Happy in Hartlepool

[Bristolfashion]

Sometimes the ability to sail slowly is really useful! A lovely slow sail from Whitby to Hartlepool hitting both tidal gates smack on. Gosh, those cliffs are pretty.

The marina is huge! It's a separate cruise from the lock to the berth, but nothing wrong with that. A very friendly crew here. The facilities are good, power included and there are a range of eating establishments nearby and major supermarkets a short walk away.

BF's tips (that he didn't do)! The micropub at the station (closed for holiday) and Mrs C's cafe in Church Street (private party - lots of very happy young women) were both highly recommended.

BF's tips (that he did do); Walk to & around the headland,cafe at the battery museum very nice. Take the train to Seaton Carew, walk around the nature reserve & stroll back to the marina along the front, Seahorse cafe in Seaton Carew had VERY fine coffee & lite bites (jammy dodger slice worth a nibble). Train to Seaham, stroll around town and either walk N to Sunderland or S to Howden. In Seaham, the lookout cafe has a fine, sheltered view over the harbour, but top prize for coffee & brekkie would be the North Beach Coffee Bar up on the cliffs heading North.

Oh, and whilst in Hartlepool, do drink some fine Camerons ale!

Trainliness : 4
Cliffliness : 5

 

[Charlie Boy]

Don’t forget to visit the Trincomalee

 

[Sandy]

I got hit with 35 knots over the deck just after Whitby! Rather then going all the way to Blyth I diverted into Hartlepool. Locking in and out was fascinating not having done it before.

 

[Habebty]

Will Sunderland be “stunning” and Newcastle just “nice”? ?

 

[Robert Wilson]

Coming into the lock (single handed)in that narrow channel, at fairly low tide (for the lock) and a BIG easterly onshore sea running was a wee bitty taxing!

Good facilities as the OP states.

 

[WoodyP]

Last time I was in there were a fair few fishing boats and loads of seagulls. A walk along the slimy pontoon meant having to remove shoes and scrub the soles before going back aboard.

 

[Biggles Wader]

Last time I was there we went to the stock car races-------1970s

 

[Bristolfashion]

Will Sunderland be “stunning” and Newcastle just “nice”? ?

As you can see, I'm accentuating the positive! I'm thinking "right royal welcome to Royal Quays", "Terrific Tynemouth" or "Nowt better than Newcassel pet"!

 

[Halo]

Don’t forget to go up the Tyne to Newcastle. You can find bridge lift details for Gateshead millennium bridge. Book early!
Get the metro to Tynemouth for a walk round the castle and stroll up to Cullercoats !

 

[Halo]

Next stop Blyth. It’s light ship club house is brilliant. Turn right at the end of the road and have a walk through the park to the quayside.

 

[Robert Wilson]

+1 for the Club House. Extremely friendly welcome, and bags of atmosphere. I believe it is the oldest lightship in the world still floating.
Remember to duck as you enter the bar, specially if you are over 5'6" tall (short !!) - don't ask me how I know......

 

[Bru]

Will Sunderland be “stunning” ...

I'm from Sunderland and stunning it ain't

 

[Halo]

Nothing wrong with Sunderland except really dated toilet facilities. - 24h access very close to the open sea. Two suggestions
- book a table at the Marina Vista Italian Restaurant on the marina - you can get there by lift from the marina office
- have a breakfast at the greasy spoon just up the hill from the marina - it overlooks the beach and harbour and has great food