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Tees Barrage on the River Tees

Tees Barrage & Stockton

Sitting on our most northerly river, the River Tees, is our own angelic attraction of the north – the Tees Barrage.

It's part of a newly formed Tees Barrage Park that pulls together the barrage structure itself, the Tees Active white water course and the nearby nature reserves on the north and south side of the river managed by the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust.

All of these features – the barrage, the activity centre, two nature reserves – are well interlinked with cycle ways / footpaths winding though.

What the barrage has created is truly inspiring and well worth a visit. A rediscovered heritage and a rejuvenated community all start their stories around our Tees Barrage. The vital statistics are indeed incredible:

  • £55 million to build
  • 70 metres wide
  • 50 tonne fish belly gates holding back the tide

Things to see and do

Places to eat:

Boat trips:

Picnic spot:

There is a good grassy area for a picnic

Trails:

Wildlife spotting:

While there's plenty of places to spot swans, ducks, as well as our new wildlife garden, at Tees you can see something alittle more ocean-going. Seals, and sometimes, whales swim up river to the barrage! Take to the towpaths to find not one but two nature reserves connected to the Tees Barrage Park: Maze Park and Portrack Marsh both cared for by the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust.

Planning your visit

  • Address

    Tees Barrage Way, Tees Barrage, Stockton on Tees, TS18 2QW

  • Opening times

    Towpath and walkway open every day

  • Prices

    Free

  • Toilets

    For customers of the local pub/café

Getting here

  • By boat

    Read our Tees Boaters Welcome Pack and plan your safe passage on the River Tees with our River Tees Guidance Notes and Barrage Reach timetable

  • By car

    There is a large free car park along navigation way. You can also park at the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre.

  • By train

    By train - Thornaby Station is the nearest at a 10 to 15 minute walk away.

  • By bike/foot

    There are some brilliant cycling and walking routes and path all around and across the barrage. You can find more information and maps about walking in the Stockton area, on the council website.

photo of a location on the canals
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