Kerrs

A proper art space tucked away in Whitley Bay, Kerrs is the sort of gallery that rewards a quiet afternoon when you're staying nearby. It's a working studio and exhibition space rolled into one, which means you're not just looking at finished pieces behind glass - you get a sense of how things actually come together.

The gallery punches above its weight for a venue this size. You'll find contemporary work from established and emerging artists, with the kind of thoughtful curation you'd expect from someone who actually cares about what goes on the walls rather than just filling space. The scale means it never feels overwhelming, which is precisely why it works.

It's ideal if you're the sort of person who wants to pause during a holiday and engage with something local and genuine. Families with older kids interested in art will get more from it than those with toddlers in tow - this isn't a hands-on children's venue. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if there's a special exhibition on.

Staying at Parkdean Resorts Whitley Bay or the Old Hartley Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite puts you within easy reach, and it breaks up a coastal holiday nicely. Worth checking what's showing before you visit, as the programme changes regularly. The fact that it's still relatively undiscovered makes it feel less like visiting an attraction and more like stumbling onto something the locals actually value.