Preston Park Museum and Grounds

23/06/2026

⚠️STAY WATER SAFE ⚠️
As temperatures rise this week and into next week it can be tempting to dip into open water, but there are often hidden dangers which everyone should be aware of.

Read these important safety messages here👇

⚠️STAY WATER SAFE ⚠️

As temperatures rise this week and into next week it can be tempting to dip into open water, but there are often hidden dangers which everyone should be aware of.

🔴It's often extremely cold and people can get into difficulty and drown. 🔴Cold water shock can kill in less than a minute.
🔴There may be hidden currents.
🔴 It's hard to judge the depth of open water.
🔴 There are no lifeguards.

Follow our top tips to stay safe:

🔴Look for the warning or guidance signs
🔴Supervise children closely near water.
🔴Never jump into open water.
🔴Take care when walking or running near open water.
🔴Call 999 immediately if you see someone in trouble.

Councillor Norma Stephenson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: “Open water can look really inviting in warm weather but the hidden risks can be fatal, so we would always advise against swimming in the river.

“Where the water is accessible in parks and open spaces there are warning signs to help prevent accidents but if you do want to go for a dip, we encourage people to visit one of our leisure centre pools, where you can swim safely and comfortably in the presence of a lifeguard.”

Cleveland Fire Brigade’s Group Manager, Head of Prevention and Engagement Richie Brown, said: “Many people don’t realise how dangerous water can be, even on warm, sunny days. We’re asking people to take simple precautions, plan a safe route home, stay away from rivers, lakes and the coast, and never underestimate the effects of cold water. One small decision near water can have devastating consequences, but many of these incidents are preventable.”

Preston Park Museum and Grounds | Tees Active | Cleveland Fire Brigade UK

22/06/2026

Remember there are many dangers around water. Please be safe and follow the Royal Life Saving Society UK - RLSS UK's water code: www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety-code

With the temperature heating up over the next few days, it’s important to understand the risks and know your limits in, on, and around water.

💧Warm weather does not mean warm water.
💧Open water stays dangerously cold.
💧Cold water shock happens in seconds. Take it seriously.
💧Cold water makes you gasp and lose control of your breathing.

💧Even confident swimmers can quickly lose strength and control.
💧It can become difficult to move or stay afloat, and panic only makes it worse.
💧Things can go wrong very quickly in open water.

Respect your limits. Stay safe around water.

Learn the Water Safety Code to protect yourself and your family:
www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety-code

19/06/2026

Our Identity Flag: A Tapestry of Stories is back on display this week as we celebrate Refugee Week at Preston Park Museum.

Created in 2023 in collaboration with the Refugees and Asylum Seekers Project Stockton (RASPS), Refugee Futures, and Creative Minds, this inspiring artwork - sparked by the Red Dress Project - brings together embroidered patches sharing personal stories of identity, heritage and self-expression.

Now you can see it again — and be part of it. Visitors are invited to create their own embroidered patch to add to this growing community artwork 💛

A big THANK YOU to our Making a Mess group, who made these cute courageous lion prints!

Just speak to a member of our team on arrival to find out how you can take part.

19/06/2026

We can’t wait to welcome you next Saturday (27 June) for Mini Pride at Preston Park Museum with Curious Arts 🌈
Come along and get creative with:
✨ Proud People – design a paper character celebrating you, your individuality, or someone you love
🏳️‍🌈 Pride Banners – make your own mini march banner inspired by Pride’s powerful history and local voices for change
📚 Storytelling – join Pam the Dinner Lady for colourful, empowering stories celebrating love, family and diversity

Entry is included with your Museum Pass - don't forget to buy yours online before you visit!
Find out more here https://prestonparkmuseum.co.uk/article/21210/Mini-Pride

🌈

18/06/2026

✨ Last chance to see… Becoming La Voix! ✨
Don’t miss it – the exhibition closes Sunday 28 June!
🎟️ Entry included with your Museum Pass
Step into a world of sparkle and fabulousness as we celebrate Stockton’s own sensational star🌟
From her unmistakable style and razor-sharp wit to powerhouse vocals that have wowed audiences across the UK and beyond, Becoming La Voix shines a spotlight on a true star!
Explore a dazzling collection of iconic costumes, glittering accessories, photographs and personal memorabilia – all generously loaned by La Voix herself. 💖
Come and experience the glamour before it’s gone!

18/06/2026

A few pictures from our camera roll, taken in the Walled Garden, this week 📷

17/06/2026

It's National Drowning Prevention Week and Tees Active have shared some really useful online resources to keep you safe around water 💦 👇

16/06/2026

There's less than two weeks left to see our fabulous 'Becoming La Voix' exhibition! You can see it at Preston Park Museum until Sunday 28 June.

We’ve loved reading all the messages you’ve left for La Voix on the mirror ❤️ We’ve been capturing photos of them and will make sure they’re passed on to her.

We hope you can come and visit soon!

11/06/2026

New dates have been added to our popular Time Traveller Talk series at Preston Park Museum!
Join local historian Martin Peagam from July to December as he brings the past to life with fascinating talks, including:
📜 The 200-year history of Preston Hall
🔥 John Walker and the invention of the friction match
🏚️ What life was really like in Stockton’s workhouses
These talks regularly sell out, so we recommend booking early!
🎟️ Places are free with a Museum Pass

Find out more and book your place https://prestonparkmuseum.co.uk/article/19678/The-Time-Traveller-Talk-series