Whitley Lodge Baptist Church

The red-brick chapel standing on the corner of Whitley Lodge Lane doesn't announce itself loudly. You could walk past and miss it entirely, especially if the light's not right. But that's part of its appeal - this is a proper working Baptist church, not a heritage museum masquerading as one.

Whitley Lodge dates back to the Victorian era, and the building carries that weight with quiet dignity. The interior is straightforward and functional - Baptist chapels tend to be - with wooden pews and an uncluttered simplicity that says more about faith than any gilded excess could. If you've got an interest in non-conformist architecture or local religious history, it's worth a look. Families with older kids interested in heritage buildings will find it rewarding; very young children will get bored within minutes.

Access depends on service times and you'll need to check ahead - the church isn't a visitor attraction in the conventional sense. Most of your time here will be spent outside, appreciating the Victorian brickwork and the way it fits into Whitley Bay's residential fabric.

If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Whitley Bay Holiday Park just down the road, it makes a decent morning walk. The coastal position means you can easily combine it with the seafront itself - the actual beach and promenade offer more obvious appeal for a family break. Old Hartley Caravan Club is slightly further afield but equally close to worth-visiting coastal spots.