Hello Matthew welcome to the site. I suppose its down to transport.If you have a car Hartlepools good. Steetly,Heugh,Middleton,Red light.All good piers plenty info on forum about them.
Beach marks are Staincliffe, Twin steps, Parton. Again info on forum.
PS I was down Pool on Steetly last Wed and caught doz whitey and couple dabs. No cod but seen couple brought in.
Mick (Consett).