If you’ve ever heard of Middlesbrough, also known as Boro, then you will probably know two things that it is famous for: the legendary parmo and the industrial past (we were involved in the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge!). I’ve slowly come to realise over the years that I developed some sort of shame attached to being from there, especially since living abroad and having so many international friends. Though we don’t have much going for us, this town is my home, and always will be, and there are actually some really beautiful places that you should absolutely visit! Being so close to Newcastle makes visiting so much easier too – there are direct trains and buses for very cheap prices!
It makes me feel so lucky to have such beautiful trails on my doorstep that lead me to charming villages and beautiful coastlines.
My local beach and one of the most beautiful places I know is Saltburn. I’m sure many people recognise the name from the film! My parents actually met in this lovely town, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. The beach at Saltburn is genuinely stunning – perfect for a nice walk which can end with fish and chips on the pier and an ice cream! There are also restaurants, an arcade, a surf school, and a mini golf course, so there is plenty to do. You can also take an old-fashioned tram up to the town centre, which also offers a really nice view of the sea! Saltburn town is also great for charity shopping, cafés, and it even has a theatre, too.
Middlesbrough is perfectly nestled between Yorkshire and Durham, and is therefore surrounded by beautiful hiking trails – The Cleveland Way, for example. I walked from Saltburn to Staithes with my dad and it was stunning! It makes me feel so lucky to have such beautiful trails on my doorstep that lead me to charming villages and beautiful coastlines. I’ve already planned out so many little trips and walks for when my international friends come to visit, and I am so eager to show them my hometown. Roseberry Topping and Guisborough Woods are also incredible and popular trails, offering magnificent views of the surrounding moors. There is also no shortage of pubs in Middlesbrough - we are northern after all - so you can enjoy a well deserved pint after taking in the wonderful nature that we have to offer.
Middlesborough is my home and always will be!
Whilst the town centre has historically been run down, and unfortunately this is mostly still the case, there are some great places to visit in the town centre. For example, there are cuisines from all over the world on Linthorpe Road, and a growing nightlife in the town centre. Middlesbrough is slowly becoming a more exciting place to live, as we are still recovering from deindustrialisation and lack of funding and interest from the government.
Despite growing up not being proud of my heritage, I have realised that the North East is genuinely such a beautiful part of the world, and we should never be ashamed of where we come from. If anything, we should embrace it. Middlesbrough is my home and always will be!