5 Days of Fun in Middlesbrough, England

Explore the heart of industrial England in Middlesbrough.

03 May 2023

As a tourist in Middlesbrough, visitors can experience a blend of historical and cultural attractions. They can explore the iconic Transporter Bridge and take a riverside walk. Visitors can also visit the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art or enjoy a match-day experience at Riverside Stadium, home of Middlesbrough FC.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check into the Jury’s Inn Middlesbrough, a sleek and modern hotel with comfortable rooms and a great location.
  • Head out to explore the town, starting with a visit to the Dorman Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Middlesbrough.
  • Take a stroll along the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre, a stunning waterfront area with great views of the river.
  • Stop by the Teesside Retail Park for some shopping and a bite to eat at one of the many eateries.
  • Finish the day with a visit to the historic Middlesbrough Town Hall for a concert or show.
Day 2

The Great Outdoors

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at The Olde Young Tea House, a charming café with great pastries and teas.
  • Take a scenic walk at Stewart Park, a beautiful green space with stunning gardens and an animal park.
  • Visit the Guisborough Forest and Walkway, a picturesque forest with trails, streams and stunning views of the countryside.
  • Take a picnic to the Eston Hills, a breathtaking hill range that features walking trails and panoramic views.
  • Enjoy a dinner at Manjaros restaurant, with its African and Caribbean-inspired dishes.
Day 3

History and Art

  • Head to Teesside Park to visit the Teesside Autodrome, a high-speed kart racing circuit.
  • Visit the ancient Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, and learn all about the life of this famous explorer.
  • Take a walking tour of Middlesbrough’s street art, a collection of over a hundred murals created by local and international artists.
  • Visit the impressive mima museum, which showcases art and design from around the world.
  • End the night with dinner at The Curing House, a cozy restaurant famous for its charcuterie.
Day 4

Sea and Sand

  • Start the day with breakfast at Bedford Street Coffee House, a funky café with great coffee and pastries.
  • Take a drive to Saltburn-by-the-Sea, a charming seaside town with stunning beaches and a quaint pier.
  • Visit the Saltburn Cliff Lift, a stunning funicular railway that takes you from the town to the beach.
  • Take a walk along the Cleveland Way National Trail, a seven-mile coastal path with stunning views of the North Sea.
  • End the day with dinner at Al Forno, a rustic Italian restaurant with great pasta and pizza.
Day 5

Farewell Middlesbrough

  • Head to Transporter Bridge, an iconic landmark that offers stunning views of the Tees river and the city.
  • Visit the Teesside Archives, a collection of historical documents and photographs that tell the story of Middlesbrough over the years.
  • Take a final stroll around Albert Park, a beautiful park with stunning gardens, a lake and a bandstand.
  • Have a farewell lunch at The Canteen and Cocktails, a trendy restaurant offering great cocktails and tasty burgers.
  • Check out of the Jury’s Inn Middlesbrough and say goodbye to this beautiful town.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Middlesbrough by plane is to fly into Durham Tees Valley Airport, which is 10 miles east of the city. From there, you can take a taxi or the X66 bus to Middlesbrough. Alternatively, you could fly into Newcastle International Airport and take the train from Newcastle to Middlesbrough, which takes around 50 minutes.

Car

Middlesbrough is easily accessible via major roads including the A19 and A66. If travelling from London or the South, take the M1, A1(M) and then follow signs for Middlesbrough. From the North, take the A1 or M1 and follow signs for Middlesbrough. There are a number of car parks located in the town centre.

Train

Middlesbrough has its own train station, located in the town centre. You can catch trains from a number of major cities including London, Manchester and Glasgow. The journey from London takes just over 2.5 hours with direct services available.

Boat

There are no direct boat services to Middlesbrough. However, the Port of Teesport is located nearby in Stockton-on-Tees and is one of the UK's busiest ports. From there, you can hire a car or take a taxi to Middlesbrough.

Bus

National Express operates buses to Middlesbrough from a number of cities including London, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. The journey times vary depending on the destination but typically take around 5-6 hours. Buses arrive at Middlesbrough Bus Station in the town centre.

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