Discover adventure: Why Tees Valley offers all you need for the perfect break

Tees Valley boasts beautiful countryside and an inspiring coastline which make the perfect backdrop for a host of adrenaline-fuelled activities – as well as unmissable events like BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend and the Great North CityGames.

Linda Tuttiett, Tees Valley's head of culture and tourism, says there really is something for everyone in the North East's hidden gem – Tees Valley.

“We want people to know that they don’t need to get on a plane to enjoy some amazing and unique experiences this summer: we’ve got it all right here,” she says.

“We’ve got a world-class programme of events but there’s also so much more to do and see, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a wildlife enthusiast.”

Last year, three in five Brits enjoyed a staycation in the UK for their summer holiday and the trend shows no sign of slowing in 2019, making it the perfect time to explore this vibrant area tucked between County Durham and North Yorkshire.

Miley Cyrus, Mumford and Sons, Little Mix and many more top acts will be heading to Middlesbrough's Stewart Park on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, for Radio 1's Big Weekend, which will see Tees Valley kick off the UK festival season.

Its packed summer of headline-grabbing events also includes Take That at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough on Saturday, June 1, and singing sensation Jess Glynne at the Darlington Arena on Friday, August 2.

Stars of track and field will be heading to the region later this year for the Great North CityGames which comes to Tees Valley on Saturday, September 7, the day before Britain’s biggest running event, the Simplyhealth Great North Run. World-class athletes will be competing alongside the very best home-grown talent in Stockton in a contest that's expected to draw huge crowds.

If that’s not enough excitement, Tees Valley is taking sightseeing to new heights with the chance to bungee jump from the Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough, the only bridge in England where you can do this. Tees Valley is also home to Air Trail, the UK’s biggest sky trail high ropes adventure course, on the banks of the River Tees, or you can take to the water and explore the region by kayak, canoe, paddle board, power boat or raft – including an Olympic-standard white water rafting course at Tees Barrage in Stockton.

For those who prefer something a little more sedate, there are quaint market towns and impressive historical venues to be discovered, spend a day at the seaside in Saltburn or you can go seal spotting at Hartlepool and Stockton.

For more inspiring ideas on what to do, see Enjoy Tees Valley