Fire (Robin of Pegswood)

Robin of Pegswood's Fire gallery sits just outside Morpeth, and it's one of those places that catches you off guard. You're wandering through fairly ordinary Northumberland countryside and suddenly there's serious contemporary art on the walls. The gallery showcases work by this Pegswood-based artist, and the output is genuinely worth stopping for if you're into abstract or experimental pieces.

The space itself is intimate - not massive, so you won't spend hours here, but that's rather the point. Thirty minutes to an hour gives you time to actually absorb what's on display rather than rushing through another generic gallery experience. The work has real presence, and there's something quite refreshing about encountering this calibre of art in such a low-key setting.

If you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Tranwell Farm Holidays is closest at just four miles - this makes a proper little afternoon diversion. Morpeth itself is pleasant enough for a wander and a coffee afterwards, with decent local shops. Families with young kids might find it a touch quiet, unless they're already keen on contemporary art. For anyone interested in regional artists or looking for something beyond the usual seaside-park attractions, though, it's worth the short trip from Sandy Bay or Cresswell Towers.

Best advice: ring ahead to check opening times and admission - details were sketchy when we looked into it. And don't expect a gift shop or fancy café. It's pure, straightforward gallery experience.