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THINKING about what to do this summer? With this unprecedented hot weather favouring staycations and days out, there’s nowhere better to start than your own doorstep.

Tees Valley has some of the most spectacular countryside, a dramatic coastline, vibrant market towns and impressive historical venues in the UK, and yet we don’t always make the most of our natural assets.

Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar & Cleveland are all bursting with things to do, places to see and stories to tell - making it impossible not to Enjoy Tees Valley.

The ancient market town of Darlington is the home of the railways, where the original Stephenson’s Locomotion ran the line to Stockton. The Head of Steam Railway Museum celebrates the town’s rail heritage, while the town centre hosts a weekly indoor and outdoor market established by charter in 1183.

If messing about on the water is your thing, there are plenty of places and activities to indulge your passion.

With the River Tees flowing at the heart of the Tees Valley, the exhilarating Olympic-standard Tees Barrage white-water rafting course at Stockton is the perfect setting for those seeking a thrill, or come as a team and try your skills at building a raft.

Dare you take a leap of faith from the middle of Middlesbrough’s iconic Transporter Bridge where you can bungee jump 160 feet towards the River Tees below? England’s only bridge bungee jump is fast becoming one of the most famous bungee jump sites in the world.

The river winds its way to the beautiful North East coast which is dotted along its length with amazing places to visit, relax, eat and stay.

Bring your binoculars for a bit of seal-spotting, or test your balance with paddle boarding at Hartlepool’s award-winning Marina.

Saltburn is a quintessentially British coastal town that still maintains much of its original charm as a Victorian seaside resort. Wander along the pier stretching from the golden sandy beach, stroll through the colourful Italian Gardens, or have a game of Crazy Golf on the promenade before enjoying traditional fish and chips.

There are plenty of events in the region to suit everyone this summer, including the spectacular Stockton International Riverside Festival. Come along between August 2 – 5 for new experiences in a packed programme of shows that will surprise and delight.

Kirkleatham Museum in Redcar will once again be hosting the hugely popular Festival of Thrift over the weekend of September 22 - 23, which, last year, attracted 45,000 visitors. For the perfect mix of shopping, performance, and having-a-go, don’t miss the UK’s national celebration of sustainable living.

With so much more to see and enjoy across the region, visit www.enjoyteesvalley.com and start planning your summer.