Stewart Park, Middlesbrough

The park was the estate of Henry Bolckow one of Middlesbrough's ironmasters and the borough's first mayor. Bolckow landscaped the estate and in 1858 built Marton Hall in the estate. To indicate the site of the cottage where Captain James Cook was born he had erected a pink granite vase still present today. The estate was eventually bought by Councillor Thomas Dormand Stewart, in 1924, for the people of Middlesbrough. Stewart intended it to be "a public possession, open and accessible to all the people, at all times". Stewart's Park was officially opened to the public on 23 May 1928.

The park covers about 120 acre and consists mainly of mature woodland and arboretum on the south side, with open parkland on the northern side. There are two lakes, which are the home to Canada and greylag geese, moorhens, coots and various types of duck. A pets' corner houses several types of domesticated animals: fallow deer, highland cattle, llamas, goats, peacocks, pheasants, rabbits and guinea pigs. Part of the Victorian estate complex is open to the public and includes a cafe, and visitor centre. Various nature, heritage, orienteering and tree trails are provided in the park. Play areas for children include a climbing frame named after HMS Endeavour, Captain James Cook's ship. The…