Herma Merma Dragora

You'll find this contemporary gallery just outside Whitley Bay, tucked into the North East art scene with a focus on emerging and established artists. Herma Merma Dragora operates as a working studio and exhibition space, so what's on display shifts regularly - it's worth checking ahead before you visit rather than turning up hoping for something specific.

The space itself is fairly intimate. You're not talking about a sprawling museum here; it's the kind of place where you can spend an hour browsing and actually absorb what's being shown rather than shuffle through endless rooms. Artists tend to work here too, so there's a genuine energy to the place that you don't always get in more formal galleries.

This works well if you're into contemporary work and want something beyond the usual regional circuit. If you're visiting with kids, check what's on first - some exhibitions will hold their attention, others won't. History enthusiasts or casual browsers looking for a quiet hour will probably find it worthwhile.

Staying at Parkdean Resorts Whitley Bay Holiday Park, just 4.7 miles away, gives you easy access to this and the rest of Whitley Bay's seafront attractions. Old Hartley Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, slightly further out, offers a calmer base if you prefer something quieter. Either way, it's a short drive or decent bus ride into the gallery.