Yahoo News Free and cheap things to do this summer holiday in and around Middlesbrough and Teesside
The school summer holidays are a delight for the kids - six weeks off and no pressure to knuckle down to classroom work. But for parents, it can be a different outlook.
Entertaining the little ones not to mention keeping them fed and watered can prove pricey. So this summer, finding cheap and free things to do is going to be high up on everyone's agenda.
We've come up with a few ideas of places where you can get in free or cheap, days out that will only cost you the price of your petrol or bus or train fare and depending on which part of Teesside you live in, free places to visit and things to do that are well within walking distance this summer 2024.
READ MORE: Free things to do around Teesside and beyond
Here are some ideas to consider:
Stewart Park and Albert Park
Marton and central Middlesbrough
The open green spaces in both parks are perfect for a picnic, a game of football, rounders or a family walk with the dog. Stewart Park in Marton has loads to explore plus a great children's playground and, if you aren't within walking distance, parking is free.
Albert Park just off Linthorpe Road in central Middlesbrough is much the same - and there are plenty of play areas to run off some energy. If you have a small budget, there's a boating lake with swan boats available to hire and a roller skating rink where under 18s can skate for £2.80 for an hour.
Stockton International Riverside Festival
Stockton town centre
Boasting some of the best artists and performers from across the world, SIRF brings magical and exciting performances, stunning visual experiences, daring dance, live music, circus and more. It will return to Stockton High Street from Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 4, with a jampacked weekend programme.
More details here.
Kirkleatham Museum
Admission is free, take a trip and wander around the treasure trove of artefacts and exhibitions. Visitors can also enjoy the grounds where there's a small woodland trail. Hard surfaced pathways mean it is suitable for visitors to enjoy all year round including anyone with access difficulties.
Guisborough Forest and Branch Walkway
Pinchinthorpe
There are lots of forest trails to enjoy, play spots, wooden sculptures and walking trails to explore at the branch walkway. Trails through the woods will also signpost you to Roseberry Topping or Highcliffe if you've got some extra energy to burn and want to take in some spectacular views.
Roseberry Topping
Newton under Roseberry
Consistently rated as one of Teesside's best tourist attractions, it regularly attracts visitors keen to climb the famous hill and take in panoramic views of the Teesside and North Yorkshire area. There's a chargeable car park below but the walk is free - just make sure you have sturdy shoes and check the weather carefully before you set off.
Beaches
Saltburn, Redcar, Seaton Carew, Skinningrove, Staithes, Runswick Bay, Sandsend and Whitby
Is there anything nicer on a good weather day than a trip to the sands? Buckets and spades at the ready, pack a picnic and enjoy the glorious scenery our stretch of coastline has to offer. Some beaches including Saltburn have lifeguards and plenty of facilities for families; others like Skinningrove, for example, are a bit more off the beaten track but nevertheless stunning.
Saltburn Miniature Railway
Valley Gardens, Saltburn
Little ones will love a ride out on the historic little railway that runs through Valley Gardens in Saltburn and has delighted generations of visitors. You can find running times here. Adult fare is £1.50 one way, kids get on for 50p. You can take a walk back through Valley Gardens enjoying the greenery and the woods as you go.
Teessaurus Park
Riverside Park, Middlesbrough
Pay the dinosaur sculptures a visit down by Riverside Park in Middlesbrough. It is free and will give the little ones chance to burn off some energy.
Seaton Carew water park and play area
The Front, Seaton Carew
The attraction offers up some splashing good fun at the seaside resort.
Falling Foss
Near Whitby
The magical woodland walk follows a trail through the trees on a two mile circular route that passes the 30-foot Falling Foss waterfall before returning alongside babbling May Beck. It is nice and shady on a hot day and there are shallow waters to paddle in. More information here.
Whitby
A popular destination for Teessiders - but a visit doesn't have to cost the earth. Walk up the famous 199 steps and search the graveyard for signs of Dracula, take a selfie under the whalebone arch on West Cliff, have a play in Pannett Park. There's a paddling pool to dip your toes in to on West Cliff too and you can enjoy a day at the beach or a walk along the pier. You might have to pay to park the car and be warned, the car parks get very busy, especially in peak season.
High Force
Teesdale
This one will cost you a bit more in petrol but it is worth a visit. Dubbed "one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England", High Force is is surrounded by the stunning countryside of Upper Teesdale and is situated in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A variety of animal and plant life can be seen throughout the seasons, from a vast array of wildflowers, ferns and towering trees, to roe deer and rabbits.
Dorman Museum
Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough
Well worth a visit, lots to see and explore and entry is free. The museum is closed on Mondays and bank holidays.
Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park
Flatts Lane, Normanby
The perfect place to explore the countryside and an ideal starting point to visit the Eston Hills. The car park is located off Flatts Lane that runs between Normanby and the A171 Guisborough Road. Access on foot is possible from Normanby, Eston, Ormesby, Spencerbeck and Nunthorpe.
