Hartlepool Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Hartlepool with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


The Ultimate Travel Guide to Hartlepool

Located in County Durham, in North East England, Hartlepool is a historic town with a rich maritime heritage. Explore charming museums, witness historical landmarks, try delightful local delicacies and enjoy outdoor adventures in the scenic nature of Hartlepool. Our travel guide covers everything you need to know to plan a perfect trip to Hartlepool.

Introduction to Hartlepool

Hartlepool is a seaside town that dates back to the 7th century. It is known for its historic Headland area, Hartlepool Marina, and HMS Trincomalee, the oldest British warship afloat. The town has numerous attractions that can keep visitors entertained for days.

List of Places to Visit in Hartlepool

Take a tour of some of the top attractions of Hartlepool, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • HMS Trincomalee: Explore the oldest British warship afloat in Europe, built in 1817. The onboard tours reveal the exciting stories of the sailors who served on HMS Trincomalee.
  • Hartlepool Historic Quay: Visit this stunning maritime heritage site and see how life would have been in the past, from the 18th century to World War II.
  • Heugh Battery Museum: Learn about the history of coastal defense and the role played by Hartlepool during the First World War.
  • Museum of Hartlepool: Discover the rich history of Hartlepool from prehistoric times to the present day.

Natural Attractions of Hartlepool: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Seaton Carew Beach and Promenade: Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade or relax on the beach. There are plenty of attractions nearby, including mini-golf, amusement park rides, and a boating lake.
  • Summerhill Country Park and Outdoor Activities Centre: Enjoy outdoor activities like mountain biking, orienteering, and archery in this well-maintained country park.
  • Ward Jackson Park: This stunning park has beautiful natural features and a large lake that’s perfect for a relaxing walk or a picnic.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hartlepool

Hartlepool offers a range of hiking and biking routes, including:

  • Hartlepool Headland - A circular walk around the historic headland, providing stunning coastal views and a chance to visit observation towers and shelters.
  • Castle Eden Walkway - A great route for cycling or walking that offers spectacular views of the River Tees and the Durham Coast.

Best Things to Do in Hartlepool: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of exciting things to do in Hartlepool, including:

  • Visit Hartlepool Marina: Take a walk around the Marina and see the yachts and boats. You can also go on a fishing trip, take a boat tour, or learn to sail.
  • Go Golfing: Hartlepool has a range of golf courses offering stunning views over the Tees Bay and beyond.
  • Visit Hartlepool Borough Art Gallery and Tourist Information Centre: See the amazing collection of local and international art on display.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hartlepool

Here is a suggested week-long itinerary for Hartlepool:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Hartlepool Headland and the Heugh Battery Museum
Day 2 Tour HMS Trincomalee and the Maritime Experience
Day 3 Go golfing at Seaton Carew or Castle Eden
Day 4 Visit Summerhill Country Park and enjoy outdoor activities
Day 5 Explore Hartlepool Historic Quay
Day 6 Visit the Museum of Hartlepool
Day 7 Visit Ward Jackson Park and relax on Seaton Carew Beach

Food and Drink Scene of Hartlepool

Hartlepool has a rich food and drink scene that offers a range of local and international flavors. Don’t miss out on trying some of the must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hartlepool Pies: These savory pies are filled with traditional local meat recipes and are a must-try.
  • Hartlepool Fish and Chips: Made with locally caught fresh fish and thick-cut chips, this dish is a staple of traditional Hartlepudlian cuisine.

Local Beverages

  • Cameroon Brewery: Try locally brewed Canary Blonde or Inventor’s IPA in one of the brewery’s own bars around Hartlepool.

Where to Stay in Hartlepool: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hartlepool offers a range of budget-friendly and luxury accommodation options, including:

  • The Seaton Lane Inn: This cozy inn offers traditional chalet-style rooms with great breakfast and evening meals in its restaurant and bar.
  • Best Western Grand Hotel: Located in the heart of the town center, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with great facilities and excellent customer service.

What to Buy in Hartlepool: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in Hartlepool, don’t forget to get one of these souvenirs:

  • Traditional Hartlepool Pies: Take home the taste of traditional Hartlepudlian cuisine.
  • Seaside Postcards: Send a postcard back home or keep one as a memory of the beautiful seaside town.

Local Culture and Customs of Hartlepool

Hartlepool has a distinct culture and customs stemming from its maritime heritage and industrial history. The people here are known for their warmth and hospitality, and they highly value respect and politeness.

Best Time to Visit Hartlepool

Although Hartlepool is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is during the summer months from June to September when the weather is mild, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hartlepool

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Hartlepool:

Do:

  • Respect the local traditions and customs of Hartlepool.
  • Try some of the local cuisine, especially the fish and chips and Hartlepool pies.
  • Be friendly and courteous to the locals.

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the environment.
  • Make derogatory comments about the local culture or customs.
  • Ignore the safety guidelines while enjoying the outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hartlepool

Hartlepool is generally a safe town, but it’s always better to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings while exploring the town.

Health in Hartlepool

There are plenty of medical facilities available in Hartlepool, including hospitals, dental clinics, and pharmacies.

Getting to Hartlepool: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hartlepool is accessible via various modes of transportation, including:

Airports Near Hartlepool

  • Newcastle Airport
  • Durham Tees Valley Airport

Bus Stations Near Hartlepool

  • Hartlepool Bus Station
  • Middlesbrough Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train: The Hartlepool train station is situated in the town center and is well connected to various destinations within the UK.
  • Car: Rentals are available within the town center.

How to Get Around in Hartlepool

  • Bus: There are plenty of options for local buses in Hartlepool.
  • Taxi: Taxis are also readily available throughout the town for short journeys.
  • Walk: Hartlepool is a town that’s easily explored by foot.

Where to Go Next from Hartlepool: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Durham: A city that’s home to the famous Durham Cathedral and the Durham Castle, located just 30 minutes from Hartlepool.
  • Newcastle: A vibrant city that boasts beautiful architecture and excellent nightlife, offering a range of entertainment options, located an hour’s drive from Hartlepool.

Conclusion

Hartlepool is a charming maritime town with a rich cultural heritage. With plenty of top-rated attractions, outdoor adventures, local delicacies, and beautiful seascapes, it can be an excellent destination for a memorable vacation. Use our guide to plan your perfect trip, and let the charm of Hartlepool take you by surprise.

Hartlepool Town Wall: dating from the late 14th century, the limestone wall once enclosed the whole of the medieval town. The ancient houses overlook the entrance to Victoria Docks, which can be seen in the background. Hartlepool Town Wall: dating from the late 14th century, the limestone wall once enclosed the whole of the medieval town. The ancient houses overlook the entrance to Victoria Docks, which can be seen in the background. Hartlepool Historical Quay. Hartlepool Historical Quay. HMS Trincomalee. HMS Trincomalee. Hartlepool Marina Hartlepool Marina