Come and explore a faithfully restored 19th century coastal defence battery. This North-East visitors attraction boasts a unique history, being the only area to have seen ship-to-shore combat during the First World War and through out World War II up until 1956 with the disbanding of the coastal artillery forces. The exhibits tell the story of those who lost their lives and the brave men who defended the area.

Visit the original barrack room, now an exciting visitor’s centre, underground magazines, coastal artillery and observation tower.

The Heugh Gun Battery Trust Limited actively encourage many enactment societies to hold meetings and join in on the exhibitions held at The Heugh Gun Battery.

Some of the activities include Gun Parades, Display Teams and the Drill Competitions open to all.

Whilst visiting take a look around the workshop or take a relaxing break in the new coffee shop.

You can even host your event here from meetings to children's parties. The function room can hold up to 30 people plus equipment.

The Promenade at old Hartlepool

Old Hartlepool is the original fishing village which existed before West Hartlepool. The origins of ancient town of Hartlepool (Old Hartlepool) can be traced back to ca 647 AD. In the 8th century AD, Bede mentions it (“heopru” – the place where harts (deer) drink). The record goes blank then, and does not reappear until the 12th century. In 1201 King John confirmed a charter owned by Robert Bruce V. The name “Brus” or “Bruce” is still associated with parts of the town.

The fine abbey church of St. Hilda is mainly Early English, dating from 1185, on the site of an abbey which flourished as early as 658 AD. St. Hilda’s still flourishes and stands in a prominent place on the Hartlepool headland, and nearby the ancient town walls (completed ca 1322 as a defence against the twin enemies of the Scots and the sea) can still be seen.

On 8th February 1201, the town was granted its first royal charter by King John. A second royal charter was granted in 1593 by Queen Elizabeth (the First).

Hartlepool was visited several times by John Wesley on his preaching tours … he was certainly in the town in 1757 and 1786.

Old Hartlepool continued its independent existence until 1967, when local government reorganisation created the merger with its young neighbour, West Hartlepool.