Discover the North Sea Coast of the Tees Valley and prepare to be surprised!

Hugging the north east with stunning views across the North Sea, the Tees Valley region boasts a line-up of beautiful beaches – if you don’t know this stretch of coast, check it out! 

Often overlooked by the honeypots on the south coast, here you’ll find the notable resorts of Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Seaton Carew and Redcar but also the lesser-known beaches of Marske and Cattersty Sands. 

If you’ve never visited this region, prepare to be surprised. Come for Michelin-starred menus, hot tubs under starry skies, wetlands and lush forests, spot otters, seals and Canada geese or try a tot or two of rum on Hartlepool Marina – here, just about anything is possible! 

While five key towns comprise the Tees Valley – Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesborough, Redcar & Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees – you’re never far from the coast so wherever you choose to lay your head, don’t miss the chance for a glimpse of the sea. 

Redcar and Cleveland’s coast is one of dramatic contrasts, towering sea cliffs, wide sweeping bays with eight miles of non-stop sands from South Gare to Saltburn-by-the Sea. 

If you’re visiting North Yorkshire and the North York Moors National Park, Saltburn’s vast stretch of golden sand is a must, drawing families, dog walkers and surfers. Lined with gentle cliffs and pastel beach huts, it’s ideal for beach games and rock-pooling while the constant waves make it a magnet for surfers. 

Back in the 18th century, this fishing village was awash with smugglers but the arrival of the railway and Victorian seasiders transformed its fortunes. In addition to Yorkshire’s last remaining pier, you’ll find Italian Gardens, the oldest water-balanced funicular still in operation in the country and miniature railway. However, today it’s making a name for its foodie and arts scene as well as pulling in the surfing crowd. 

Redcar’s ideal for families and couples alike, spend a day building sandcastles and enjoying their famous lemon-top ice cream. 

Head to Beach Base in Redcar for water sports and events, or stroll along the Esplanade and you’ll reach Majuba Beach, great for a dog run or even cantering a horse along the sands. This is also the home of the iconic Lemon Top ice cream and the place to have it is Pacittos on The Esplanade. 

Have a go at land kite and wind surfing, cycling or yoga. The beach is also the venue for music festivals and is hugely popular for kite flying, the Redcar Kite Festival in June is a major highlight with stunt kites, kite ballet, music and kids entertainment making it one of the best free events around. 

Don’t miss Kirkleatham Museum, a stately Queen Anne building packed with nationally important treasures and exhibitions with delightful grounds featuring woodland trails. In the grounds is the Kirkleatham Owl Centre, the oldest in the country and home to a wide range of creatures, from vultures to meerkats! 

Two miles south of Redcar is Marske-by-the-Sea, a quieter part of the coast and a hidden gem perfect for a quiet and romantic escape. 

Come here for its beautiful sandy beach, breathtaking coastal walks and 12th century St Germain’s Church, but it’s also known for its food.  You’ll find a great line-up of family-run cafes serving home-cooked bakes alongside historic pubs and cool wine bars serving sharing platters, pizzas and grills. 

With sweeping views across the North Sea, town of Hartlepool is well worth a visit particularly if you’re a fan of maritime history and nature. It’s known for its scenic coastline of sandy beaches but also has an impressive marina, historic quay, prom, beaches and sand dunes. 

Much of this coastline is nationally recognised as an important habitat for flora and fauna, check out Hart Warren Dunes, home to a rich variety of rare orchids and a wealth of wildlife. Visit in summer and you might encounter the endangered Durham argus butterfly or common lizard. 

No visit is complete without a stop at Hartlepool Marina, one of the most modern in Europe boasting hundreds of boats and a wonderfully cosmopolitan vibe with its mix of bistros, bars and dining options. An impressive prom links the marina with Seaton Carew’s miles of golden sands. 

Here you’ll also find the HMS Trincomalee tall ship and the Museum of Hartlepool, a fantastic reproduction of the 18th century seaport from the time of Nelson, Napoleon and the battle of Trafalgar. 

Seaton Carew Beach is simply stunning, spanning out for over a mile in each direction from the small resort of Seaton Carew.  

Let all the family revel in seaside nostalgia indulging in ice-cream parlours, crispy fish ‘n’ chips, arcades and hours of fun on the sands. 

Play beach games, build sandcastles or laze quietly, the views of the mighty North Sea are outstanding whatever the weather. Enjoy cycling along the prom heading northwards to the Marina. South leads to protected dunes annexed to Seaton Carew Golf Club, one of the first 50 built in the world, a wonderful Links course and home to championship events. Further south you’ll find Seal Sands, home to the wonderful spectacle of common and grey seals and hundreds of migratory birds. 

Roughly half-way between Hartlepool and Whitby sits the long, sand and shingle beach that is Cattersty Sands. If you’re after a peaceful escape with impressive views, this is the spot. In sunny summer days it’s ideal for a cooling dip and for walkers, the epic 109-mile Cleveland Way runs alongside the beach. 

The rocky pier dates back to the area’s iron-ore mining days; the 1886 jetty allowed steamboats to transport ore to Middlesborough. Find out much more at the nearby Land of Iron museum.