The Tees Explorer

The Tees Explorer Exploring Teesside and beyond – food, places & hidden gems through blogs, reels & reviews.

16/11/2025

Stockton runs one of the biggest markets in the UK 👀🛍️

Most Saturday mornings start the same for us. A wander through Stockton Market for veg, sweets, and a bite by the fountain. 🍛💦

It’s got everything you need:

🛒 Fresh fruit & veg for cheap
🍬 Kids raiding the sweet stalls
🧺 The tucked-away flea market in Green Dragon Yard
🎠 Noisy little train show that somehow always wins the kids over
🏊‍♂️ A quick dash to Splash if we’re feeling brave
🥖 And always… sausage rolls from Cooplands

It’s simple, familiar, and honestly one of the best bits of living in Teesside.

If you haven’t been down in a while, give it another go. You’ll see how good it actually is.

17/10/2025

This tiny town hosts one of the largest fairs in the UK and it’s been running for over 800 years!

🎡 Yarm practically shuts down for three days of pure tradition, lights, and noise when the Yarm Fair comes to town.

It's currently on this weekend too! so something for all the family to enjoy. If your in Teesside, its deffinatly worth a visit.

17/09/2025

Is this Teessides cheapest cafe?? This retro cafe in Stockton is serving crazy cheap meals with a tist🍳☕

Retro no 9 Is half cafe, half retro shop, serving some of Teesside’s cheapest meals. A full fry-up for £5, coffee for £1, and shelves stacked with vintage band t-shirts and antiques. 🤘

The staff and regulars make it feel proper homely, and it’s right by Stockton’s flea market. Cheap, cheerful, and a bit different. 👌

15/09/2025

Hardly anyone talks about Hartlepool Headland but it’s one of the oldest towns in Britain with quirky old streets, St Hilda’s Church, and even the site of the only WW1 battlefield on UK soil. 🏰⚔️

I checked out the Heugh Battery Museum, explored every bit to be honest and seen lots of interesting bits and bobs pluss cosy cafés with seaside views. No crowds, just history and and good views.

Would you visit? 👀

14/09/2025

Today we visited Roseberry Topping in Teesside, North Yorkshire – probably the most famous hill in the area.

It’s a proper bucket-list walk for locals and tourists, standing at 320m high with two main routes: the steep chest-killer or the longer woodland path. Either way, it only takes about 25 minutes to reach the summit, where you’ll find sweeping views over Teesside and the North York Moors.

Fun fact: Roseberry Topping actually used to be taller, but part of it collapsed in 1912 after years of mining, leaving its unique jagged shape.

On the way back, we took the longer route towards the old shooting box, but if you’re braver you can head down the steep drop back to the car park.

And the perfect finish? A handmade vanilla ice cream from Suggett’s in Great Ayton. A Teesside tradition. 🍦

13/09/2025

Seaton Carew in Hartlepool has a little of everything, and everything just feels right. 💯

🏖️ Long sandy beaches with views of huge ships
🎰 Modern arcades with 100s of machines
🎳 Bowling alleys & sports bars
🍦 Ice cream, fish & chips, pubs, cafés & more

It’s all along one strip with loads of parking… easy, fun and proper classic seaside vibes. ✨

Definitely one of Teesside’s hidden gems.

11/09/2025

Teessides Pay-What-You-Want Restaurant 🍴♻️

Today I visited The Arc in Stockton, and checked out their restaurant – The Culture Kitchen. What makes it special? They cook with food that’s been saved from waste, creating a different random menu every day.

👉 The best part? You pay what you want! (They say the average spend is £3–£8).

I went for steak pie, chips, and peas, and honestly, it was a proper hearty meal, much better than I expected.

The Arc itself is also a brilliant venue, hosting:
🎭 Live shows
🎬 Cinema
🎤 Comedy nights
🎶 Clubs and more

Prices are reasonable, the vibe is welcoming, and the Culture Kitchen & Arc are well worth checking out if you’re in Stockton.

10/09/2025

They say there's nothing in Stockton👀

Thats what they say, but is that really true? Cheap houses, cheap eats, history, the sea, moors & countryside on your doorstep and plenty to do. It’s one of the best towns I’ve visited.

whats your fav thing in Stockton? and where could i do next?

09/09/2025

Did anyone know about this hidden Antique Shop in Stockton? 👀

Visited Stockton today and spotted this small antique shop I didn’t even realise was here! It’s called Al Ford’s Antiques and you’ll find it on Ramsgate, right next to The Shambles on Stockton High Street.

Packed from floor to ceiling with antiques, paintings, lamps, bikes, trains, and unique pieces in every corner. Honestly feels like stepping into another world. A proper hidden gem in Stockton.

Have you ever seen or been in Al Fords in Stockton?

09/09/2025

Exploring Benidorm’s Indoor Market 🛍️

I had a wander through Benidorm’s indoor market and it’s packed with all sorts like bags, clothes, food stalls, souvenirs and plenty more. It’s not as big as the outdoor market, but it’s easier to get around and still full of bargains.

Stopped off for a bite to eat and had a look through the different stalls. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Benidorm and fancy something a bit different from the usual strip.

08/09/2025

We had a fantastic day at Aqua Natura in Benidorm – it’s great for all ages! There are plenty of rides for both adults and kids, but if your children are under 1.2m, be aware that they’ll only be able to go on the smaller rides.

Lockers are €6.00 and sunbeds are €8.00. Taxis from Benidorm cost around €11 each way, and there are usually taxis waiting outside the park for your return.

All in all, a really fun experience and definitely worth the visit!

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