Shoe Tree

The Shoe Tree gallery sits just outside Whitley Bay, and it's exactly the sort of unexpected find that makes a coastal holiday worth the extra wander inland. What started as a quirky local art project has evolved into a proper working gallery showcasing contemporary art and craft - the kind of place where you'll find everything from abstract paintings to jewellery and ceramics, often created by Northeast artists themselves.

It's intimate rather than grand. You're not spending half a day here - more like an hour browsing, chatting to whoever's minding the space that day, maybe picking up something small if a piece catches your eye. The converted setting gives it a lived-in feel, nothing sterile or corporate about it.

Art enthusiasts and collectors will get the most from a visit, though it works just as well as a casual browse if you're after something different from the beach and amusement arcades. There's real character in the work on display, and prices are reasonable for original pieces.

If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Whitley Bay Holiday Park or Old Hartley Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, it's a proper easy trip out - Whitley Bay itself keeps you occupied with the seafront and traditional seaside attractions, but the Shoe Tree offers a dose of independent culture that lifts a family break above the usual formula. Admission details aren't widely publicised, so ring ahead or check their social media before you visit.