Hartlepool

Coal mining shaped this corner of County Durham for generations, and you can still feel its industrial heartbeat today. Hartlepool sits on the North Sea coast where former pit villages dot the surrounding countryside, each with their own distinct character and history.

The Wheatley Hill Pit Wheel stands as a proper monument to the area's mining heritage - one of those stark reminders that makes you pause and think about the communities that once thrived here. It's worth the detour if you're exploring the former coalfield villages that spread inland from the coast.

Nearby Peterlee offers a different story entirely. Built as a new town in the 1940s, it's home to The Lubetkin Theatre and the striking Apollo Pavilion - a concrete sculpture that divides opinion but undeniably commands attention. The town feels distinctly mid-century modern compared to the older settlements around it.

Countryside walkers will find plenty to explore around Redding's Hill and Whangdon Hill, where you can stretch your legs and get cracking views across this often-overlooked part of Durham. Crookfoot Reservoir provides a peaceful spot for a wander, especially on those days when the coast feels a bit too bracing.

The area's well-connected by the A19, making it straightforward to reach from Newcastle or Middlesbrough. Several holiday parks in the vicinity, including Crimdon Dene and Castledene, put you within easy striking distance of both the heritage sites and the coast. It's the sort of base that works well for families wanting to combine seaside days with a bit of local history - without the crowds you'd find further south.