October 16 2026
Kirkleatham Museum has been awarded Coach Friendly status by Coach UK, part of CPT, recognising the venue as a welcoming destination for coach operators and their passengers.
The accreditation places Kirkleatham Museum among a small number of recognised destinations across the region, with only two locations in the Tees Valley currently holding Coach Friendly status.
The Coach Friendly scheme recognises destinations that actively support coach tourism through suitable drop-off and pick-up facilities, coach parking and good access to visitor attractions. The scheme also highlights the wider benefits that coach tourism can bring to local economies, businesses and more sustainable travel.
The award was presented at Kirkleatham Museum on 13 October by Mark Hodgson of Coatham Coaches.
Kirkleatham Museum is one of the borough's most popular heritage attractions, welcoming visitors from across the region and beyond. Achieving Coach Friendly status demonstrates its commitment to providing a positive and accessible experience for group visitors while helping attract more people to enjoy everything the museum and surrounding area have to offer.
Councillor Alec Brown, Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: "Kirkleatham Museum is one of our most valued cultural attractions, and we're delighted to see it recognised through this accreditation.
"Coach visitors play an important role in supporting local attractions and businesses, and this award reflects the work that has been carried out to ensure groups can enjoy a welcoming and accessible visit. We hope this recognition will encourage even more people to discover Kirkleatham Museum and explore everything our borough has to offer."
Andrew McGuinness, CPT Regional Manager (North of England) said: “Coach UK, part of CPT, are delighted to award Kirkleatham Museum Coach Friendly status. This hidden gem showcases local industrial, maritime and social history in picturesque surroundings, with coach parking and a welcoming coffee shop. On National Coach Week, it is fantastic to recognise another destination embracing coach visitors and the benefits they bring.”
The accreditation is expected to help raise the profile of Kirkleatham Museum among coach operators and group travel organisers, supporting future visits to the attraction and the wider area.