Stockton-on-Tees Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
town in County Durham, England, UK
About Stockton-on-Tees
Stockton was a Saxon farming settlement that morphed into a port on the tidal River Tees, but remained small until around 1800. It then burgeoned with industry and shipping powered by the Durham coalfields and Eston Hills iron ores, with steel furnaces, metal-bashing trades and chemicals. In 1822 the first rail was laid here for the Stockton and Darlington Railway, with the world's first steam-hauled train arriving on 27 Sept 1825. The Tees navigable channel was enlarged as ships grew, but Stockton was at a disadvantage to downstream ports and shipping trade was gradually lost. More damaging was the 20th century collapse in traditional smokestack industries. The town has shifted to service industry and retail, and has Queen's Campus of Durham University on the south river bank.
Top Attractions in Stockton-on-Tees
Explore the best things to see and do in Stockton-on-Tees:
- ★Billingham Forum
- ★Butterfly World
- ★Hollywood Bowl
- ★Preston Park
Where to Eat in Stockton-on-Tees
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Peking Garden
- 🍴Sorriso
- 🍴The Thomas Sheraton
Where to Stay in Stockton-on-Tees
- 🏨Hampton by Hilton
- 🏨Kingswood B&B
- 🏨Outram 26
- 🏨Parkwood Hotel
- 🏨Premier Inn Preston Farm
- 🏨Premier Inn Teeside
Stockton-on-Tees Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: