Best Things to Do in Stockton-on-Tees

Stockton-on-Tees is undergoing a remarkable cultural renaissance. The birthplace of the world's first passenger railway, Stockton-on-Tees, has perfectly preserved its Victorian industrial heritage while injecting an exciting artistic energy. Stroll down Europe's widest high street and you'll feel the buzz of a traditional marketplace collide with the creativity of a contemporary art space. From world-class modern art to Michelin-recommended restaurants, from historic riverside walks to vibrant live music venues, Stockton-on-Tees is showing the world that it is uniquely suited to its role as a new cultural landmark in the North East of England.

1. Experience the Stockton-on-Tees International Riverside Festival

Every July, the Stockton-on-Tees International Riverside Festival transforms the town into a temple of open-air performing arts. Europe's leading free outdoor arts festival has been running for more than thirty years and attracts more than 100,000 people each year. Over the four days of the festival, the banks of the River Tyne are transformed into a theatre of fantasy, with performing groups from around the world presenting breathtaking street theatre, giant puppet parades, and night-time light shows. Of particular interest are the water stunts by French company Compagnie Off, where artists perform a series of difficult manoeuvres on a makeshift stage built on the river.

2. Visit the ARC Arts Centre

Located in Stockton-on-Tees town centre, the ARC Arts Centre is one of the most vibrant multi-purpose cultural venues in the North East of England. This modern arts centre boasts a 250-seat black box theatre, two separate cinemas and a spacious exhibition space. There is an extensive weekly programme ranging from independent film screenings to experimental theatre, contemporary dance to stand-up comedy performances. The monthly “ARC After Hours” event, where artists take over the venue with improvised music performances, interactive installations, and creative workshops, is highly recommended.

3. Stroll Through the History of Europe's Widest High Street

Stockton High Street has been certified by Guinness World Records as Europe's widest high street with its astonishing width of 57 metres. The historic street is lined with well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian buildings, most notably the Town House, built in 1842, whose neo-classical façade features exquisite stonework.

4. Michelin-rated

Stockton's food scene is booming, and one of the highlights is the Michelin-recommended “The Waiting Room”. A converted former railway station waiting room, the restaurant specialises in modern British cuisine, with chef Mark Powell transforming locally sourced ingredients into stunningly creative dishes.

5. Discover the Victorian Flavour of Preston Park

Preston Park, on the outskirts of the city, is one of Stockton's most beautiful green spaces. In the centre of the park is Preston Hall, a well-preserved Victorian country house now open as a museum. One of the most fascinating features of the museum is the collection of The Butterfly Lady - a 1920s society lady who left behind more than 1,000 beautiful costumes.

6. Experience Stockton's Live Music Scene

Stockton-on-Tees has one of the most vibrant music scenes in the North East of England. Ku Bar on the High Street is a great place to discover up-and-coming bands, and the intimate space hosts weekly gigs in a variety of genres, from indie rock to electronica. If you live off-campus at the student accommodation in Stockton-on-Tees, you can get a taste of this music even more easily.

7. Enjoy River Shopping at Castle Quay Shopping Centre

Castle Quay Shopping Centre combines retail therapy with riverside relaxation. This modern shopping centre is situated on the banks of the River Tyne and has over 50 shops and restaurants. The architectural design of the shopping centre takes full advantage of the river views, with a number of viewing platforms where shoppers can relax and watch the boats go by.

8. Visit Ropner Park in all Seasons

Built in 1893, Ropner Park is Stockton's favourite Victorian park. Seasonal flowers are planted around the large fountain in the centre of the park, with tulips in spring and roses in summer being particularly spectacular. The park's lake is a birdwatcher's paradise, with kingfishers and grey herons often spotted. In winter, the park is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with thousands of coloured lights adorning the trees and paths, as well as an open-air ice rink and Christmas market.

Conclusion

Stockton-on-Tees's charm lies in its unexpected diversity - it's a place of rich industrial history and avant-garde artistic expression; of traditional market life and fine dining experiences. This town on the Tyne is undergoing an exciting cultural renaissance, with stories of the past intertwined with the future around every corner. If you're studying abroad in Stockton-on-Tees, be sure to experience small-town England in style.