Pelton Library

Pelton Library sits in Stanley, a former mining town in County Durham that's reinventing itself. It's a proper community space - the kind of place locals actually use, not somewhere tourists typically flock to. That said, if you're camping nearby at Beamish Glamping or Beamish Holiday Park, it's worth a quiet hour on a wet afternoon.

The library itself is modest and straightforward. You get books, computers, newspapers, and a chance to sit down without spending money on coffee. Wednesday mornings are best if you want relative peace - the 09:00 opening gives you a couple of hours before the school run crowd arrives. Thursdays stay open until 17:30, which suits people working nearby.

Kids won't be thrilled unless they're genuinely after a specific book or want to use the computers. History buffs might find local archive material about Stanley's colliery days, which shaped this entire region. If you're researching family connections to the area, it's worth a visit.

Free admission, so no wallet damage. Allow 30 minutes to an hour depending on what you're after. The awkward opening pattern means you can't just rock up any time - check before you go. Since Beamish Museum is only a couple of miles away, you could combine a library stop with that attraction if you're planning a broader park-based holiday in the area. West Hall Glamping and Finchale Abbey are also within striking distance if you want a quieter base.