Word Beacon

The Word Beacon sits right on Whitley Bay's seafront, a striking cylindrical structure that doubles as both public art installation and working gallery space. It's essentially a lighthouse reimagined for the digital age - all glass and steel where you'd expect brick and mortar, with the interior functioning as a rotating exhibition venue. The views from the top are genuinely worth the climb, looking out across the North Sea towards the pier.

Inside, it's contemporary art territory. Expect installations that change seasonally, though admission details aren't always crystal clear online before you visit, so ring ahead to check what's on. The whole experience takes roughly 45 minutes unless you're really into the current show, in which case you might stretch it to an hour. It's more for adults and older teenagers who can appreciate the conceptual side of things rather than young kids after a standard day out.

For a holiday based at Parkdean Resorts Whitley Bay or Old Hartley, the Beacon makes a solid rainy-day option or a cultural breather between beach time and arcade amusement. It's walkable from the holiday parks if you don't mind a bit of a trek, or five minutes' drive if the weather's truly grim. The setting itself - right where the coastline turns interesting - beats the actual gallery, if I'm honest, but on a decent afternoon it's worth popping in.