We encourage our trainees to have a healthy work life balance.Unwinding is easy when there are so many attractions in the exciting North East. Whether you’re into sport, love clubbing, shopping or perhaps you prefer arts and culture – the area guarantees there’s something for you!
Only a stone’s throw from Middlesbrough and major cities such as Durham, Sunderland, Newcastle, York and Leeds, the trust has convenient transport links with the A1 and A19, as well as excellent rail and bus links from Scotland to London.
Sports
Football and rugby are the religion of the North East’s sporting fanatics. With the home of Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Newcastle Football Club all within a 30 minute drive, the North East is a football fan’s dream. If rugby is more your thing, there are many local teams to join and support as well as the premiership team Newcastle Falcons. There’s also easy access to Durham Cricket Club. Less than five minutes away is the Tees Barrage – a popular facility with rowers and kayakers. The area also offers a varied range of sporting activities from swimming, hiking up the beautiful Roseberry Topping and North York Moors, several world class athletics clubs as well as dance studios and ice rinks. Our trainees can also access the gym at Durham Queens Campus site in Stockton.
Music
The North East enjoys a vibrant music scene and there are multiple festivals from the Stockton Riverside to Evolution which enjoys major signed musicians every year. Many pubs offer open mic nights and live diverse music. There’s also the Sage Gateshead, 02 Academy and Metro Arena where major acts frequent. Yarm is an idyllic town set on the Tees and offers a variation of vibrant bars and restaurants and is a popular place for visitors and residents alike.
Art and Theatre
Visit the Mima art gallery in the heart of Middlesbrough and its many world renowned collections or enjoy open air theatre in the Victorian woodland of Stewart Park. How about a trip to the area’s many theatres or just a relaxing walk around the scenic and historic marina at Hartlepool?
