Preston Park Museum, Stockton

Tucked away on the banks of the River Tees, near Yarm, Preston Park Museum resides in acres of park land.

I haven’t been in over 20 year but with the promise of a modern history museum, a Victorian Street and as many walking routes as you could possibly imagine, I couldn’t resist going back.

Officially opened as a museum in 1953 and rebranded in 2012, I took my Mam along to check it out.

The Preston Park Museum admission is a very, very reasonable £2.50 and covers you for a full 12 month period. If you live locally, it’s a great place to wander round on a Saturday afternoon to get some fresh air and finish off with a cuppa in the Victorian tea room.

The Victorian Street was the highlight for us but it was interesting to wander through the exhibits of items from yesteryear. I have to admit, I could remember using some of the old electronic items they had on display. I think that makes me an O.A.T – an old age techy!

On the street itself, there are costumed volunteers wandering around, playing their part. I was even told off by the policeman for taking photos – he threatened to throw me in the cells! All good fun if you get in to the spirit!

You can stock up on fresh Rose Water in the Apothecary, coffee and cake in the tea room or stock up on freshly picked flowers, fruit and veg from the Grocers. All of which have been grown in the on-site walled garden which is beautiful.

There’s a great big adventure play area for kids, boating on the river and the grounds are all dog friendly. There’s outside toilet facilities and a café which are both free to use if you don’t want to pay to go in to the museum. I was however disappointed to see the Aviary in a state of disrepair but I guess it costs too much to care for the birds as well as they should be.

We spent a couple of hours wandering round and it was lovely. If you are looking for somewhere for a mooch, this is the place for you.  It would be perfect for vlogs and outfit photos!

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