Things to See & Do in Hartlepool

Hartlepool is full of award-winning attractions, such as the Hartlepool Historic Quay, the HMS Trincomalee and the museum of Hartlepool. There are also lots of other places for you to visit such as St Hilda’s Church and Cameron’s Brewery. The main centrepiece of Hartlepool is of course its Marina and its award-winning Historic Quay; a faithful depiction of an 18th century seaport portraying the exciting experience of what life was like at the time of Nelson and Trafalgar. Located in church square you’ll find Hartlepool Art Gallery and Tourist Information Centre, just a few minutes’ walk from Hartlepool Railway Station and close to Hartlepool Town Centre.

Hartlepool Maritime Experience

Travel back in time when you visit Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience. This authentically recreated 18th century naval seaport is a great family destination, transporting visitors back to the era of Napoleon, Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar. Explore the historic quayside with its different shops and buildings that capture the atmosphere of what would certainly have been a bustling and flourishing seaport bolstered at that time by the demand from the Royal Navy and merchant ships visiting. You’ll find shops such as a Chandler, Swordsmith, Naval Tailor, Printer and the Admiral’s House. Guides in full period costume help bring the quayside to life, answering questions and relating what life would have been like then. Be sure to see the regular displays of musketry, sword fighting and cannon firing and learn about being pressganged! A visit on board HMS Trincomalee, the oldest British warship still afloat, is a must. As visitors tour this warship, an audio guide tells stories of the difficult conditions and extreme hardship those who served on her had to endure simply to survive. Another exhibit not to be missed is P.S.S. Wingfield Castle, a restored Paddle Steam Ship moored in Jackson Dock. This former passenger ferry was built in Hartlepool and is the largest exhibit at the Museum of Hartlepool, another attraction on site. Discover the town’s interesting history at the Museum with displays dating from the Bronze Age through to the present.

Hartlepool Navigation Point & Marina

Hartlepool Marina is one of the most modern Marina facilities in Europe. Featuring one of Europe’s biggest boat hoists and attracting hundreds of vessels, the £60 million Marina is Hartlepool’s most alluring and relaxing location. Offering high fashion, waterside restaurants and romantic promenades may be more characteristic of a continental port… Navigation point is luxury development on the northern top of Hartlepool Marina. Navigation point features exclusive restaurants, bistros, shops and luxury furnished apartments. Here you can relax and unwind whilst watching the boats and yachts of the marina. Food lovers will be spoilt for choice with tastes from around the world to suit any palate and budget, in fact it is the main port of call for Hartlepool’s foodies. There are also a few sandwich shops, juice bars, ice cream bars, fish and chip shops and newsagents for those who want a quick bite. At night time the place comes alive with a hive of activity around the numerous bars – including some cosmopolitan wine bars.

Eating…

When it comes to eating out in Hartlepool, there are many places to visit including Italian restaurant Lusso, if Sunday dinner is more your thing then be sure to visit Ruskins Bistro. To really feel that continental vibe then make sure you pay a visit to Casa Del Mar for tapas overlooking the Marina. For an enjoyable tea then take a seat at Papa Caffs or Coffee Rapor Bar. If you are in the mood for home cooked foods or cask ales then the White Hart Inn on the outskirts of the town is where you should head.

Shopping

Hartlepool Farmers’ Market Is a monthly tradition and can be found in Hartelpool’s Martime Experience Car Park and is a great bet for tasty local produce. Head to Middleton Grange Shopping Centre for an indoor market open 6 days a week. For freshly baked bread try Mary Lambert Artisan Bakery and in terms of florists Platinum Flowers and A Secret Garden are well worth checking out.