For example, it is home to the only preserved First World War battlefield in the UK and the oldest floating British warship.
It is no surprise then that there is so much to do in our coastal town.
Here are just 26 suggestions from A to Z of places to visit and things to do in Hartlepool this year.
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Clockwise from left: the Headland, Get Out Escape Rooms, Crimdon Dene and Vue Cinema. Photo: Madeleine Raine
. A is for Art Gallery
Hartlepool Art Gallery is set back within Christ Church, in Church Square, which is a restored Victorian church built in 1854. Photo: Frank Reid
. B is for Burn Valley Gardens
Burn Valley Gardens is a quiet green corridor featuring three bowling greens, two play areas and a cycle lane. Photo: Frank Reid
. C is for Crimdon Dene
Crimdon Dene is a local nature reserve featuring a 118-year-old viaduct that was designed to carry the North Eastern Railway. Photo: Frank Reid
. D is for docks
In December 1840, the first of Hartlepool's docks opened to deal with coal. Since then, the docks have seen a range of changes both visually and business wise. Photo: Frank Reid
. E is for escape rooms
Get Out Escape Rooms is Hartlepool's first and only escape room. Opened in August 2022, teams of two to six people are given a series of puzzles and challenges to escape the room in just 60 minutes. Photo: Frank Reid
. F is for Folio Art Gallery
Folio is nestled in between the bricks surrounding Church Square and features local artists' work and exhibitions. Photo: Frank Reid
. G is for golf
There are a number of golfing locations across the town, whether you are training as a professional or just starting out. Photo: Stu Norton
. H is for Heugh Battery Museum
The Heugh Battery Museum is the only remaining First World War battlefield in the UK and commemorates Hartlepool's history during the Bombardment of Hartlepool in December 1914. Photo: Tim Richardson
. I is for indoor market
Middleton Grange's indoor market has a range of stalls including a butchers, grocers and book stall. Photo: Frank Reid
. J is for Jump 360
Jump 360 is an indoor trampoline park suitable for people of all ages. Photo: Frank Reid
1. A is for Art Gallery
Hartlepool Art Gallery is set back within Christ Church, in Church Square, which is a restored Victorian church built in 1854. Photo: Frank Reid
2. B is for Burn Valley Gardens
Burn Valley Gardens is a quiet green corridor featuring three bowling greens, two play areas and a cycle lane. Photo: Frank Reid
3. C is for Crimdon Dene
Crimdon Dene is a local nature reserve featuring a 118-year-old viaduct that was designed to carry the North Eastern Railway. Photo: Frank Reid
4. D is for docks
In December 1840, the first of Hartlepool's docks opened to deal with coal. Since then, the docks have seen a range of changes both visually and business wise. Photo: Frank Reid