St Mary of the Rosary, Forest Hall

You'll find St Mary of the Rosary tucked away in Forest Hall, just inland from Whitley Bay, and it's one of those Catholic churches that rewards a quiet visit. The building itself is modest but genuine - proper red brick with that solid late-19th century feel you get in industrial towns across the North East. Inside, the decoration is straightforward rather than grand, with the kind of peaceful atmosphere that makes sense for a working parish church rather than a tourist attraction.

This isn't somewhere you'd spend hours. Twenty minutes will give you the full picture, which is fine - sometimes that's exactly what you want. It's useful if you're staying nearby and fancy a gentle walk through the residential streets, or if you're interested in how Catholic communities embedded themselves in working towns like this one. Families with young children might find it a bit quiet, but older kids interested in religious architecture or local history will get something from it.

The nearest holiday parks - Parkdean Resorts Whitley Bay and Old Hartley Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite - are both within reasonable driving distance, so you could slot this into a broader coastal trip. Combine it with a walk down to Whitley Bay's seafront rather than making it the centrepiece of your day. Worth knowing: opening hours and admission details aren't widely publicised, so ring ahead or check the church noticeboard when you arrive. It's the sort of place that's open for prayer and Sunday services, not necessarily geared up for casual visitors.