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Check out these fun family attractions and activities for a truly unforgettable and action packed day in Hartlepool.
Family Fun In Hartlepool
An Adventure at the National Museum of the Royal Navy
Be transported back in time to the era of Napoleon, Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar with a visit to the NMRN Hartlepool. Soak up the atmosphere as you explore this fantastically recreated 18th century seaport and see how tradesman including tailors and swordsmiths earned a wage – be sure to watch out for regular displays of sword fighting and cannon firing that bring this place to life!
Learn all about the bloody reality of war in an interactive exhibition detailing the story of HMS Prosperity. Jump on board the HMS Tricomalee, the oldest warship still afloat in Europe today, and discover the challenges of life at sea. Let the little ones loose aboard the fantastic adventure play ship. It’s truly the perfect spot for family adventure! Don’t forget about The Quayside Coffee Shop, a great spot for those much-needed refreshments.
Tuck into a Seaside Classic
Satisfy those hungry tummies with a trip to Seaton Carew for some delicious fish and chips. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade that neatly connects Hartlepool Marina to Seaton Carew. The walk should take around 45 minutes. If the weather isn’t on your side, or if your legs are a little tired, you could get the Stagecoach Service 1 bus which runs every half an hour and will get you to Seaton bus station in 20-25 minutes.
Visit our Getting Around page for additional travel guidance.
The Almighty Cod, Fish Face and Surfside Fish Bar and Restaurant are fantastic options, serving up beautiful, fresh fish and quality thick-cut chips at great value prices. Grab a takeout and enjoy the gorgeous views of the seaside as you eat, or if your feet are a little tired cosy up inside, the choice is yours!
Seaside Fun
You can enjoy endless fun at Seaton Carew Beach. Pack a football and enjoy a kick around with the kids. Grab a bucket and spade and build some show stopping sandcastles. Buy a kite and let the kids run free. You could even collect some unique shells to take home with you.
Feeling like exploring? Discover the true scale of this beautiful sandy beach and venture further south to Seaton Common and Dunes and Teesmouth National Nature Reserve.
Filled with a collection of arcade games including 2p machines and claw machines, a visit to the amusement arcades is sure to keep the kids entertained!
After burning all that energy, an ice cream treat certainly won’t go amiss. Choose from an excellent selection of flavours at Gelato Jojo’s!
It's Competition Time
Get competitive with kids at Larry’s Lanes. This ten pin bowling venue is great fun – with its funky design and quirky atmosphere (not to mention a fantastic selection of food and drinks!) it’s easy to let loose and enjoy the game.
If golf is more your thing, give Lofty’s Crazy Golf a try. Enjoy fantastic views of the sea as you play a game of crazy golf at this themed course celebrating Hartlepool’s glorious past and present.
Venture slightly further afield for a bounce around at Jump 360. Great for all ages, this exhilarating indoor trampoline park features over 80 trampolines, with added fun including foam pits and climbing walls.
A Well-deserved Family Feast
After a busy day, what could be better than the relaxed surroundings of a country pub. Hartlepool has plenty of cosy, family-friendly pubs to choose from. Serving up a host of classic British favourites and delicious kid’s meals, you’ll find something for everyone at any one of these pubs. Browse the full selection here.
If your kids are a fan of Italian food (after all, who doesn’t love pizza and pasta?), try one of Hartlepool’s fantastic Italian eateries. With great menu selections and excellent value food, Sambuca’s and Marco Polo’s are great options. Located along the seafront, Matteo’s is a family-run Italian serving up amazing food. Mixing Italian cuisine with Mediterranean and North African, Portofino’s offers a mix of options from pizza and pasta to steak and tagines.
