Located across the River Tees from Middlesbrough, Billingham is a lively town in County Durham. It was originally established by the Angles and later came under Viking rule before becoming known as Billinghamshire. Among Billingham’s oldest buildings is St Cuthbert's Church, which has elements dating back to the 7th century.
Things to do in Billingham
In the heart of town is the Billingham Forum, a modern leisure centre with an ice-skating rink, a sports hall and a well-equipped gym. You can challenge your family and friends to a game of squash, let the kids run loose in the play barn or check to see what’s happening in the Forum Theatre. Nearby is John Whitehead Park, which boasts tennis courts, a skate park and a sensory garden. Once a year, it hosts a sustainability event known as the Festival of Thrift.
Keen golfers can enjoy a round at the Billingham Golf Club, which features an 18-hole course, a driving range and a putting green. You can develop your skills during a one-on-one lesson with one of the resident pros or take advantage of the practice area alone. Billingham Golf Club also boasts a restaurant serving drinks and meals.
Want to stretch your legs? Follow one of the trails that wind through Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park, which encompasses meadows, wetlands and lakes on the northeastern outskirts of Billingham. More than 90 species of birds have been recorded within the park, together with a variety of butterflies, amphibians and small mammals. In addition to an inviting cafe, there’s a well-designed children’s playground.
Getting around Billingham
Billingham is around 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Middlesbrough and 30 minutes from Teesside International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Billingham railway station and buses travel through the town.