explore Tees Valley
