There are drop-off points directly outside John Whitehead Park on the Causeway, please be aware that these are also used for the park and ride service and could get busy at times.  See map for details.

The main car park is a 5 minute walk from the site and has this what3words location:  smug.luck.cabin

Directions from Billingham Train station to Festival of Thrift site by foot:

Bear left onto the road, bear right on Marsh House Ave, cross the street and turn left onto The Causeway. Turn right onto the path, bear left on John Whitehead Park or turn right and enter either side of the site.  An easy, flat five minute walk. 

From Redcar Distance as the crow flies: 8.9 miles By land: 14 miles

Train:  From Redcar Central to Thornaby, train Thornaby to Billingham or Redcar Central to Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough to Billingham £6.40 return off-peak.

From Hartlepool Distance as the crow flies: 6.4 miles By land:  7.8 miles

Bus:  From Grand Hotel in Hartlepool take the 36 to Asda Stand B The Causeway in Billingham

Train:  Direct Hartlepool to Billingham (11 mins) £4 return off-peak

From Middlesbrough Distance as the crow flies:  3 miles by land: 6.2 miles

Train:  Middlesbrough to Billingham (18 mins) £4.10 return off-peak

Bus:  Bus Station stand 21, Newport Rd, Middlesbrough take 34 Bus to Easby Rd, Marsh House Ave, Billingham for updates Twitter @stagecoachNE

From Darlington Distance as the crow flies: 12 miles by land: 18 miles

Train: 1 change Darlington to Thornaby, Thornaby to Billingham for updates Twitter @northernassist £6.40 off-peak return

From Stockton Distance as the crow flies:  3 miles by land transport: 3.7 miles

Train:  Stockton to Billingham (7 mins) £3.40 off-peak return 

Bus:  High Street Stand X, High Street Stockton – take 52 Bus to Easby Rd, Marsh House Ave, Billingham (36 mins) 

From Yarm

Train:  1 change Train to Thornaby, Thornaby to Billingham (29 mins) £4.20 off-peak return £12.30 off-peak return

From Newcastle

Train:  Newcastle Central Station to Billingham Rail Station (1hr) £12.30 off-peak return

From Sunderland

Train:  Sunderland Station to Billingham Rail Station (38 mins) £9.10 off-peak return

From Manchester

Train: 1 change Manchester Piccadilly Rail Station to Thornaby (2hrs 32 mins), Thornaby to Billingham Rail Station £69.10 off-peak return

Coach:  171 National Express from Manchester Coach Station, Chorlton St to Leeds then change and take the 426 to Billingham from £47.60 return

From Leeds

Train:  1 change Leeds Train Station to Thornaby (1hr 17 mins) Twitter @TPExpressTrains.  Thornaby to Billingham (12 mins) £45.30 off-peak return

Coach:  426 National Express, Leeds Coach Station, Dyer Street to Billingham (1hr 35 mins) £26.50  

From London

Train: 1 change London Kings Cross Rail Station to Hartlepool Grand Central Station, Hartlepool to Billingham (3hrs 13 mins) from £91.10

From Paris

Train:  Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras (from £142.50 return) Walk to London King’s Cross then onward journey as above!

There is accessible parking on site for blue badge holders, there is no charge and it will be signposted. 

The site is very accessible for buggies, pushchairs and wheelchairs although some of the activities are on grass. Most pathways will be wide enough for access. Please note the site does get busy! For specific access needs please contact a member of the FOT team and we can arrange assistance.

Work to the lift at Billingham train station means that unfortunately it is out of order during the Festival weekend.  Northern Railway will provide alternative transport, at no extra charge, to or from the nearest or most convenient station to enable the customer to continue/complete their journey.

Please contact the Passenger Assist Team in advance, to discuss your needs in order to arrange appropriate assistance via any of the following methods:

Phone: 0800 138 5560 (Freephone, including from mobiles)

Text Relay: 18001 0800 138 5560

Email: assistance@northernrailway.co.uk

Online: Assisted Travel (site.com)

App: Passenger Assistance by Transreport (available in app stores)

BSL signers will accompany some performances and talks please refer to the website what’s on pages to find out more.

Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome.  Please ensure they are on a lead and be aware that the site can get very busy.

The programme will be displayed across the site and there will be an online downloadable programme.

Alternatively check out our Whats On page here

We will have a large number of food stalls that cater for a broad range of dietary requirements, please check the food & drink page for specific details.

Yes!  There is some seating around the site, please feel free to bring your own picnic blanket or camping chairs to make yourselves a base.

There are cash points in and around Billingham town centre.  Most traders will take card payments but we do recommend bringing some cash too, just in case there are any issues with the wifi when the site gets busy.