Boro is a lively urban town in northeast England, situated at the mouth of the River Tees. Known for its industrial roots, nightlife and shopping, to get a dose of nature, the fact is, you need to leave it. If you’re craving fresh air and open spaces, some incredible day trips from Middlesbrough are less than an hour away. Ready to swap pavements for footpaths?
Middlesbrough in the north east of England is pretty much as urban as it gets.
Once known as “Ironopolis” due to its prominence for iron and steel production, it played a significant role in the 19th century Industrial Revolution. The bright blue Tees Transporter Bridge and the Docks are just two iconic landmarks that allude to Middlesbrough’s industrial past.
With a skyline of pluming smoke and industrial infrastructure, you can imagine that ‘Boro’ is certainly not the first place you’d think of for outdoor activities and adventures.
But due to its location next to the northeast coast and just north of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, there are in fact an array of good day trips from Middlesbrough to get you out into the countryside, and far away from its urban confines.
In fact, as a local, I’ve spent most of my life avoiding central Boro (except for the student nightlife scene, of course), and exploring the outdoor attractions around Middlesbrough instead.
So if you’re looking to escape the city, here are what I consider to be the best day trips from Middlesbrough, all taking under an hour to reach by car (or a little longer by train/bus).
The Best Day Trips from Middlesbrough, Teesside:
1. Saltburn-by-the-Sea
- Location: North Yorkshire coast
- Distance from Middlesbrough: Approximately 13 miles
- Driving Time: Around 25 minutes
The charming Victorian seaside town of Saltburn is a great day trip from Middlesbrough, and especially suitable for a family outing – who doesn’t love a wholesome visit the seaside?!
Saltburn boasts a long and wide sandy beach, popular with surfers and families. This beach is complemented by a classic Victorian pier, extending gracefully into the North Sea.
Dramatic cliffs are ideal for coastal walks and one of the world’s oldest water-balanced cliff funicular offers attractive sea views.
Saltburn Valley Gardens, a wooded ravine complete with a miniature railway which you can take rides on, adds to the town’s charm.
Saltburn has an old-school, laid-back seaside vibe, ideal for a leisurely day enjoying some fish and chips on the beach and the town’s modest yet numerous attractions.
2. The Wainstones and Hasty Bank
- Location: North York Moors National Park
- Distance from Middlesbrough: Approximately 20 miles
- Driving Time: Around 40 minutes
The Wainstones is an iconic outcrop of sandstone rocks located on Hasty Bank in the North Yorkshire Moors.
The 13 km / 8 mile Wainstones Circular Walk is one of the best ways to get up close to them – bar actually rock climbing that is!
I love this moderately challenging circuit walk through the moorland and exposed hilltops. I personally think it’s one of the best walks in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.
All along Hasty Bank, you get panoramic views across the whole of Teesside, including Middlesbrough itself and the North Sea, as well as many other small villages. In the other direction, there are the sweeping wild moorlands of Cold and Urra Moor.
The walk can be broken up halfway with lunch at the pub in Chop Gate if you start at Hasty Bank or Great Broughton.
3. Whitby
- Location: North Yorkshire Coast
- Distance from Middlesbrough: Approximately 30 miles
- Driving Time: Around 50 minutes
Another great seaside town to visit as a day trip from Middlesbrough is Whitby, famous for its historic abbey, maritime heritage, and association with Dracula. It’s said that the author, Bram Stoker, took inspiration from the atmospheric streets of Whitby for his novel!
Unlike Saltburn-by-the-Sea which has a more laid back and surfer vibe, Whitby has a gothic culture, and is much more touristy.
But it’s obvious why. Whitby is not only extremely attractive, there are an array of fantastic things to do and see – both historic and modern – drawing people to this very iconic town.
You’ll soon realise that you’ll actually struggle to fit everything to do in Whitby into a day trip – but you can give it a go!
Some highlights include walking the quaint streets to window shop for souviners, especially Whitby jet jewellery (a black semi-precious stone famous to the area) and Whitby rock (sticks of a hard boiled sweet).
Beyond the extremely scenic streets, there’s visiting the iconic Whitby Abbey whose ruins stand dramatically overlooking the town and sea and snapping pics of the Victorian whalebone arch and attractive harbour.
Don’t forget to walk up the 199 steps for incredible views, and wander along the cliff tops on a section of the Cleveland Way.
4. Roseberry Topping + Great Ayton
- Location: Great Ayton
- Distance from Middlesbrough: Approximately 10-12 miles
- Driving Time: Around 15-25 minutes
Roseberry Topping, with its distinctive half-cone shape and jagged cliff, is a beloved landmark of the area, and is fondly known as the Matterhorn of Yorkshire!
The surrounding woodland, Newton Wood, is perfect for leisurely walks amidst ancient trees and stunning carpets of bluebells in the spring.
The walk to the summit of Roseberry Topping is enough to get the heart pumping. Despite this, it’s rather short, spanning only 1 to 1.5 miles (1.6 to 2.4 km) and taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
That being said, once you’re done, check out the small village of Great Ayton afterwards, which is famous for being the boyhood home of Captain James Cook.
Visitors can explore the Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum, enjoy scenic walks along the River Leven, and don’t forget to grab an ice cream at the famous Sugget’s sweet shop!
5. Helmsley
- Location: North Yorkshire Moors
- Distance from Middlesbrough: Approximately 30-35 miles
- Driving Time: Around 50-60 minutes
Each time I visit Helmsley, I love it more and more. The drive through the long and winding countryside roads to get there is a stunner and a tempting starter of what is to come!
The quintessential market town of Helmsley with its cobbled market square, is framed by quaint boutique shops, tearooms and traditional pubs.
As far as historic attractions go, Helmsley will spoil you. There are the ruins of mediaeval Helmsley Castle and the Helmsley Walled Gardens, dating back to the 18th century, with stunning herbaceous borders, flower meadows, orchards and glasshouses to admire.
The English Heritage ruins of Rievaulx Abbey (and the sweeping terraces) are well worth a visit. It was the first Cistercian monastery in the north of England, founded in 1132 by twelve monks from Clairvaux Abbey.
The town also serves as a gateway to the North Yorkshire Moors National Park for walkers as it’s the start of the Cleveland Way footpath, a popular multi-day hike in Yorkshire.
6. Durham
- Location: North East England
- Distance from Middlesbrough: Approximately 25-30 miles
- Driving Time: Around 30-40 minutes
Durham is a historic city in North East England, captivating visitors with its stunning Norman cathedral and castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Durham Cathedral towers over the city and offers great views if you climb to the top of the tower, while Durham Castle, now part of Durham University, adds to the city’s ancient charm. I always get Hogwarts vibes!
The River Wear meanders through Durham, providing scenic riverside walks and at peak times of the year, you’ll find it buzzing with boat cruises and people on rowing boats.
Durham’s cobbled streets are lined with quaint shops, cafes, and traditional pubs, as well as many of the standard commercial shops.
As part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the nearby Durham Dales provide extensive hiking trails through stunning landscapes, including High Force, one of England’s most impressive waterfalls.
Durham is a well worthwhile day trip from Middlesbrough if you like big historic cities.
7. Thirsk
- Location: North Yorkshire
- Distance from Middlesbrough: Approximately 25-30 miles
- Driving Time: Around 35-45 minutes
Thirsk is a market town nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire. It’s famously linked to James Herriot (the pen name of Alf Wight), the renowned vet and author, whose stories about country life and animal care capture the essence of rural life. Visitors can delve into his world at the World of James Herriot museum, housed in his original veterinary surgery.
Beyond its literary heritage, Thirsk serves as a gateway to the rolling hills and picturesque villages of the Yorkshire Dales.
Just a short drive from Thirsk, Sutton Bank offers breathtaking views over the Vale of York and the North York Moors. It was even once described as the finest view in all of England by celebrated author and vet James Herriot.
It’s a perfect spot for walking, cycling, and gliding, with the National Park Centre providing insights into the area’s natural history and conservation efforts.
Whilst you’re exploring the area, make sure to check out the White Horse of Kilburn, the largest and most northerly hill figure in England.
8. Guisborough Forest, Walkway & Priory
- Location: Pinchinthorpe, Guisborough
- Distance from Middlesbrough: Approximately 10 miles
- Driving Time: Around 20-25 minutes
Guisborough Forest and Walkway, located near the historic market town of Guisborough, offers an outdoorsy day trip from Middlesbrough, with plenty of trails for walking or cycling amidst woodlands.
The forest is known for its unique Sculpture Trail and a natural play area, making it perfect for families with young kids.
The Visitor Centre serves as an informative hub for the area’s flora and fauna and there’s a cafe too.
Just a five minute drive down the road are the majestic ruins of Gisborough Priory, a 12th-century Augustinian monastery managed by English Heritage. The remains of the priory church are dominated by the eastern gable wall of the presbytery that still stands to its full height.
Planning Your Day Trip(s) From Middlesbrough
Car Hire
Don’t have a personal vehicle? No stress. The freedom of a road trip from Middlesbrough is within reach if you have a valid UK driver’s licence or an international equivalent.
The area is serviced by numerous car rental agencies, offering a range of options to suit your needs.
A convenient way to find the best deal is through platforms like Discover Cars, where you can compare options from various rental companies.
Train
For those who prefer not to drive, several destinations from Middlesbrough can be reached by train, though travel times may exceed an hour for some locations.
Direct train services are available to places like Saltburn-by-the-Sea and Whitby, offering scenic routes along the coast.
Keep in mind, UK train travel can be pricey, so booking tickets in advance is advisable to secure the best rates.
For more remote attractions, consider combining train travel with local bus services or a short taxi ride.
Bus
Local bus services from Middlesbrough provide access to a number of nearby attractions, including the North York Moors and various coastal towns.
The Arriva bus network, for instance, offers routes that connect Middlesbrough to surrounding areas, making it a viable option for reaching destinations like Guisborough Forest and the historic town of Helmsley.
Buses may not offer the directness of train travel or the convenience of a car, but they do present a cost-effective alternative for day trippers from Middlesbrough.
Whereas the town of Boro itself doesn’t offer many stand-out outdoor attractions, I can assure you that its prime location in the northeast of England and its great transport links means there are an abundance of opportunities to take great outdoor-focussed day trips from Middlesbrough instead.
All these day trips challenge the misconception of Middlesbrough as merely an urban centre. It’s a launching pad for the northeast.
Whilst all these places can be accessed in under a one hour’s drive by car, they’re also accessible by public transport, like train or bus. Even if you don’t drive, or perhaps if you are on a work trip, you can still experience the area beyond the concrete and industrial jungle.
Happy day tripping!
These are great spots to add to our next UK itinerary. I especially would like to visit Wainstones and Hasty Bank, Helmsley, and the Guisborough Forest and Walkway.
I’m not aware of this area but looks beautiful. You have great descriptions.