Coquetdale Arts Centre

The Coquetdale Arts Centre sits in Rothbury, just outside Morpeth, and it's the kind of spot you might miss if you're just passing through - which would be a shame. It's a working gallery space that takes itself seriously without any of the pretension; the staff actually know what they're talking about, and they'll chat to you properly about the exhibitions rather than leaving you to squint at a wall label.

What you'll find depends on when you visit - they run a rotating programme of contemporary work, craft shows, and occasionally touring exhibitions. Some months it's paintings and sculpture, other times photography or textile pieces. There's always something on, and it's refreshingly local in focus without feeling provincial. The space itself is decent-sized without being cavernous, so you won't spend three hours wandering aimlessly if that's not your thing.

Admission is free, which is brilliant. Allow an hour to browse properly, half that if you're just having a look. It's ideal if you're based at Riverside Rothbury Holiday Park or Whitton Glebe Caravan Park - both are barely a mile away - and need something to do on a rainy afternoon. Families with older kids will get something out of it; under-tens might find it a bit slow unless there's a particularly engaging interactive element on.

Check their website before you go to see what's showing. Morpeth itself is worth a wander afterwards for lunch and a proper look around the market town. It's not a destination in itself, but it's the kind of find that makes a park holiday feel less like you're stuck in the caravan.