We, as a family, absolutely love exploring and finding new places to visit, but we also love
revisiting some of our favourites right here in the North East . Redcar & Cleveland is only a 45 minute drive away from Sunderland and has some amazing family attractions. We were really pleased when Redcar | Cleveland Ambassadors asked us to join their ambassador team. You can read all about that HERE. We have been visiting the area for many years and have our own favourite places, but here is our full list of what you can expect to find in Redcar & Cleveland for families.
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Redcar
Kirkleatham Museum - The local heritage museum for the borough of Redcar & Cleveland, housed in a 1709 building that started life as a boys only school.
We have visited Kirkleatham museum many times and we have never been disappointed, The museum has had a change around recently and now features pieces relating to the steel works, which the boys found really interesting. We loved the detail that had gone into the mini sculptures on the balcony and I found the section relating to Gertrude Bell really interesting and we share a birthday too!
Currently there's a one way system in place and it is free to enter but please do check, because if they have special exhibitions on there is an entry fee. The museum plays host to a number of exhibitions, festivals and other events throughout the year.
Also on site is the lovely Kirkleatham Grounds and play area, you can take a walk in the woodland trail and see what goodies you can find. Then blow of some more steam in the fantastic play area.
The museum has three floors, all of which are fully accessible for all
Dogs are not allowed in the museum except service dogs
Lovely gift shop on site (I could spend a fortune here, they have some fab stuff)
Café on site
Toilets on site
Lots of parking on site
Opening Hours
Tues/Sun 10am/5pm
TS10 5NW
Located in the grounds of the old 1709 Kirkleatham Old Hall, Kirkleatham Owl Centre is one of Redcar's most loved attractions. It is the oldest Owl Centre in the UK and is the only wildlife rehab centre in the area, taking in lots of injured wildlife every year.
You can expect to find a range of animals here including Owls, Vultures, Meerkats, Rabbits, Emus & More.
During the summer holidays you can find a range of flying displays daily from 12pm/2.30pm Various kids craft activities on a Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri and you can meet the baby vultures after the flying displays. New for 2021 is the Guinea Pig Village.
Also available are Meet & Greets with various animals & photo opportunities.
You can call the centre to find out more.
Open Times
Summer holidays Tues/Sun 10am/5pm
Winter months Thurs/Sun 10am/4pm
A family ticket based on 2 adults and 3 children is £12.50 and lasts all day.
It does state on the website that it is cash only so please bare this in mind.
Redcar Arcades
We absolutely love coming to Redcar and visiting the Arcades, I think the range they have here compared to other places is fantastic. You can combine the arcades with a lovely walk along Redcar Beach which is stunning and is fab for rock pooling and collecting shells. Don't forget to grab a traditional Lemon Top Ice Cream.
Built in 1802, Zetland is the oldest surviving lifeboat in the world, which saw 78 years of service. The museum houses many artefacts that represent local heritage and maritime history. On the ground floor you can find Zetland itself along with several displays including one that shows lifeboats through different eras and the famous call out drum. Upstairs is the Picknett Gallery with a large collection of photos and memorabilia relating to Redcar. Lots more to see throughout the site.
Opening Hours
Sat/Sun 11am/5pm
Mon/Fri 11am/4pm
TS10 3AH
For places to eat in Redcar check out these family friendly local businesses.
Oliver's - Fish & Chips
Armandos - Italian Cuisine
Central Park - Mixed Cuisine
Lemon Grass Thai - Thai Cuisine
The Ranch House - Steak House
Saltburn by the sea
Saltburn Pier
The first iron pier to be built in the North East.
Take a walk right to the end of Saltburn Pier, there are seats along the way for anyone who needs a rest or just wants to sit and watch the world go by. Currently has a one way system on and off in place.
Saltburn arcades
Small but fun arcades to spend a few pennies. They have a Zoltan from the movie Big here, which I loved! The boys enjoy playing on the 2p machines and most things are ticketed. Currently they have a one way system in place, plenty of cleaning going on and you need to wear a mask.
Opening times
Mon/Sun 10am/pm
Saltburn mini golf
Situated opposite the pier, mini golf is the perfect addition to any seaside, feeling competitive? Try a round of mini golf. It will honestly bring out the beast in you. It is a small course with only 9 holes but it is fun. It is £3.50 per person for one round.
Saltburn Cliff Tramway Unfortunately the tramway will be closed for the rest of 2021.
One for the train lovers, you can jump on at Cat Nab Station and take a ride on Saltburn's Miniature Railway. Riding through the pretty Valley Gardens. First established in 1947!
The route takes you from Cat Nab station in the main Car Park for Saltburn to Forest Halt, which leaves you with a short walk along to the tea rooms.
Opening times
Tues/Sun 12pm/4pm Once School Holidays are over the Railway only runs on a Weekend.
Saltburn Valley Gardens
Colourful floral displays and a lovely picturesque walk what's not to love. It was my first time walking through Valley Gardens not that long ago and I thought it was gorgeous. You can spot a few sculptures along the way and I did eyeball some brass rubbings for the kids too. There's a play area right next to the platform at Forest Halt with various paths leading off in different directions.
If you fancy something a bit different, you could find out about surfing lessons. Offering complete beginner courses
Don't miss the lovely shops you can find in Saltburn town centre including the famous Chocolinis.
For places to eat in Saltburn check out these family friendly local businesses.
Alessi's - Italian Cuisine
Brockley Hall Hotel - Mixed Cuisine
Coco & Rum - Thai Cuisine
Spices - Indian Cuisine
The Seaview Restaurant - Fish & Chips
Guisborough
Quite possibly the most well know place in the area. We have walked up a few times and every time the view has been rubbish thanks to the weather! We will get a good photo one day. Managed by the National Trust, it is free to enter with a small car park at the bottom. Please be aware that it can be slippy and muddy if it has been raining.
Guisborough forest & walkway
This is one of my personal favourites to go for a walk, I love it here. It can get busy but we find it only ever gets busy at the play area or the café. Various sculptures along the walk and you can choose a few different paths to take. You can also find a dedicated bug section and we found loads of toads here including a fully grown one. The boys like coming here too, thanks to the amount of nature and wildlife on offer.
Sculpture trail
Wetland viewing area
Bug area
Two play areas
Bike trails
Café
Shop
Visitors Centre
Toilets
Dogs allowed
Free to enter, although parking charges apply
Accessible for all
Run by English Heritage, the priory is a skeleton of the 14th century church's east end with beautiful gothic architecture. It is free to enter, parking is 500 metres away.
Opening times
Wed/Sun 10am/4pm
Dogs on leads welcome.
Opening in 1989, the museum is packed with memorabilia from past times.
The museum tells the story of the old market town, kids can get involved in the museum quiz.
Free Entry
Opening Times
Thurs & Sat 10am/4pm
TS14 6BA
For places to eat in Guisborough check out these family friendly local businesses.
Cookfellas Restaurant - Mixed Cuisine
Guisborough Hall - Mixed Cuisine
Indian Cottage - Indian Cuisine
Sergio's - Italian Cuisine
Also in the Redcar & Cleveland Area
Ormesby Hall is a grade II listed 18th century mansion house. Here you can explore the Gardens, parkland, woodland with 200 acres to have an adventure in. You can also visit the hall itself, which was home to the Pennyman family. Kids can get involved in the William the worm trail.
Café on site
Toilets on site
Pop up book shop
Various Summer holiday activities.
Winkies Castle - Currently closed
Cleveland Ironstone museum - Currently undergoing a massive renovation. Closed until Spring 2022
If you fancy a nice relaxed walk then Flatts Lane Woodland could be the spot. There's a nice little play area and a kiosk that sells drinks and ice cream. Also a visitors centre with toilets but every time we have been it's been closed, so not sure if that is even still open.
Sculpture trail
Play area
Woodland walk
Pond viewing platforms
Arboretum
Large car park
Free to enter
You could also try one of the Hunt Fun Trails that you can do in various places including Saltburn, Redcar and Guisborough.
If we have missed your favourite Redcar & Cleveland Attraction out please let us know.
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