History & Heritage - Maritime

Learn more about our maritime heritage, from famous explorers, illicit smugglers and the days of Nelson......

Captain Cook

One of the region's most famous sons is Captain James Cook well known for his voyages around the world and his discoveries of Australasia.  In fact some of his maps of the Pacific where so accurate that they are still used today. He was born in Middlesbrough in October 1728 and every year around his birthday there are celebrations in his honour.

The Tees Valley forms part of the Captain Cook Country Tour, a fully signposted tour of 70 miles following a circular route, which can be completed in less than a day.  Starting at the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum at Stewart Park and from there following his school days at Great Ayton, life as an apprentice in Staithes and onto Whitby where he started his sea-faring journeys. 

For more information on the Captain Cook Tour visit www.captaincook.org.uk

Hartlepool

If you like history, tales of shipwreck and naval adventure then set your compass for Hartlepool.  It is famed for its naval heritage attractions such as the multi award-winning Hartlepool Maritime Experience - a life size reconstruction of a Napoleonic seaport, including the oldest warship afloat in the UK, HMS Trincomalee and the Wingfield Castle, a restored paddle steamer.  The Museum of Hartlepool tells the story of Hartlepool, its merman and sea monsters.

Saltburn

Head south along the coast to discover a world of smuggling and piracy at Saltburn Smugglers Heritage Centre.  Saltburn coast is recognised as part of the 36 miles of Heritage Coast, crowned by dramatic headlands.  Take the Cliff Lift down to the lower promenade for fantastic views of Saltburn bay and pier.  The lift opened in June 1884 and is the oldest waterbalanced cliff lift in Britain.