Monkseaton Library

The library sits on the high street in Monkseaton, a short walk from Whitley Bay's seafront. It's a functional community space rather than a grand Victorian building - honest red brick and practicality, the sort of place locals actually use rather than visit for Instagram purposes.

Inside you'll find the usual suspects: a decent fiction collection, reference materials, computers available for public use, and that particular smell libraries have had since the 1980s. There's a small children's section if you've got younger ones in tow. Staff are genuinely helpful without being pushy.

Who gets the most from it? Honestly, unless you're a serious reader hunting for something specific or your kids are desperate for activities on a rainy afternoon, it's not a destination in itself. It's more a useful pit-stop if you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Whitley Bay Holiday Park or Old Hartley Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite and need to pick up books or use the Wi-Fi on a drizzly Tuesday.

Opening hours are tight - Tuesday, Friday 9am-1pm and 2pm-5:30pm, Saturday 10am-1pm. Bank holidays vary, so check ahead. Admission appears to be free, though borrowing might require registration.

Combine it with a walk to Whitley Bay's beach and the nearby Spanish City if you're after a proper seaside day. The library alone won't occupy more than thirty minutes of your holiday.