The Fond News has teamed up with Enjoy Tees Valley to round up four reasons why you should consider the Tees Valley for your UK getaway.

With luxury experiences, adventure activities in abundance and fun, family days out, the Tees Valley, cushioned between North US and County Durham in the North East of England offers big adventures that are just a short journey away.

If you are desperate to enjoy a night away and stay somewhere that isn’t your own bedroom but don’t want to travel too far, then choosing a break that is just a short drive or train journey away is the perfect solution.

Self-catering options are available on the grounds of two of the Tees Valley’s most luxurious locations. The five-star resort of Rockliffe Hall near Darlington has a range of apartments and holiday homes, whilst Wynyard Hall in Stockton-on-Tees has a selection of cosy hot tub cottages to choose from.

Looking a little further ahead to May and you can enjoy the full resort facilities. For an idyllic countryside escape, Gisborough Hall provides a cosy home away from home on the outskirts of the beautiful North York Moors, or you could be one of the first visitors at the newly refurbished Pinchinthorpe Hall, also in Guisborough, which is due to open its doors later this year.

If you are looking for a night away with the family or just fancy getting back to nature with a spot of glamping, a magical escape at North Shire near Saltburn-by-the-Sea or boutique, creative camping at Baby Moon in Guisborough could be the breath of fresh air you are looking for.

Search more places to stay in the Tees Valley at enjoyteesvalley.com.

A post-lockdown break means going from the comfort of your own home to getting out of your comfort zone. Try something new or get back to your favourite exciting activities with a range of exhilarating experiences available in the Tees Valley.

Head to Tees Barrage in Stockton-on-Tees for adrenaline-fuelled activities including taking on the Olympic standard white-water rafting course. If you have what it takes you might even get the chance to tackle the biggest artificial drop in the whole of the UK. If that sounds too extreme, the site also has canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and raft-building experiences. Head for heights? Neighbouring the water sports at Tees Barrage is the UK’s biggest high ropes course – Air Trail which has four terrifying levels that tower over the River Tees.

Hartlepool Marina is home to more water sports including jet-skiing, powerboating, and Seafari experiences to spot local wildlife, whilst Redcar and Saltburn-by-the-Sea boast some of the best surfing spots off the North East coast.

For more adventure inspiration go to enjoyteesvalley.com.

With indoor attractions set to re-open in a month’s time (17th May at the earliest), it’s the perfect time to start planning things to do during your short break or for your next big family day out, whatever the weather.

Let your imagination run wild with a journey through the region’s railway heritage at the Head of Steam Railway Museum in Darlington. Climb aboard HMS Trincomalee, the oldest warship still afloat at the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool or uncover the history of British explorer Captain James Cook at the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum based in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough.

Step back in time onto the Victorian Street at Preston Park Museum or surround yourself with butterflies at Butterfly World. Marvel at the electric displays of the Dorman Museum in Middlesbrough or head to Kirkleatham Museum in Redcar for an insight into local history, whilst you are here you can pay a flying visit to the Kirkleatham Owl Centre.

The Great British Weather doesn’t need to stop play. For rainy days, you can head to Billingham Forum to swim, skate or climb with its colourful jungle of exciting climbing walls at GoClimb, a large swimming pool and the North East’s premier Ice Arena, you can even try your hand at indoor surfing with FlowRider in Redcar.

Discover more Tees Valley attractions at enjoyteesvalley.com.

One of the best things about being on holiday is indulging in good food and lots of it. A staycation in the Tees Valley doesn’t mean you just have to feast on the regional dish of Parmos (unless you want to) there are plenty of great places to eat and drink that are open now.

Whether it’s al fresco dining – British weather allowing – or planning for a few meals out indoors from May, there are lots of great restaurants, cafes, and bars that can be enjoyed during your visit.

Feeling fancy? You can head to the only two Michelin star restaurant in the North East, The Raby Hunt in Summerhouse near Darlington, enjoy fine dining in country pub charm at The Bay Horse in Hurworth, or enjoy dinner outdoors on the newly extended outdoor terrace at Muse in Yarm.

You can find cool independents dotted across the Tees Valley from Baker and Bedford Street in Middlesbrough with mouth-watering cocktails from The Nuthatch, a scrumptious brunch from Baker Street Kitchen, and posh pub grub at The Chairman.

Waterside eateries at Hartlepool Marina include Wallis & Co and the Open Jar, now also with a new base at Seaton Carew. The pretty cobbled high street of Yarm is lined with delicious spots such as tapas restaurant Luna Blu, Italian-inspired Cena Trattoria and Fourteen Drops wine bar, whilst you will find everything from posh pizza places, tapas, and the ultimate street food restaurant Salt Street Food Kitchen & Bar in Darlington.

Discover more food & drink in Tees Valley at enjoyteesvalley.com.

For more inspiration on things to do in the Tees Valley and to start planning your North East staycation go to enjoyteesvalley.com.