Tees Transporter Bridge
Tees Transporter Bridge
4.5
About
The Tees Transporter Bridge has played an important role in the area's history for over a century and continues to Provide an important and unique crossing over the River Tees. In recent years the Transporter has emerged as a leading historic visitor attraction and is one of the UK's major sites for extreme sports including abseils, bungee jumps and zipslides. In 2011 to mark the Bridge's centenary the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) confirmed a £2.6m award for refurbishment and upgrade work to the Tees Transporter Bridge. The HLF supported Tees Transporter Bridge Visitor Experience Project included the installation of a glass viewing lift to provide improved access to the upper walkway, renovation of the gondola, replacement of the Bridge's motors and the development of state-of-the-art visitor facilities and resources.
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- Richard KRamsbottom, United Kingdom75 contributionsGreat staff and a great place to visitWe visited this place as a friend I was travelling with was keen to see it. I'm very glad we did. Very friendly and informative staff who were clearly proud of not just the bridge but the surrounding areas. They even recommended some places to head on our motorbikes. Well worth a visit 👍Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 16, 2023
- Chris R4 contributionsAbsolutely brilliant visit to the transporterI decided to visit the transporter visitor centre today in between hospital visits to see my ma. I was met by Paul and that gentleman made my day. His enthusiasm and passion for Teesside was incredible. Middlesbrough Borough Council are very lucky to have someone like him working for the organisationVisited January 2024Traveled soloWritten January 19, 2024
- BraindamagedbaronNewark-on-Trent, United Kingdom1,580 contributionsUp close and wonderfulIconic and unmissable. Visiting Middlesbrough and not seeing the Tees Transporter Bridge is like going to New York and not seeing that big torchy statue thing. Or going to Paris and not seeing that scaffold tower job. The bridge is a genuinely lovely sight and one of those, been there, seen it, moments. Delighted to see it in the flesh, as it were.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 21, 2024
- Ian C25 contributionsIconic - Not currently working, but well worth a visitWe were aware the bridge itself has been closed since 2019 (safety concerns), however this structure did not disappoint. It was worthwhile to get up close to this Middlesbrough icon, and the visitors centre gave an in-depth picture of the transporter bridge and its place in Middlesbrough history. Paul, from the visitors centre was knowlegeable and enthusiastic, not just on the bridge itself, but also on the history of the region, and a great salesperson for the future of the town.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 10, 2024
- Roderick M9 contributionsA fascinating piece of engineering history, hope it gets restored.Visiting the area and thought we would take a look at this engineering icon. Met by male staff member at the Visitor Centre who gave us a tour of the centre, explained a number of the films and was friendly and very knowledgable about the bridge and the surrounding area. Bridge is currently out of use awaiting repairs but still spectacular. Highly recommended.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 6, 2024
- Mark J12002 contributionsIf you’re within 30 miles it’s a must see visit - 8th wonder of the world!We were heading north for a few days along the coast and Newcastle and saw the transporter bridge on the skyline. I was driving but the glimpses were enough to make it a “must see” on the return journey. And really glad we did. First the Port Clarence side and as you approach its quite breathtaking. Park and take a short walk down the river to take it all in - something to be in awe of. I wanted to visit the other side and the visitor centre - hot sunny day, Newport Bridge closed with masses of traffic and a diversion so it took about an hour. But it was worth every minute. The visitors centre is fantastic - so welcoming, informative and clearly passionate about the bridge. Had a very enjoyable hour there chatting. I live about 60 miles away - ( and it’s not an easy 60 miles at all via Whitby ) but originally from Cardiff. Whenever I have a visitor this will be a must-see for them. And with Redcar and Saltburn by the Sea near by the effort and miles are completely worth it. Loved it, thank you for the hospitality. Already planned a return to the area in a couple of weekends. 😁Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 8, 2024
- Marie F14 contributionsGreat morningThe bridge is closed but the visitor centre is open and you can still appreciate the structure. The guide was amazing, I wish I had asked his name! Sharing his knowledge of the bridge AND the rest of the area. Go here before holidaying at the coast for the history and the best bits of the area. Loving the souviners too.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
737 reviews
Excellent
541
Very good
156
Average
25
Poor
8
Terrible
7
Ian C
Sydney25 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We were aware the bridge itself has been closed since 2019 (safety concerns), however this structure did not disappoint. It was worthwhile to get up close to this Middlesbrough icon, and the visitors centre gave an in-depth picture of the transporter bridge and its place in Middlesbrough history. Paul, from the visitors centre was knowlegeable and enthusiastic, not just on the bridge itself, but also on the history of the region, and a great salesperson for the future of the town.
Written May 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maruba
Nottingham, UK546 contributions
Apr 2023
My friend and I were on a minibreak in Middlesbrough and although we knew the transporter bridge was closed we decided to call into the visitor centre. It turned out to be the highlight of our trip! Paul was very informative and entertaining telling us everything about the bridge and the area, showing us lots of interesting videos, taking us outside to point out nearby landmarks, into the winding room and even taking our photo under the bridge with his lovely dog Nim. We were there 90 minutes taking us beyond when the visitor centre should have closed but Paul was happy to stay and answer our questions! I really hope - even if the money to restore the bridge to current safety standards does not materialise - the council keep this visitor centre open as it's an important part of the town and lovely to see this bit of industrial heritage. A big thank you to Paul and Nim!
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris R
4 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
I decided to visit the transporter visitor centre today in between hospital visits to see my ma. I was met by Paul and that gentleman made my day. His enthusiasm and passion for Teesside was incredible. Middlesbrough Borough Council are very lucky to have someone like him working for the organisation
Written January 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJU82
48 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Visited on Monday with my wife and Son. We all really enjoyed finding out about the history of the bridge and also about the surrounding area. The gentleman working there was really knowledgeable and unbelievably kind and friendly to us. We will visit again later in the year when the weather is a bit warmer. A huge thank you to him.
Written April 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tim50stroud
Stroud, UK69 contributions
Jul 2022
Fantastic guided tour by John, who was delighted to show us round parts that other people didnt get to; it was a very quiet day and hadnt expected to spend so long there. Wonderful engineering, fascinating contrast to the lift bridge a bit further up the river. Very informative, and lots of stories to tell.
I hope theres funding to resore it to working order; or at least get the non slip surfaces replaced so people (braver than me) could climb the tower and walk across!
I hope theres funding to resore it to working order; or at least get the non slip surfaces replaced so people (braver than me) could climb the tower and walk across!
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark J1200
2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We were heading north for a few days along the coast and Newcastle and saw the transporter bridge on the skyline. I was driving but the glimpses were enough to make it a “must see” on the return journey. And really glad we did. First the Port Clarence side and as you approach its quite breathtaking. Park and take a short walk down the river to take it all in - something to be in awe of. I wanted to visit the other side and the visitor centre - hot sunny day, Newport Bridge closed with masses of traffic and a diversion so it took about an hour. But it was worth every minute. The visitors centre is fantastic - so welcoming, informative and clearly passionate about the bridge. Had a very enjoyable hour there chatting. I live about 60 miles away - ( and it’s not an easy 60 miles at all via Whitby ) but originally from Cardiff. Whenever I have a visitor this will be a must-see for them. And with Redcar and Saltburn by the Sea near by the effort and miles are completely worth it. Loved it, thank you for the hospitality. Already planned a return to the area in a couple of weekends. 😁
Written August 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
Visited here today what a great experience this is an excellent piece of engineering and great to see close up. Went to the visitors centre which was great and Paul was excellent showing us videos of the history of the bridge and was very informative with lots of knowledge of the history and workings of the bridge. Had a great time and highly recommend people visit
Written September 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roderick M
9 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Visiting the area and thought we would take a look at this engineering icon. Met by male staff member at the Visitor Centre who gave us a tour of the centre, explained a number of the films and was friendly and very knowledgable about the bridge and the surrounding area. Bridge is currently out of use awaiting repairs but still spectacular. Highly recommended.
Written June 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Worried_of_Guildford
England21 contributions
Mar 2022
I would just like to thank Middlesbrough council for a totally wasted journey to travel on the Tees Transporter bridge. When I looked on their website it says it is open from 7.15am to 6.20 pm on Mondays with some breaks. When I arrived from Cheshire this afternoon, the bridge was closed and looked as if it had been for sometime. I eventually found notice of the closure elsewhere. Needless to say it will some time before I visit Middlesbrough again!
Written March 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leah_heeley
Chesterfield, United Kingdom18 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We visited off the back of seeing this on Auf Wiedersehen Pet as we were in the area. Despite it being closed the visitor centre was still open and we were greeted by the friendliest most knowledgeable chap and ended up spending over an hour there. Paul worked there when the bridge was open and now looks after the visitor centre. He literally knows everything about the bridge, its history, the future of the bridge. His knowledge on local history was fantastic. We were pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed our visit. We would definitely recommend a visit here. Great job Paul!
Written October 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
my dad henry McAlpine,worked on the transporter bridge in the late 60s,came from Glasgow,we lived in grove hill,i think the house came with the job,when he died in 1968 ,we had to move back up to Glasgow,i wondered if anybody in the area worked with him or knew him .he had a wife and four kids .any info would be very helpful,thank you
Written August 20, 2019
Sorry can’t help but your dad did a great job working on the bridge
Written August 20, 2019
A Tripadvisor member
Hartlepool, United Kingdom
I'm going to the visitor experience Tuesday afternoon - how many people are you seen in the group.
Written July 20, 2019
Hi David
I think there was about 16 but to be honest I can’t be sure. Brilliant visit and the employees are brilliant who give you the low down on it all.
Written July 20, 2019
Best to check as occasionally closed due to inclement weather or maintenance
Written September 25, 2019
Visibility. It's painted blue as the lights at night show up better when it's blue than any other colour. That was what we were told during our tour. Apparently it's been a variety of colours over its life.
Written August 8, 2017
My dad Henry mcalpine, worked on the bridge in the 60's,has anybody down there worked with him or knew him,he came down from Glasgow.
Written June 20, 2017
sorry , cant help , as many people have worked on the bridge since it was built.
Written June 20, 2017
No not at all. However check the operating times on the web site. We got caught out a couple of times with it being closed. Also if your coming for Middlesbrough side and not returning, check you map for how to get back
Enjoy it's a spectacular
Written November 28, 2016
Is there car parking nearby so we can do the visitor experience?
Written September 17, 2016
Free parking 2 hrs on site
Written October 19, 2016
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