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Teesside Park Gains ‘Coach Friendly’ Status

Teesside Park has become the first destination in the Tees Valley to receive official Coach Friendly accreditation from the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), marking a major step in attracting more group visitors to the region.

The recognition highlights the centre’s accessibility and readiness to welcome organised coach trips, positioning Teesside Park as both a standalone day-out destination and a convenient stop within wider regional itineraries.

This milestone supports Teesside Park’s ongoing efforts to improve connectivity, including enhanced bus routes, while contributing to the wider growth of the Tees Valley visitor economy. Coach travel is also a more sustainable option, with one full coach potentially removing up to 20 cars from the road.

Catherine Furlong, centre director at Teesside Park, said: “This accreditation showcases our role as a well-connected destination that supports local tourism, creates opportunities for businesses and helps more people experience everything the region has to offer.

“By working closely with coach operators, the Local Visitor Economy Partnership and other local partners, we hope to create more reasons for visitors to spend time in the area, supporting local shops, restaurants, leisure operators and attractions across the Tees Valley.

“Teesside Park already plays an important role for local communities, and we remain focused on improving access to the centre for people living nearby too, including supporting better public transport links and bus routes.”

As part of the initiative, Tim Hortons at Teesside Park will offer coach drivers a complimentary hot meal during visits.

Before being presented with the award, Teesside Park hosted a breakfast networking meeting in partnership with the Tees Valley LVEP which was attended by local authority colleagues and visitor attractions. During the meeting, Andy Shaw from the CPT gave a presentation on the benefits of Coach Friendly status and the commercial benefit the status provides.

The CPT noted that even one daily coach visit could generate up to £1 million annually for the regional economy, underlining the significant impact of group travel.

Any companies interested in arranging a coach trip to Teesside Park should email: [email protected]

Last updated Wednesday 3 June, 2026