Hartlepool is a charming town in the North-East of England by the North Sea. It has a rich maritime and shipbuilding past which has been used as the basis for many tourist attractions. The town has revived itself and now boasts a large marina complex, modern shopping centres, bustling nightlife with many bars and restaurants and an exclusive luxury marina development with shops, restaurants and chic apartments.
Hartlepool has a population of about 92,000 and was originally two towns – the historic part known as the Headland and the more recent West Hartlepool. Within its boundaries are fine sandy beaches, especially at Seaton Carew.
Reaching Tourists
Hartlepool has taken full advantage of its seafaring past to create the Maritime Experience which is a superb re-creation of an 18th century seaport in the historic quay. It is also home to the Museum of Hartlepool and Britain’s oldest warship, HMS Trincomalee.
Hartlepool has one of the most modern marinas in Europe – attracting hundreds of yachts. This is the chic end of Hartlepool with designer shops, waterside restaurants, hotels, business centres, entertainment venues and Navigation Point, which is a luxury development at the north of the marina.
Meanwhile, the traditional beaches at Hartlepool and Seaton Carew are a major attraction for families. Tourism in Hartlepool now accounts for more than £48 million of the town’s economy so presents an opportunity to target tourists by by advertising in Hartlepoole.
Shopping
As well as the quayside and marina, Middleton Grange shopping centre and market with more than 100 stores attract vast numbers of shopper. In addition to this, there are three retail parks (Anchor Retail Park, Highlight Retail Park and High Point Retail Park). Back in the old town of Hartlepool, Church Street has been restored to its former glory with its fine architecture attracting thousands of people to the bars and restaurants.
Transport Links
Hartlepool train station has hourly trains south to Middlesbrough and north to Newcastle with some continuing as far as Carlisle. The Hartlepool Interchange at the station is also now the bus and coach terminus.
Sports
Hartlepool United football club has a loyal following with the stadium at Victoria Park on Clarence Road holding 7,856. The chic marina and quay have hundreds of moorings for yachts and pleasure boats while fishing is a major leisure pastime either from the shore, such as the Old Town Wall or by the pier, or by chartering a boat out to sea.
