There’s a dramatic coastline where you can explore quaint fishing villages and towering cliffs or treat yourself to freshly caught fish in the picturesque Saltburn-by-the-Sea, which boasts a sandy beach, Smugglers Heritage Centre and a Victorian pier.

Historic Hartlepool has a stylish Marina and the Hartlepool Maritime Experience hop aboard Britain’s oldest floating warship, the sailing frigate HMS Trincomalee.

At Captain Cook Museum visitors can discover how Captain Cook transformed the maritime world from his humble beginnings as the son of a farm labourer.

For those with a love of sport, you can have a flutter at one of the many meetings at Redcar and Sedgefield racecourses or visit the Riverside Stadium for a premiership football match.

There is plenty to see and do in County Durham with its mighty cathedral, historic city, centuries old university and some of the finest castles to be found anywhere in the country.