I can see the sea

The gallery sits right on the Whitley Bay seafront, and the name does exactly what it says on the tin - you're looking straight out at the North Sea the moment you walk in. It's a contemporary art space that takes full advantage of that view, with floor-to-ceiling windows that make the sea feel like part of the exhibition itself.

The work on display tends toward the modern and challenging rather than safe. You'll find installations, photography, and pieces that ask you to think rather than simply admire. It's not vast - you can work through it in 90 minutes comfortably - but it's the kind of place where one piece might stop you for longer than you'd planned.

Art types will get the most from it, naturally, but it's also decent for anyone wanting a break from the typical seaside pier-and-amusement arcade experience. Kids might find it less gripping unless they're already into contemporary work, though the sea views keep things interesting even when the art doesn't land.

It's a proper spot to pair with a walk along Whitley Bay's promenade or a stint at one of the nearby parks. Parkdean Resorts Whitley Bay is just over the way if you're basing yourself there for the week, and you could easily tack this onto a morning before heading to Old Hartley further down the coast. Worth an hour of your time, especially if the weather's clear and that view's at its best.