Outdoor & Active

In Tees Valley being outdoors and active is about more than just fresh air and pretty scenery– it’s about trying unusual activities and discovering new thrills.  

Back to Nature

This area is packed with opportunities to have new experiences and getting in touch with nature is a great place to start. From pioneering Saltholme Wildlife Reserve and Discovery Park  to the peaceful woodland of  Wynyard Woodland Park; Maze Park and Portrack Marsh team with rare butterflies and birds including kingfishers, lapwings, redshanks, mute swans, and tufted ducks. Keen ornithologists should also make a trip to Huntcliffe in Saltburn, where breeding seabirds can be observed in their natural habitat, or to Redcar's Coatham Marsh for fascinating wetland birds.  

Surf and Watersports

When you want to get your heart pounding, Tees Valley’s water sports attractions are a must. Surfers flock to Saltburn beach, and with good reason. As well as enjoying the beautiful beach itself (which is popular with kite surfers), new surfers get expert tuition from Saltburn Surf School. Other top destinations for those who like to be beside the seaside include Hartlepool’s striking headland and Redcar’s award-winning eight-mile stretch of flat, sandy beaches.  For inland white water drama, the Tees Barrage is the place to go. The venue hosts the Jet Ski championships and other activities on offer include windsurfing, water-skiing, sailing, rowing and angling, plus powerboat racing and white water rafting. Over at Castlegate Quay Water Sports Centre you can test your hand at canoeing, paddle sports and piloting a powerboat. For more rowing, jet skiing, water skiing and even dragon boating, head to River Tees Watersports Centre in Stockton.  Or for those who wnat ttry something totally different why not Walk on Water at Hartlepool

Walking and Cycling

After all that activity you may crave a peaceful walk but in Tees Valley a walk is rarely just that. It may be an afternoon spent roaming The Cleveland Way or an urban stroll through Middlesbrough, taking in the architectural sights and doing a spot of people watching. Or, how about a trip up Roseberry Topping, where the young Captain James Cook made his very first explorations?  

Look at Tees Valley from a slightly different vantage point, by spending a day mountain biking through Guisborough Forest on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. Two exhilarating dedicated cycling routes mean you can build up some real pedal power.

Town Parks and Gardens

Stunning parks and gardens pepper Tees Valley. South Park in the centre of Darlington is a tranquil haven where noise and worries slip away. The town’s West Park meanwhile, has oversized sculptural artworks, a nature reserve and bridges that weave poetry into the landscape. Over in Middlesbrough, newly refurbished Albert Park’s boating lake, roller-skating rink and fountains mean there’s a lot more on offer than green space.  For a chance to escape town life, eighteenth century mansion Ormesby Hall’s peaceful gardens and Holly Walk are ideal. Or, pop across to Acklam’s Nature’s World where visitors can browse organic and hydroponic gardens.  

And Much More!

This is just a taste of all this area has to offer. Use this site to find the events and activities you, your family and your friends will most enjoy and remember, in Tees Valley there’s always something new to discover.