Stonehaugh Totem pole

Just outside Hexham, there's a rather unexpected sight - a totem pole standing in what is essentially a gallery space. It's not what you'd expect to find in rural Northumberland, which is precisely why it works.

The pole itself is the real draw here. It's a proper piece of carving, the sort of thing that makes you circle round it slowly, spotting new details each time. The setting is intimate rather than grand - you're not walking through some vast exhibition space, just viewing the sculpture in a more direct way.

This suits walkers and art enthusiasts far more than it would family groups with restless kids. There's no lengthy interpretation boards or interactive elements; it's about the object itself. Budget twenty minutes, maybe half an hour if you're genuinely interested in the craftsmanship.

Admission details aren't readily available online, so ring ahead before you go - typical of smaller Northumberland attractions. The location works well if you're basing yourself at Stonehaugh Campsite itself, which is barely a stroll away, or Bellingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site if you're exploring the broader Tyne Valley.

Worth adding to an itinerary if you're already in the area visiting Hexham or walking the surrounding countryside, but don't make a special trip for it alone. The novelty is the appeal - stumbling upon something unusual in the middle of nowhere.