Things To Do
in Redcar
Redcar is a traditional North Sea seaside town on the Cleveland coast, packing a long sandy beach, a lively promenade, and family-friendly attractions. It blends Victorian seaside charm with modern regeneration along the seafront, including parks, eateries, and open spaces for all ages. The town is anchored by Zetland Park, Coatham Beach, and a thriving coastal community that peppers summer events with a relaxed, friendly vibe.
Its proximity to Middlesbrough and Saltburn makes Redcar a convenient base for exploring Teesside and the wider North Yorkshire coast.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Redcar Clock Tower, a local landmark that offers a glimpse into the town's history. Stroll along the bustling High Street, where you can explore quaint shops and cafes, indulging in a traditional English breakfast. After breakfast, head to the nearby Redcar Heritage Centre to learn more about the town's rich maritime past.
After lunch at a charming bistro, make your way to the picturesque Zetland Lifeboat Museum, where you can see the oldest lifeboat in the world. Spend some time enjoying the beautiful scenery along the Esplanade, taking in views of the North Sea while walking or cycling along the coastal path. Don’t forget to stop by the nearby Redcar beach for some fresh sea air and perhaps collect some seashells.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local seafood restaurant, savoring fresh catches from the North Sea. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, watching the waves crash against the shore while the sky turns vibrant colors. End your evening with a visit to a local pub for a pint of ale and some live music, mingling with locals and soaking in the friendly atmosphere.
Kick off your beach day with a hearty breakfast at a seaside cafe, enjoying views of the bustling beach. Afterward, rent some water sports equipment, such as paddleboards or kayaks, to explore the coastline from the water. If you're feeling adventurous, consider taking a surfing lesson to ride the waves of the North Sea.
After a morning of fun in the water, relax on the sandy shores with a packed picnic, soaking up the sun and the sounds of the sea. Once you’ve recharged, join a guided jet ski tour along the coast for an exhilarating experience that showcases beautiful views of the Redcar coastline. Alternatively, you can take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, collecting interesting pebbles and seashells.
As the day winds down, enjoy dinner at a beachside restaurant, sampling local seafood dishes while listening to the waves. After dinner, take a sunset walk along the beach, capturing stunning photographs of the colorful sky reflecting on the water. Finish the evening with a cozy bonfire on the beach, making s'mores and sharing stories under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🥤Coffee and pastry | $3-6 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $70-120 |
| 🚆Public transport day pass | $6-9 |
| 🛍️Groceries for a few days | $20-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Accessible seaside town with a relaxed vibe
- Good base for exploring Teesside and the North Yorkshire coast
- Parks and nature reserves provide easy outdoor activity
- Relatively affordable food and lodging compared with larger cities
- Nightlife options are limited compared with bigger towns
- Some attractions operate seasonally; planning ahead helps
- Weather can be changeable; coastal winds may affect outdoor plans
- Public transport connections beyond the town center can be sparse
Places to Visit in Redcar
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive shoreline with soft light, ideal for long-exposure seascapes and quiet sunrise shots.
Historic bandstand surrounded by gardens and colorful flora, great for portrait and architectural photography.
Bright seaside architecture and lively street scenes along the Golden Mile, excellent for candid photography.
Wind-swept estuary views and distant industrial silhouettes, perfect for dramatic landscape shots.
Food in Redcar
Redcar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic battered fish with thick-cut chips, best enjoyed from a seafront chippy or seaside takeaway.
Must-Try!
A Teesside staple: breaded chicken topped with a creamy cheese sauce, often finished under a grill; widely available in pubs and casual eateries.
A soft, round bread roll from the region, commonly served with hearty fillings or as part of a snack on the go.
Warm, comforting pie made with tender beef and a rich ale gravy, a staple in local pubs and bistros.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal weekend stalls along the promenade offering fresh fish, baked goods, and local produce.
Temporary stalls and trucks around the seafront during the warmer months, serving international bites and quick eats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People typically queue in order and greet locals with a polite 'hello' or 'hi' when appropriate.
Be considerate in shared spaces, avoid loud conversations on transport, and follow local tidiness norms.
Smart casual is common in pubs and restaurants; suits and outdoor gear are fine for seaside areas.
Safety
Tipping in Redcar
Ensure a smooth experience
In casual eateries, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common if service is good; many places include a service charge for larger groups. In pubs and cafes, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Most locations accept cash and cards; contactless and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely used.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Longer daylight hours begin, birdsong and blossoms along the coast; great for outdoor walks and nature reserves.
Warm days, busy seafronts, and family-friendly events; dress light, stay hydrated, and enjoy outdoor seating.
Cooler days with potential coastal storms; vivid skies and autumn colors in Zetland Park and along the shore.
Colder winds and shorter days; fewer crowds but atmospheric seascapes and community events during holidays.
Redcar at Night
Hiking in Redcar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A long, windswept coastal path along the Tees Estuary with striking views and tidal landscapes.
Gentle boardwalks through wetlands, ideal for easy wildlife watching and relaxed hiking.
A portion of the famous Cleveland Way offering scenic cliff-top and seaside views ideal for day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Redcar by plane.
The closest airport, located to the west of Middlesbrough, with domestic and seasonal international flights and good road links to Redcar.
A larger regional hub offering many UK and international flights; about a two-hour drive depending on traffic.
Another major northern hub with a wide range of European destinations; a longer drive from Redcar but useful for certain routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant share of residents are families visiting or living in Redcar, drawn by schools, parks, and the beach.
The area has a stable elderly population, contributing to a slower pace and community-focused events.
Teesside workers and students from nearby towns increasingly frequent the area for leisure and affordable living.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local clubs and schools actively participate in regional leagues and provide opportunities to watch or join amateur matches.
Seasonal matches and club cricket are common across the Teesside area during summer.
Coastal winds and the Tees estuary attract sailing and other water-based activities for enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Redcar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most pubs and cafes offer vegetarian pies, pasta, salads, and baked options; many places can adapt dishes on request.