The Museum of Hartlepool has undergone a transformation. Opened on Saturday 28th June, the colourful new displays tell the story of a past which is packed with exciting events and interesting people. As you enter, you are taken back 5000 years to the Bronze Age and introduced to the museum by Hartlepool's oldest known man. From here you move through centuries of the town's past, ending up with the joining of the Headland and West Hartlepool in 1967 and a look to today and the future.
Hartlepool Maritime Experience is a superb re-creation of an 18th century seaport, telling the story of life at sea at the time of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar which dares you to experience life aboard a real British Naval frigate two centuries ago.
Become entranced by the world of fighting ships and hardy mariners. Turn your head to seafaring games and physical tasks. Face the daily challenges, nautical rituals and the hardship of maritime life in days gone by....and have a fabulous day out at one of Tees Valley's premier attractions.
Stop by Saltholme Pools Hide or Paddy's Hide during spring or summer and you will, hopefully, be treated to fantastic views of our breeding colony of common terns. They nest on the specially created cockleshell islands.
Lapwing
One of Saltholme's most constant residents, lapwings can be seen displaying and nesting during spring and summer. They also roost in their thousands along the banks you can see from Saltholme Pools Hide in winter.
Peregrine
Peregrines are the fastest animal in the world. They can be seen throughout the year, with several using the site as a hunting ground. They are often seen flying over the wet grassland and pools; watch out for their spectacular aerial chases with wintering flocks of birds.
Water rail
From the Wildlife Watchpoint and the viewing point at Haverton Hill, water rails can be seen feeding at the edge of channels and pools within the reedbed all year round. These secretive birds do not usually venture far from cover. However, in very cold icy winters they often be seen foraging out in the open in the middle of frozen pools.
Yellow wagtail
These arresting little birds are regular summer visitors to Saltholme, with several pairs nesting on site. They can frequently be seen on posts along the trails or flying around the edges of the grassland collecting flying insects.
Places to Visit
