Hartlepool Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
town in County Durham, England
About Hartlepool
The first documented settlement was in 649 AD on the area now known as Headland, around the monastery of Heretu Abbey - St Hilda's Church now stands on its site. It was at the edge of a primeval forest now lost to coastal erosion, and deer came to drink from the freshwater stream, thus Heretu or "Hart-le-pool". It was a small fishing harbour, occasionally smashed up in the wars between England and Scotland or Cavaliers versus Roundheads, and didn't grow much because of competition from other ports. From the early 18th century Hartlepool exported coal from the South Durham coal fields. There's a legend that during the Napoleonic Wars a French fishing vessel was wrecked hereabouts with the only survivor the ship's mascot, a monkey; as it didn't speak English (or being French, sullenly refuse
Top Attractions in Hartlepool
Explore the best things to see and do in Hartlepool:
- ★Hartlepool Art Gallery
- ★Heugh Battery Museum
- ★National Museum of the Royal Navy
- ★St Hilda's Church
Where to Eat in Hartlepool
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Bianco's Deli
- 🍴Mary Lambert
- 🍴Masala Lounge
- 🍴Portofino
Where to Stay in Hartlepool
- 🏨Grand Hotel
- 🏨Marine Hotel
- 🏨Premier Inn
- 🏨Travelodge
Hartlepool Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: