Westside Contemporary Ltd

A contemporary art space just outside Newcastle, Westside Contemporary is where you go if you want to see what's actually happening in North East visual culture right now rather than predictable touring shows. The gallery focuses on emerging and established artists working across painting, sculpture, installation and digital work - the sort of thing that keeps you thinking on the drive back to your caravan.

It's not massive, which is part of its appeal. You can work through an exhibition in 45 minutes without it feeling like a slog, though if something really grabs you there's always the café for a proper sit down. The space itself has that stripped-back industrial feel - exposed brick, good natural light - that galleries have nailed to death, but it works.

Seriously into contemporary art? Go. Casual gallery wanderer? Maybe skip it unless something specific is on. Kids get bored stupid here unless there's an interactive element to the current show. Worth ringing ahead to check what's on and when - that'll save a wasted trip.

If you're based at Valley View Camping just up the road, it's barely ten minutes away, which makes it an easy afternoon escape from the campsite routine. East Farm Glamping is similarly close. Both are solid bases for exploring Newcastle's broader art scene and the wider Northumberland countryside without being in the city itself.