Tower House Gallery

The Tower House Gallery sits quietly in Whitley Bay, a converted Victorian property that punches well above its weight as a contemporary art space. Inside, you'll find rotating exhibitions that lean towards local and emerging artists - the kind of work that actually makes you stop and think rather than shuffle past. It's intimate without feeling cramped, and the staff know what they're talking about, which counts for a lot.

This is really for art enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates smaller, independent galleries over the usual commercial circuit. If you're after a proper Saturday morning wander rather than a day-long commitment, you've got your answer - most visits run to an hour or so. There's no pretension here, which is refreshing. The setting itself matters too: housed in a period building, it's the sort of place that rewards a slow look around both inside and out.

It works brilliantly as part of a wider Whitley Bay visit, especially if you're staying at one of the nearby parks. Old Hartley Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is just half a mile away, so perfectly manageable on foot, while Parkdean Resorts Whitley Bay Holiday Park sits even closer at 1.4 miles. Between the gallery, the seafront, and the arcades, there's enough here to fill a rainy afternoon or punctuate a beach holiday. Worth checking opening hours and admission details before you head over - these smaller galleries can keep irregular schedules.