Monument of Queen Victoria

The Monument of Queen Victoria stands on the seafront at Whitley Bay, a solid Victorian tribute that's been watching over the coast since it was erected to honour the monarch. It's not the most dramatic monument you'll ever see - frankly, it's a bit utilitarian compared to some of the more ornate Victorian memorials scattered across Britain - but there's something honest about its presence here, right by the prom where families have walked for generations.

This is really for the history-minded rather than the thrill-seekers. You'll spend maybe ten minutes looking at it properly, reading the inscription, perhaps taking a photo or two. Kids might find it mildly interesting as a talking point about Victorians and what Whitley Bay was like back then, but they won't be entertained for long. The real appeal is walking the seafront itself - the promenade is cracking for a stroll, the beach is proper sandy when the tide's out, and you can grab fish and chips from the old-school places nearby.

If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Whitley Bay Holiday Park, it's practically on your doorstep - five miles away and dead convenient. Even Old Hartley Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, a bit further out, makes it an easy trip. Visit any time really, though a clear day beats a grey one for photographs. It's free to view and takes about quarter of an hour if you're walking from the car park. Pair it with the rest of Whitley Bay's attractions - the Spanish City amusement arcade, the rock pools, the decent cafes - and you've got a solid afternoon sorted.