Bedlington Station Library

The old railway station at Bedlington has been given a second life as a library, which is rather lovely if you're the sort who appreciates Victorian architecture doing something useful. It's a proper working branch library housed in what was once the ticket office and waiting rooms - the sort of place that makes you understand why people fought to save these buildings from the wrecking ball.

You get the usual library offerings: books, computers, a quiet space to read. But the draw here is the setting itself. The station building, with its period features intact, gives the whole experience a different character from your standard high street branch. It's the kind of place that appeals to rail enthusiasts and local history buffs as much as regular readers.

If you're staying at one of the nearby Parkdean parks - Sandy Bay or Church Point are both within easy reach - this makes a decent rainy-day stop in Ashington rather than a major excursion. Don't expect to spend hours here unless you're genuinely browsing for books. It's more of a 30-minute wander, maybe longer if you're into the architecture.

Best for families wanting something low-key and locals after a quiet read. The setting matters more than the size of the collection, to be honest. Worth a peek if you're in the area, but not worth going out of your way for.