Hartlepool combines a lively seaside atmosphere with a rich maritime and military heritage. Walk around the historic Old Town, climb aboard a centuries-old British warship and visit a World War I battle site. There are beautiful beaches to discover and lots of charming cafes, pubs and fish and chip shops. The ultra-modern Hartlepool Marina complex makes the town popular with boaters.
Things to do in Hartlepool
Step back in time and explore an 18th-century seaport at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool. HMS Trincomalee, a centuries-old British warship built in India, is the crown jewel of the family-friendly museum. Climb aboard to watch the crew fire the cannons and learn about the legacy of Admiral Lord Nelson.
Learn about the town’s role in World War I at the Heugh Gun Battery. The artillery is perched on a grassy headland and reimagined as a military museum dedicated to the Bombardment of Hartlepool in 1914. Walk around the grassy battlefield and imagine the enormous cannons engaging in a ship-to-shore battle with German warships.
Stroll along Crimdon Beach and look for Little Terns, one of the rarest seabirds in Britain. The beach is especially popular in the summer months when holidaymakers flock to relax on the sand and splash in the shallows. Pick up a serving of fish and chips in town and head down to Crimdon Beach for a sunset picnic.
Admire oil paintings, watercolours, prints and more at Hartlepool Art Gallery. The gallery is housed in a beautiful Victorian church and showcases a mix of classic and contemporary art. Browse the Gallery Shop and enjoy tea and cake in the atmospheric café.
Getting around Hartlepool
Hartlepool is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while rental cars offer the freedom to explore County Durham at your own pace. The town is a 30-minute drive from Durham and one hour from Newcastle upon Tyne. Trains run between Hartlepool and Newcastle upon Tyne in 45 minutes.