Elley Dee's Underpass (Wildspace Network)

You'll find this one tucked beneath the railway line in Whitley Bay - a proper unexpected arts space that's part of the Wildspace Network. Walking under that underpass feels like stepping into someone's creative secret. The walls are covered in murals and artwork, rotating pieces that change seasonally, so even locals come back. It's a gallery without the stuffy gallery feeling.

The whole setup works because it's genuinely community-driven. Local artists use the space, and you get a real sense of what's happening in the North East art scene rather than the safe, predictable stuff you'd see in a museum. Teenagers and younger creatives will get the most from it - this is where their peers' work lives, not corporate-sanctioned art.

It won't take you long. Half an hour maximum, though you might spend longer if something really grabs you. No admission charge, which helps - you can wander through guilt-free. The underpass itself is easy enough to access, though it's a bit damp underfoot depending on weather.

If you're based at Old Hartley Caravan Club or Parkdean Resorts Whitley Bay for a proper coastal break, this slots in nicely as a quick detour on a rainy afternoon. It's the sort of spot that reminds you the best art isn't always in the obvious places. Worth a look, especially if you've got young people keen on street art or contemporary work.