Living in Redcar

Community and local life in Redcar are defined by a welcoming, close-knit environment where neighbours often know one another and social ties are strong. The town hosts a lively calendar of local events, including the Redcar Races at the seaside course, community festivals, and farmers’ markets along the seafront. Annual events such as the Fireworks Night on the Prom and summer funfairs draw both residents and visitors together.

Redcar offers a variety of community centres, youth clubs, and interest groups catering to every age group. Sports clubs, including cricket, football, and rugby, are central to the social fabric of the town. Redcar’s expansive beach, Locke Park, and the Coatham Marsh nature reserve are popular for walks, running, and outdoor gatherings, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle.

Volunteering and neighbourly support are also prominent, with local charities and initiatives supporting families, the elderly, and those in need. The emphasis on community resilience is evident in neighbourhood planning and redevelopment projects, helping to strengthen social cohesion and foster local pride.

Redcar, like many coastal towns in the North East, has seen fluctuations in crime rates in recent years. The overall crime rate is comparable to other towns within the Redcar and Cleveland area, with higher rates typically observed in the town centre, especially during weekends and holiday periods when visitor numbers increase. Residential neighbourhoods further from the seafront tend to be quieter and experience lower levels of antisocial behaviour.

Redcar has active neighbourhood policing and is part of the Cleveland Police service area. Community safety initiatives focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and supporting local businesses and residents, often in partnership with the local authority. Regeneration projects and improved lighting in the town centre have had a positive impact on perceptions of safety. Many locals report feeling safe walking in the area, especially along the illuminated seafront.

Parking in Redcar is generally manageable, with several council-operated pay-and-display car parks located near the seafront and Esplanade, as well as free on-street parking options in residential zones. Most properties within the town offer either driveway or nearby street parking, and resident parking permits are available in certain central areas where visitor demand can be high during peak seasons.

Redcar benefits from direct access to the A174, streamlining journeys to both the A19 and the A66 for wider travel throughout the Teesside and North Yorkshire region. Congestion is generally low, with the exception of summer weekends and event days, when seafront car parks fill quickly. The surrounding road network provides efficient links to neighbouring towns and cities:

• Middlesbrough – approx. 15 minutes via A174 (8 miles)
• Saltburn – approx. 10 minutes via A174 (5 miles)
• Guisborough – approx. 20 minutes via A171 (11 miles)
• Whitby – approx. 40 minutes via A174/A171 (30 miles)

Road maintenance is generally to a good standard, and cycling is increasingly popular along the coast.

Redcar boasts a longstanding culinary reputation, particularly for its fish and chips—Lord Byron’s favourite, as local legend has it. The town is home to a wide array of independent cafés, seafront tearooms, and traditional bakeries serving local specialties such as lemon tops and parmo. Fisheries such as Oliver’s Fish & Chips are regarded as local institutions.

Pubs range from historic establishments like The Cleveland Bay—known as one of the oldest pubs in the area—to more contemporary venues and micropubs along the Esplanade. The nightlife in Redcar tends to be relaxed, orientated around small bars, live music venues, and occasional events at the Redcar Bowl. There are also several late-night takeaways and spots for a casual evening out.

Redcar lacks big city clubbing but is home to a handful of bars, family-friendly eateries, and restaurants with international cuisines, especially around Station Road and the High Street area. Nearby Marske and Saltburn offer complementary options for food and drink for those seeking a different vibe or a gourmet experience.

School Quality: Redcar’s range of both primary and secondary schools includes several Ofsted-rated 'Good' options, providing families with reliable choices for education. The presence of further education at Redcar & Cleveland College supports ongoing learning and skills development for teens.

Parks and Green Space: The town is blessed with generous sandy beaches, Locke Park, Zetland Park, and numerous play areas, making it a green and family-oriented environment. The seafront adventures, play parks, and proximity to countryside walks offer plenty for children of all ages.

Childcare: Childcare provision in Redcar includes nurseries, childminders, and out-of-school clubs, many of which operate in partnership with local schools and offer extended hours to support working parents.

Safety: Redcar is viewed as a safe choice for families, particularly in suburban neighbourhoods. Community and neighbourhood watch schemes help ensure a sense of security, and public areas are generally well-patrolled and maintained.

Family Activities: Families can enjoy a range of activities including beach sports, boating, miniature golf, and visits to the Redcar Racecourse. Family-friendly cafes, festivals, and easy access to Saltburn’s attractions add to the appeal.

Redcar is considered highly pet-friendly, especially for dog owners who appreciate long walks along the expansive beach or through Locke Park and the Coatham Marsh nature reserve. Many of the town’s public parks welcome dogs, with designated off-lead areas and good access to waste disposal facilities to ensure cleanliness and safety.

Veterinary services are well-represented within the town, and several pet shops cater for both everyday essentials and specialist needs. Dog-friendly cafés and some local pubs are happy to accommodate visitors and their four-legged companions, especially outside peak food hours.

Overall, there is a strong acceptance of pets in Redcar’s housing, with many landlords and estate agents recognising demand from animal lovers. The nearby North York Moors provide even more scope for rural walks and outdoor adventures with pets.

Redcar’s transport and accessibility infrastructure supports both local travel and commuting to larger urban centres in the North East. The town is well-connected via the Redcar Central and Redcar East railway stations, which offer regular Northern Rail services to Middlesbrough, Darlington, and the broader Teesside area. Trains to York and Newcastle are accessible with a quick change at Thornaby or Middlesbrough, making Redcar suitable for those who commute.

A reliable bus network provides links to surrounding towns and villages, including Marske, Saltburn, Guisborough, and Eston, as well as frequent connections to Middlesbrough. Redcar is located close to the A174, which supports easy road access to the A19 and A66—two of the main arteries for travel across North Yorkshire and towards major cities.

The nearest airport, Teesside International Airport, is about 25 miles away and offers domestic and limited international flights. Newcastle International Airport is a larger terminal, reachable in just over an hour by car or train.

Key Commute Times:

• Middlesbrough – approx. 15 minutes by car or 20 minutes by train
• Teesside University – around 20 minutes by public transport
• York – about 1 hour 10 minutes by train with a change
• Newcastle – 1 hour 20 minutes by train

Primary Schools:

Redcar is served by several well-regarded primary schools. Coatham Church of England Primary School, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in January 2023, is known for its inclusive ethos and support for early development. Green Gates Primary School, which achieved a 'Good' rating from Ofsted in February 2020, provides modern facilities and a broad curriculum. Riverdale Primary School, another 'Good' school (last inspected in September 2019), offers vibrant learning environments. St. Benedict's Catholic Primary School maintains a strong community focus and consistently positive outcomes.

Secondary Schools:

Sacred Heart Catholic Secondary School is the town’s main Catholic secondary and sixth form provider, rated 'Good' by Ofsted (October 2021). Rye Hills Academy, under the wider North East Learning Trust, is also situated in Redcar, having undergone recent investment and improvement. Freebrough Academy, located nearby in Brotton, serves parts of Redcar and has a reputation for technical and vocational learning.

Colleges & Further Education:

Redcar & Cleveland College is the town’s primary further education institution, offering A-Levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and adult learning programmes. With upgraded facilities and links to regional employers, it attracts not only local students but also those from surrounding areas.

Universities:

There are no universities directly within Redcar itself, but Teesside University in Middlesbrough is less than 10 miles away. Teesside University is renowned for courses in digital media, health sciences, and engineering, and it serves as the main higher education provider for young people from Redcar.