Maria Blanc

Maria Blanc sits in Peterlee, a gallery that punches above its weight if you're after something beyond the usual seaside fare. It's a contemporary art space that actually takes itself seriously - the sort of place where you'll find proper curated exhibitions rather than tourist tat.

The gallery focuses on visual art with a real emphasis on supporting emerging and established artists. Expect painting, sculpture, photography and installations that change regularly. It's not enormous, so you can work through it in about an hour without feeling rushed. The space itself is clean and well-lit, which matters far more than people think.

This works best for art-minded visitors and anyone after a cultural break from the park routine. Families with teenagers interested in visual art will find it worthwhile; younger kids might get restless after twenty minutes. If you're staying at The Barn at Easington nearby, it's a short drive over - decent pairing with a morning at the gallery and afternoon back at the park.

Admission details aren't readily available online, so ring ahead before you visit. Opening hours can be patchy for smaller galleries, so don't make it your only plan for the day. Peterlee itself is fairly understated - not a tourist hotspot - which means the gallery gets proper locals and genuine art enthusiasts rather than crowds. That's actually a strength. Worth an hour if contemporary work appeals to you.