The historical Hartlepool located in County Durham, England is full of a plethora of attractions. A proper exploration of this amazing town will leave you much learned in history ranging from war and military to religious history all found in one place. This town is also home to several museums and art galleries such as the Hartlepool Art Gallery, the Heugh Battery Museum, and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Being a town of no ignorance all the following libraries call Hartlepool home: The Community Hub Central Library, Throston Grange Library, Season Carew Library, Owton Manor Library, and Headland Branch Library. Read this article to learn more about the best things to do in Hartlepool, United Kingdom.
1. Learn the history of the HMS Trincomalee
HMS Trincomalee was a British battle machine in the early days christened after the 1782 Battle of Trincomalee in Sri Lanka. This ship is a Royal Navy Leda-class sailing ship that was constructed immediately after the Napoleonic Wars had been brought to an end. This amazing sailing machine which was constructed by the Wadia family in Bombay, India has now been refurbished into a museum ship in Hartlepool. Launched on the 12th of October 1817, it’s the only British warship of its time that’s still floating on water. After a colourful service, she is listed as a National Historic Fleet exhibited at the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool and very much popular as the oldest floating warship in Britain. Spend your day exploring the ship and learn something about her battle victories.
HMS Trincomalee
Address: Maritime Ave, Hartlepool TS24 0XZ, United Kingdom
Website: HMS Trincomalee
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
2. Pray and learn history at St Hilda’s Church
The historical St Hilda’s Church appears in the National Heritage List for England, and it is listed by Clifton-Taylor as one of the “best” English parish churches describing. Clifton-Taylor described the church as “a glory of Early English architecture in its earliest and purest phase” and also as an “architectural gem”. The church tower features three bells meant for change ringing. These magical bells which are unusable today were magnificent works of Thomas II Mears in 1819. The church which stands in a majestic position close to the sea is a very much vibrant living church and an important destination with a rich history of the development of the Christian faith in the region as well as Christian heritage. St Hilda’s offers a Visitor Centre where you can find out more about its history. The staff has been dedicated to guide you and give you more insight.
St Hilda’s Church
Address: The Rectory, Church Walk, Hartlepool TS24 0PW, United Kingdom
Website: St Hilda’s Church
3. Learn about brewing at the Camerons Brewery
Just put a smile on your face to appreciate the people busy doing their thing in the production line of Camerons Brewery. Book yourself in and you can enjoy the tours any time on Wednesday from 12pm to 2pm, Thursday from 11am to 6pm or Friday from 11am to 2pm. The historic Camerons Brewery Ltd was established by John William Cameron in 1865. It is famous as one of the oldest industrial plants in Hartlepool, and undoubtedly one of the largest employers of people in the United Kingdom. The brewery is a household name in the United Kingdom known for Strongarm, a unique ruby red bitter beer that has been in production since 1955.
Camerons Brewery
Address: Lion Brewery, Hartlepool TS24 7QS, United Kingdom
Website: Camerons Brewery
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 11am - 12am; Thu - Sat: 11am - 12:30am
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Explore Seaton Carew
Seaton Carew is a beautiful seaside resort located conveniently within the Borough of Hartlepool. Seaton Carew packs a real punch when it comes to entertainment in North East England. It is nestled on the North Sea coast of Hartlepool and the estuary of River Tees. The enchanting region takes the name of a French family christened Carou who was a popular landowner in the area. Meanwhile, “Seaton” stands for farmstead or settlement by the sea. Seaton Carew features miles of broad golden sands and a haven for safe swimming and bathing. This destination no doubt makes for a perfect place for a fun-filled family day out along the seaside. Experience the excitement of flying kites on flat beaches, exploring rock pools, hunting for shrimp, and playing games at amusement arcades that dot the whole area.
Seaton Carew
Address: Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, UK
5. Stroll along The Headland
The Headland, a civil parish perched in the borough of Hartlepool in North East England encompasses old Hartlepool and all the nearby estates. One of the notable attractions in the area is the Heugh Battery built in 1860 as protection of the port of Hartlepool. The area became nationally infamous in July 1994 when a local kid, Rosie Palmer, was mercilessly murdered. The magnesium limestone make-up of the headland creates a magical coastline of many treasures. Walk along the golden sandy beaches of the peninsular enjoying the magnificent scenery and you may even find yourself hunting water creatures like crabs all in the name of fun filling your day.
The Headland
Address: The Headland, Hartlepool, UK
Website: The Headland
6. Visit the Heugh Battery Museum
The location of the Heugh Gun Battery a protected military area from the 17th century. The Heugh Battery Museum is perched on the site of the only First World War battlefield in Britain. The museum narrates the agonizing story of the Bombardment of Hartlepools, which happened on the 16th of December 1914. On this occasion, the heavy guns of the battery were fully engaged in a fierce battle with the German navy.
The museum building has three levels. The topmost floor has picturesque coastline views. Meanwhile, the Battery Command Post section of the museum is where large artillery equipment and vehicles are displayed. Lastly, beyond the parade ground and the magazine area, you can find their trench exhibit. They display a wide collection of military artifacts. A day spent here will no doubt be enjoyable, and you’ll learn a lot about the area’s military history.
Heugh Battery Museum
Address: Moor Terrace, Hartlepool TS24 0PS, United Kingdom
Website: Heugh Battery Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm; (closed on Mon - Fri)
7. Explore the National Museum of the Royal Navy
Try spending a wonderful day out, exploring the National Museum of the Royal Navy at Jackson Dock, Maritime Avenue. Go on a journey back in time and explore the 18th-century seaport and its more-than-pretty waterside features. Learn something about the explosive firepower of the guns as you get to know sailors of the Georgian Navy who called HMS Trincomalee their home. This will surely be a fun-filled experience you shouldn’t miss.
National Museum of the Royal Navy
Address: Jackson Dock, Maritime Ave, Hartlepool TS24 0XZ, United Kingdom
Website: National Museum of the Royal Navy
Opening hours: 11am - 4pm (daily)
8. Explore the Summerhill Country Park
Summerhill Country Park is one of its kind nature reserve and outdoor recreation center in Hartlepool. Spend an exciting day exploring the 100-acre (40.5 ha) destination in the company of your family, a group of friends or perhaps just alone. There is always something exciting for everyone at Summerhill Country Park. Stunning sculptures, beautiful ponds complete with viewing platforms, and eight large and awesome climbing rocks are all waiting to be discovered by you. You can also grab a bite at the cafe in the visitor’s centre to make sure your hunger pangs are kept at bay.
Summerhill Country Park
Address: Summerhill Lane, Hartlepool TS25 4LL, United Kingdom
Website: Summerhill Country Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Travel back in time in the PS Wingfield Castle
The PS Wingfield Castle is a historical Humber Estuary ferry that was ultimately refurbished into a museum ship in Hartlepool, England. The magnificent PS Wingfield Castle was constructed by William Gray & Company. It was commissioned in 1934 together with a sister ship, the Tattershall Castle. Other than being a museum, the ship also operates as a cafeteria, and you will be glad to know that here, you can enjoy delicious Hartlepool cuisine after an exciting tour of the museum.
PS Wingfield Castle
Address: Museum Road, Hartlepool TS24 0XZ England
Website:PS Wingfield Castle
10. Treat your kids on a day out at Tweddle Children’s Animal Farm
Curiosity is known to grow in every child the moment they discover something new. Stirring up their young imagination would be a better way to treat them to a fine day out. There is no doubt that every child loves fantasies, and what’s better to make them happy than to bring them to the awesome Tweddle Children’s Animal Farm. Just let them loose so that they can explore the farm full of animal fantasies. Here they will definitely enjoy their day by feeding the animals and freely running around while playing.
Tweddle Children’s Animal Farm
Address: Filipoke Lane, Blackhall Colliery, Hartlepool TS27 4BT, United Kingdom
Website: Tweddle Children’s Animal Farm
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Historical Hartlepool won't cease to amaze you.
Hartlepool is jam-packed with fun recreational activities that also include well-deserved lessons in history. The rich military history of this area will, no doubt, amaze you. This list provides you with all the information you need to enjoy your days in Hartlepool.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to