St Mary's Church

The church sits quietly on the coast road in Whitley Bay, a solid Victorian structure that most holidaymakers passing through probably miss entirely. St Mary's has that proper old-fashioned feel - the kind of place where the light comes through stained glass and actually makes you pause for a moment, even if you're not particularly religious.

It's a straightforward visit. You'll spend maybe thirty minutes inside, looking at the stonework and whatever exhibitions they've got on, though I'd ring ahead to check opening hours as they're not always reliable. The church itself is free to wander round, and it's worth a look if you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Whitley Bay Holiday Park - it's barely a mile away, close enough for an evening stroll before dinner.

Families with restless kids might find it a bit quiet and still. Walkers and architecture types will get more from it, especially anyone interested in Victorian ecclesiastical design. The real appeal, though, is the location. St Mary's sits right on that stretch of Tyne and Wear coast where you can actually feel the sea air, and the walk to it from the holiday park takes you through some proper suburban streets that don't feel touristy.

If you're basing yourself at Old Hartley Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite instead, it's a bit further - about 1.8 miles - but still manageable as part of a broader coastal walk. Don't expect fireworks, but it's a genuine part of the area's fabric.