Tees Barrage International White Water Centre
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Tees Barrage White Water Centre

4.6
·423 reviews·, United Kingdom

Experience thrilling white water rafting, aerial adventures, and serene paddleboarding at Tees Barrage International White Water Centre.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for outdoor activities

CrowdMedium
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Tees Barrage International White Water Centre

Tees Barrage White Water Centre

Best Time

Spring and Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for outdoor activities

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience thrilling white water rafting, aerial adventures, and serene paddleboarding at Tees Barrage International White Water Centre.

4.6
(423 reviews)

"Canny place to go. You can walk for miles or just mooch around. There's a lovely cafe aswel!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Book White Water Rafting Early

Popular white water rafting sessions fill up fast! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot. :admission_tickets:

Check Maintenance Schedules

The white water course can be closed for maintenance. Always check the official website before your visit. :calendar:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

White Water Rafting Thrills

White Water Rafting Thrills

White Water Course

Experience the adrenaline rush of navigating turbulent waters on a guided rafting adventure. Perfect for groups and thrill-seekers.

Air Trail Adventure

Air Trail Adventure

Adjacent to White Water Centre

Challenge yourself on an aerial obstacle course with stunning views of the River Tees. Fun for all ages.

Paddleboarding Serenity

Paddleboarding Serenity

River Tees

Enjoy a peaceful paddleboarding session on the calm waters of the River Tees. Great for beginners and experienced paddlers.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Adventure

Tees Barrage International White Water Centre offers thrilling water sports like rafting and paddleboarding. Book sessions in advance, especially for popular activities like white water rafting, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Check their schedule for maintenance closures.

Accessibility & Amenities

While the area offers lovely walks and a cafe with ramp access, some visitors note a lack of seating along the circular routes, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Plan your route accordingly and consider bringing a portable seat if needed.

Best Times

When
Spring and Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for outdoor activities
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more availability
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Synchronised sliding 🛟 #Boro #skills #goals
@boro
121.1K likes • 1.2M views

Book White Water Rafting Early

Popular white water rafting sessions fill up fast! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot. :admission_tickets:

Check Maintenance Schedules

The white water course can be closed for maintenance. Always check the official website before your visit. :calendar:

🌟 Adventures Away from Home at Tees Barrage! 🌟 Twelve young people from HYPE (Hardwick Young Persons Enterprise) had an unforgettable day at Tees Barrage International White-Water Centre, thanks to the Adventures Away from Home fund by UK Youth and the Department for Culture Media and Sport. From bushcraft skills and Air Trail to river trips and paddleboarding 🛶🏞️ teesactive.co.uk/to-infinity-bri...
tees_active
5 likes • 518 views
Check out the route to get to Air Trail from the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre car park 🚗 Less than a 5 minute walk from the car park, say hi to the swans and ducks on the way 🦢🦆
airtrailtees
4 likes • 352 views

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for most activities, especially rafting and the Air Trail. :athletic_shoe:

Explore the Circular Walks

Enjoy scenic walks along the River Tees. The Infinity Bridge offers great photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

🌟 Adventures Away from Home at Tees Barrage! 🌟 Twelve young people from HYPE (Hardwick Young Persons Enterprise) had an unforgettable day at Tees Barrage International White-Water Centre, thanks to the Adventures Away from Home fund by UK Youth and the Department for Culture Media and Sport. From bushcraft skills and Air Trail to river trips and paddleboarding 🛶🏞️ Join us this Easter at Tees Bar...
teesbarragewhitewater
7 likes • 382 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book White Water Rafting Early

Popular white water rafting sessions fill up fast! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot. :admission_tickets:

Check Maintenance Schedules

The white water course can be closed for maintenance. Always check the official website before your visit. :calendar:

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for most activities, especially rafting and the Air Trail. :athletic_shoe:

Explore the Circular Walks

Enjoy scenic walks along the River Tees. The Infinity Bridge offers great photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

Cafe with a View

The cafe offers refreshments with nice views. Accessible by ramp and stairs. :coffee:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(423 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Tees Barrage for its diverse activities, from thrilling white water rafting to serene paddleboarding and the exciting Air Trail. The free parking and scenic walks along the River Tees are also highlighted as major positives. However, some guests have noted a lack of seating along the walking routes, which can be a drawback for those with mobility issues.

"Canny place to go. You can walk for miles or just mooch around. There's a lovely cafe aswel, accessible by stairs or ramp. Couple of toilets in there. Reasonable prices and food was handsome! Free parking which is always a bonus. You can do a little circular walk from the carpark over the infinity bridge and back. The airtrail looked amazing! There is also a tiny trail for younger kids less than a meter off the ground so parents can hold there hand. Obviously you can take yr paddle boards/kayaks etc as its mice calm water. Definitely worth spending a couple of hours there. No play parks tho but still cool for young uns to explore. Forgot to take pics of the pond 🤦🏻‍♀️"

Kelly Frazer

"Some good walks around Barrage and along the River Tees, some circular walks crossing a number of bridges. We visited in winter so not much going on. Seemed popular with locals and visitors, dog walkers etc. there’s a small cafe. Probably better in spring and summer. We did a 5k circular walks. The Whitewater course was closed for maintenance."

Simon L

"This was a very interesting place to visit. However the lack of seating around the circular walk was very disappointing. Being of a certain age my husband and I struggled. The 3 seats we found had very bad access.
Even an odd sandstone block would have been useful along the route to have 5 mins.
Perhaps think about it please."

Anita Bargewell

What People Like

Exciting water sports
Air Trail adventure
Scenic river walks

What People Dislike

Limited seating on walks

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tees Barrage International White Water Centre is easily accessible by car, with free parking available. It's also close to Tessside Park and bus stops, making public transport a viable option. Reddit

Yes, there is free parking available at the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre. Reddit

Absolutely! You can enjoy lovely walks along the River Tees to reach the Barrage. It's a popular route for locals and visitors alike. Reddit

Yes, bus stops are easily accessible near Tees Barrage, making it convenient to reach via public transport. Reddit

The nearest train stations would be in Middlesbrough or Stockton-on-Tees, from where you can take a bus or taxi to the Barrage.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It is highly recommended to book tickets for activities like white water rafting and paddleboarding in advance, especially during peak times, to secure your preferred slot. Reddit

Opening hours can vary depending on the season and specific activities. It's best to check the official Tees Barrage website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours and activity schedules. Reddit

While the water sports activities require booking, you can enjoy free walks around the Barrage and along the River Tees, and the Infinity Bridge offers great views. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the area to walk around, enjoy the views, and visit the cafe without booking a specific activity. Reddit

There is no general admission fee to enter the Tees Barrage area. Fees apply only to specific booked activities and sessions. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Tees Barrage offers a range of water sports including white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. They also have the Air Trail aerial adventure course. Instagram+1

Yes, there's a 'tiny trail' for younger kids less than a meter off the ground, and the calm waters are good for paddleboarding. However, there are no dedicated play parks. Reddit

Yes, there are several circular walks around the Barrage and along the River Tees, including crossing the Infinity Bridge. Reddit

The Air Trail is an aerial obstacle course. While there's a separate 'tiny trail' for younger children, the main Air Trail is for those who are comfortable with heights and physical challenges. Instagram

Facilities include a cafe, toilets, and free parking. Some visitors have noted a lack of seating along the walking routes. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe at Tees Barrage that offers refreshments and food at reasonable prices. It's accessible by stairs or a ramp. Reddit

The cafe serves a selection of food, described as 'handsome' by one reviewer, suggesting it's good quality and satisfying. Reddit

There is a nice pub located close to the Barrage, offering another option for dining or drinks. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, picnicking is generally allowed in outdoor public spaces. However, the cafe and nearby pub are convenient options. Reddit

The reviews mention dog walkers frequenting the area, but specific dog-friendliness of the cafe itself isn't detailed. It's best to check directly with the cafe. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Infinity Bridge offers unique architectural shots. The River Tees provides scenic backdrops, especially during sunrise or sunset. Reddit

It's generally not advisable to bring cameras or phones onto the white water rafting course due to safety reasons. Instructors may take photos. TikTok

Yes, you can capture great shots of the Air Trail from the ground, showcasing the structure and people navigating it. Instagram

Landscape photography of the river and bridges, action shots of water sports, and candid shots of people enjoying the activities are popular. Instagram

Drone usage is typically subject to regulations and may require permission. It's best to check with the Tees Barrage management before flying a drone. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tees Barrage offers a mix of activities suitable for families. The Air Trail has a special 'tiny trail' for younger children, ensuring they can participate safely. For water activities, paddleboarding on the calmer river sections is a great family-friendly option, with instructors available to help beginners. InstagramReddit

While there aren't traditional play parks, the scenic walks along the River Tees and the chance to see local wildlife provide plenty of natural exploration for kids. The cafe offers a convenient spot for snacks and meals, and the free parking makes getting there hassle-free. Remember to bring appropriate footwear for everyone, especially if planning on water activities or the Air Trail. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Tees Barrage is a great option for budget-conscious travelers. Parking is free, and you can enjoy scenic walks along the River Tees and across the Infinity Bridge without any cost. Reddit The cafe offers reasonably priced refreshments, and there's a pub nearby for affordable dining options. Reddit

While the main water sports activities like white water rafting have associated costs, consider a beginner paddleboarding session for a more budget-friendly water adventure. Booking in advance might sometimes offer better rates, so it's worth checking their website. Reddit

💑 Couples

For a relaxed day out, couples can enjoy scenic walks along the River Tees, taking in the views and perhaps crossing the Infinity Bridge for some memorable photos. Reddit A leisurely paddleboarding session together on the calm waters offers a fun and romantic activity. Reddit

Afterwards, relax at the on-site cafe with a coffee or enjoy a meal at the nearby pub. The combination of outdoor activity and a pleasant dining experience makes Tees Barrage a lovely spot for a date or a relaxed outing. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Mastering the White Water

The Tees Barrage International White Water Centre is renowned for its state-of-the-art water management system, which allows for controlled and consistent white water conditions. This makes it an ideal venue for both training and recreational white water rafting and kayaking. Visitors can book guided sessions, ranging from beginner tasters to more challenging expeditions, led by experienced instructors. These sessions are designed to be fun and safe, even for those with no prior experience. TikTok

When planning your white water adventure, it's crucial to book in advance, as sessions can fill up quickly, especially during weekends and holidays. Always check the official schedule for any planned maintenance closures, as the course may be temporarily unavailable. Wearing appropriate footwear that can get wet and stay on your feet is essential for safety and comfort during these activities. Reddit+1

For those looking to improve their skills, the centre offers various courses and coaching sessions. The controlled environment allows participants to build confidence and technique in a supportive setting. Whether you're looking for a thrilling group activity or a personal challenge, the white water course at Tees Barrage promises an unforgettable experience. Instagram

Adventures Above and Below

Beyond the white water, Tees Barrage offers a unique aerial experience with the Air Trail. This high ropes course provides a thrilling challenge for adventurers of all ages, featuring various obstacles and a spectacular route. It's a fantastic way to get a different perspective of the surroundings and test your nerve. Instagram

For younger visitors or those seeking a less intense aerial experience, there's a dedicated 'tiny trail' that sits just a meter off the ground, allowing parents to easily assist and supervise. This ensures that even the youngest adventurers can enjoy a sense of accomplishment and fun. Reddit

On the water, but in a more serene setting, paddleboarding is a popular activity on the calmer sections of the River Tees. It's a fantastic way to connect with nature, enjoy the scenery, and get some gentle exercise. Instructors are available to guide beginners, making it accessible for everyone to try. Reddit

Exploring the Surroundings

The area around Tees Barrage is perfect for exploration, offering pleasant circular walks along the River Tees. These routes provide beautiful views and a chance to enjoy the local wildlife, including swans and ducks. The Infinity Bridge is a notable landmark, offering unique photographic opportunities and a scenic crossing point. InstagramReddit

Visitors can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the grounds, enjoying the fresh air, and taking in the sights. The Barrage itself is an interesting feature, and the surrounding parkland is well-maintained. While there aren't dedicated play parks, the natural environment offers plenty for children to explore. Reddit

For refreshments, a cafe is conveniently located on-site, offering a place to relax and refuel. There's also a pub nearby for those looking for a more substantial meal or a drink. The free parking and accessibility via public transport make it a convenient destination for a day out. Reddit

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