A CHEAP seaside town is set to undergo a multi-million-pound refurbishment that will breathe new life into it.
Sometimes compared to Blackpool, but less expensive, Hartlepool in the North East might not be everyone's first thought when considering a staycation.
Nevertheless, the town has plenty going for it and government grants of £60million are set to be invested in the near future.
That doesn't mean that it's not worth visiting already, with a classic British seaside holiday feel already attracting plenty of tourists throughout the year.
It's not just nostalgia on offer in Hartlepool either, with a music festival providing plenty of excitement for younger generations.
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Soundwave Festival takes place at Seaton Reach Beach, with bands like Kaiser Chiefs and Feeder among acts performing there this year.
In addition to Soundwave, the Headland Carnival is another popular annual summer event, with rides, fairground attractions, stalls and even a parade making it a popular yearly day out for families.
Lee Pennick, runs Trinity Guest House, which overlooks the beach at Seaton Carew.
He told the Express that year-round his accommodation is still jam packed.
He said: "The amount of footfall is like Blackpool. Sometimes I drive through and shake my head a bit. Seaton Carew holds its own.”
One of the reasons he puts that down to is the town's nightlife, adding: “There’s a nice little circuit there of bars.”
Hartlepool remains one of the most affordable places to live in the UK with a home in the town costing less than half the price of an average UK property.
Analysis carried out by the Express claims that an average Hartlepool home costs £124,000.
The country's overall average property price is £282,000, according to the same study.
With that in mind, it might be time to invest in property in the town, with £60million about to be spent on refurbishments and developments.
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Among those investments is £20m that will be spent on reviving the high street.
Money will also be spent on a new production village that will provide pre and post-production support for film and television.
A new civil engineering academy and a new health and social care academy are additional projects being worked on.
For now, there's still plenty to see and do, with Seaton Carew beach labelled an "absolute must" by Explore Hartlepool.
They added: "This stunning golden beach stretches over one mile in each direction from its resort centre.
"This traditional seaside backdrop offers everything you would expect – a sandy beach, arcades, ice cream parlours and plenty of fish and chip shops."
A night for two in Hartlepool can be booked from around £50 per night.
