Hartlepool Historic Quay and HMS Trincomalee

If you haven't been to Hartlepool for a while then you're in for a bit of a shock. The centre of the town has undergone something of a transformation with a large part of the old docks area now incorporated into the heart of the town.

The area has been completely redeveloped around a brand new Marina which has the peculiar affect of seeming to have moved the whole town further east.

Within the new area is one of ASDA's largest stores and a substantial

retail park. There are also a couple of pubs and a hotel, Jackson's Landing's Designer Room, a sprinkling of fast food outlets, a Springs Health Club, a 7 screen Warner Village Cinema and some of the most popular restaurants in the area - all set against a backdrop with which few other areas can compete.

The focal point of the whole area is HMS Trincomalee - the world's oldest warship afloat. The ship was restored by the people of Hartlepool so it's only fitting that it now makes up the centrepiece of the spectacular renaissance of the town.

At the moment, the Trincomalee sits within the confines of Hartlepool Historic Quay - a faithful reproduction of an 18th Century seaport, portraying the exciting experience of what life was like at the time of Nelson and Trafalgar. The Quay was Winner of the Pride of Northumbria Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2002 / 2003 and with good reason. This superb visitor attraction offers the sights, smells and sounds of the naval yesteryear. With authentic reconstructions of harbour-side shops, Children's Maritime Adventure Centre, Children's Adventure Playship, Quayside Coffee Shop, Fighting Ships, Press-ganged!, Skittle Square and much, much more.

The Museum of Hartlepool sits alongside the Historic Quay. This is a very modern and well thought out museum following the time-line of the town from Neolithic times to the present day. It's well worth a visit and incorporates the PSS Wingfield Castle, a Hartlepool built paddle steamer where you can take tea. (free entrance).

How To Get There

From the South

From the A19 follow turn-off onto the A689 towards Hartlepool. Continue across numerous roundabouts and traffic lights until the town centre. The masts of HMS Trincomalee are easily visible. Access to the historic Quay is gained by by looping full around the roundabout passed the ASDA Supermarket and taking the second left turn from the carriageway.

From the North

Leave the A19 at the A179 turn-off towards Hartlepool. At the bottom of the bank turn right at the mini-roundabout and continue over mini-roundabouts and traffic lights until reaching a large roundabout where the masts of HMS Trincomalee are easily visible to the right. Turn right at the roundabout and then take the second left.

Map

There is ample free parking at the Historic Quay

Food:

Meals are available from the Jackson's Wharf Pub which adjoins the Historic Quay. There are also coffee shops within the Quay itself and the Wingfield Castle. If you have young children then The Olde West Quay at the far side of the Marina also has an indoor children's play area comprising a ball pool and climbing frames.

McDonalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut and KFC also have restaurants on the Marina.