If you are thinking of booking a break before the winter weather sets in, like many other people you may well be considering a staycation; but you don’t need to travel far to satisfy your wanderlust. Enjoy Tees Valley share just six reasons to choose the North East for your holiday destination:

Great British Life: 'Try white water rafting on an Olympic standard course at Tees Barrage.' Picture: Tees Active'Try white water rafting on an Olympic standard course at Tees Barrage.' Picture: Tees Active (Image: © Right Click Studios)

1. Explore the great outdoors

The North East has some beautiful beaches and magnificent stretches of forest, countryside and river to explore. For secluded sandy beaches, head to Tees Valley and discover the beauty of Marske beach or the pristine Cattersty Sands at Skinningrove. Guisborough Forest and Walkway is also a great place for adventure, with its archways of trees, adventure courses and sculptures. If you prefer to take in the surroundings from the water, you might like to try white water rafting on an Olympic standard course at Tees Barrage, in Stockton-on-Tees, stand-up paddleboarding at Hartlepool Marina or surfing off the coast of Saltburn.

2. Fantastic family activities

Great British Life: 'Guisborough Forest and Walkway is a great place for adventure.' Picture: Enjoy Tees Valley'Guisborough Forest and Walkway is a great place for adventure.' Picture: Enjoy Tees Valley (Image: Archant)

Many museums, parks and gardens are now ready to welcome families back after lockdown – but do check booking details before visiting. Wander along the authentic Victorian Street at Preston Park Museum in Stockton-on-Tees or meet the animals at Newham Grange Farm in Middlesbrough.

3. A fascinating history

Get to know the historical sites and museums that are on your doorstep. Why not visit the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool where you can climb on board the impressive HMS Trincomalee? Or discover where the modern passenger railway was born at The Head of Steam Railway Museum in Darlington.

Great British Life: 'Indulge in the ultimate luxury of five-star resort Rockliffe Hall.' Picture: Stan Seaton'Indulge in the ultimate luxury of five-star resort Rockliffe Hall.' Picture: Stan Seaton (Image: Stan Seaton Photography 2016)

4. To treat yourself

Go on, you deserve it! Indulge in the ultimate luxury of five-star resort Rockliffe Hall with its 18-hole championship golf course, award-winning spa and restaurants. Or head to Wynyard Hall at Stockton-on-Tees for an overnight stay, a walk in the gardens and relaxation in the lakeside spa.

5. Colourful shops and markets

We all love to shop. The pretty, bustling market town of Yarm with its independent shops, cafés, restaurants and bars, is an excellent destination for the shopaholic in you.

6. To stay in some enchanting locations

Luxuriate in a hotel, book a cottage or sleep under the stars – it’s your choice! North Shire at Saltburn-by-the-Sea offers magical family stays in its fairy-tale accommodation or try the Baby Moon Camp at Guisborough, where you can glamp like a Mongolian Lord.

To plan your visit, head to enjoyteesvalley.com or get inspired by following them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

If you are planning to visit Tees Valley, please check that you have all the information you need from the individual venues and locations about Covid-19 safety measures. Please enjoy Tees Valley responsibly and take care of our outdoor spaces by only leaving footprints behind.