Located on the outskirts of Stockton, Billingham has several sights that’ll keep you well occupied for the day, plus a couple of great eateries. Here’s how we’d spend a day in Billingham…
MORNING
With its wildflower meadows, reedbeds, ponds, marsh and woodland, there’s always something exciting to find in Billingham Beck Valley Country Park. Footpaths run throughout the park, criss-crossing Billingham Beck and extending into the wider countryside. Birds such as kingfishers and wagtails can be spotted along the beck, while the wetland habitats attract species such as snipe, sedge warbler, coot and moorhen (Use postcode TS23 1PB to navigate to the park)
LUNCH
For lunch, head to Elliott’s Brew House, where you’ll be sustained by coffee, cake, freshly prepared pies, sandwiches and lots of other tempting savoury and sweet delights. The café is dog friendly too. (Clifton Avenue, TS22 5DE)
AFTERNOON
Get sporty in the afternoon and enjoy the myriad of facilities at the fab Billingham Forum, a leisure centre that’s much loved by the public and boasts a whole host of services and facilities including a famous ice arena, three swimming pools, fitness studios, an Activ8 gym, sports hall, squash courts, a play barn, over 20 climbing walls and challenges in the GoClimb facility, and so much more. (The Causeway, TS23 2LJ)
EVENING
What could be better than dinner and a show? Grab a bite to eat at the family-run Peppermill Bistro, where you’ll find Parmesans, grills and tempting main courses which rub alongside an extensive vegan menu and great puds. Children are also well catered for, and the early bird menu is great value, particularly as a pre-theatre option. (42 Station Road, TS23 1AB)
Billingham’s Forum Theatre plays host to professional touring shows and local amateurs alike, with a regular programme of theatre, live music, dance, comedy and children’s events, so there’s always something to see. (Queensway, TS23 2LJ)
