The Golden Lion

The Golden Lion is a proper art gallery that sits in Whitley Bay, and it's the sort of place that rewards a lazy afternoon when the weather's turned drizzly and you've had enough of the beach. What you get here is contemporary work from regional and emerging artists - nothing too fusty or establishment, which makes a change. The space itself is intimate rather than sprawling, so you won't find yourself trudging through endless rooms wondering when it ends.

It's mainly for people who actually care about looking at art rather than ticking boxes. If your kids are the type to stare at paintings and ask questions, they'll get something from it. If they're expecting interactive displays and touch-screen nonsense, they'll be bored within twenty minutes. Honest assessment.

The gallery runs on free admission, which is always welcome when you're on a budget holiday. Opening hours aren't something I've pinned down exactly, so ring ahead before you visit - nothing worse than arriving at a closed door in Whitley Bay drizzle. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if there's a show on that catches your eye.

It fits well into a base at Parkdean Resorts Whitley Bay Holiday Park or Old Hartley's caravan site - close enough for an afternoon visit without packing the car for a road trip. Pair it with a walk along the coast if the light's decent, or stick it between lunch and an early tea. Low-key, worth doing, but don't rearrange your holiday around it.