Art Gallery Destinations UK: Discover Hidden Gems

When most people think about art gallery destinations UK, it’s usually the big names that come to mind. Places like London, Manchester or Edinburgh.

But if you fancy something a bit different, something that feels a little more personal and full of local character, there’s a whole world of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.

For a while, I’ve been exploring some brilliant art spaces right here in the North East of England. If you’ve been following my journey, you might have seen my earlier blog posts about Teesside’s thriving art scene, “Art Galleries in Teesside – Art is Alive and Thriving in Teesside” and “Top Story – Contemporary Art Exhibition in Teesside”.

There’s a real creative buzz growing in this part of the country and it’s something worth shouting about.

Today, I’m taking you to another hidden spot you might not expect. A seaside town called Redcar, where the art scene is starting to make its mark. So, if you’re ready to swap the busy streets for sea breezes and surprising creativity, keep reading.

Why Explore Art Galleries in the North East?

There’s something really special about the North East of England when it comes to art. It’s a region packed with history, natural beauty and a real sense of community. And that spirit spills right into its art galleries and exhibitions.

Unlike the big city galleries, visiting art galleries in the North East feels more special and down-to-earth. You’re not just looking at famous names; you’re discovering fresh, local talent and passionate artists who truly care about their work.

There’s a brilliant mix of traditional techniques and bold, modern ideas, perfect if you love contemporary art that still feels deeply connected to place and people.

Places like Teesside are becoming real cultural destinations, with more exhibitions popping up and local galleries putting on some fantastic shows.

And the best part? You’re often just a stone’s throw from a lovely beach, a cosy café or a beautiful bit of countryside. It’s proper art and seaside charm, all rolled into one.

Teesside – A Growing Hub for Contemporary Art

If you’ve not spent much time around Teesside, you might be surprised at how lively and creative the local art scene has become.

Galleries here are packed with work by emerging artists and there’s a real mix of contemporary styles, from striking abstract paintings to modern sculpture and experimental mixed media.

Local exhibitions often highlight fresh voices you won’t find anywhere else and there’s a strong feeling of community and pride behind every show.

The brilliant thing about visiting Teesside art galleries is how accessible everything feels. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or just curious, the spaces are welcoming, down-to-earth and full of interesting conversations waiting to happen.

Plus, it’s always lovely to support local artists who are pouring their hearts into their work.

Spotlight on Redcar: A Hidden Gem by the Sea

Now onto Redcar, a name you might know more for beaches and fish and chips than art. but trust me, that’s starting to change.

Tucked away among its classic seaside charm, you’ll find a growing contemporary art scene that’s well worth a visit. One of the real highlights is the Redcar Contemporary Art Gallery, run by the talented Miyoko Yamashita, a Japanese artist who has made the North East her creative home.

I met Miyoko about three weeks ago for the first time. She kindly showed me around the gallery and we got chatting about art in general.

Japanese Calligraphy and Sumi-e Painting

Just a side note.

Whenever I talk about Japan, I always remember the beautiful art of Japanese calligraphy and Sumi-e painting.

Back in the 1980s, I used to travel to Japan quite often on business trips, but I always made time to learn more about the culture.

I became particularly fascinated by Japanese calligraphy and Sumi-e painting, the simplicity, the elegance and the beautiful flow of brushstrokes really stuck with me. I was also attracted to the way Japanese calligraphers hold a brush. It’s quite distinctive. Maybe not easy to explain, but I will try.

So basically, when Japanese calligraphers work with their brush (筆 – fude), they hold it in a special way that might look a bit different if you’re used to how we hold pens in the West.

They grip the brush fairly upright with their thumb on one side and their index finger on the opposite side, sort of pinching it from the middle of the handle rather than down low. Their middle and ring fingers curl around for support and their little finger often rest lightly against the brush or stick out a bit for balance.

It’s all about control, really. This grip lets them change pressure easily and make those gorgeous flowing strokes. The movement comes more from their arms and shoulders rather than just their fingers and wrists.

They’ll typically sit up straight too, either kneeling formally in that traditional Japanese sitting position called ‘seiza‘ or on a chair, with their paper right in front of them on a flat surface.

It takes loads of practice to get comfortable with it, but once you do, you can create those beautiful, expressive brushstrokes that make Japanese calligraphy (書道 – shodō) so special.

Here’s an interesting video “Introduction to Sumi-e Painting: 5 Basic Ink Techniques – Tutorial by Koshu, Domestika English”. Watch the way she holds and handles the brush.

I wanted to share another video to specifically demonstrate traditional Japanese calligraphy techniques, but haven’t yet found one that really captures the essence of what I experienced in Japan.

If you come across any excellent tutorials showing the proper brush-holding technique and the meditative practice of shodō, please let me know.

A Buzzing Evening of Art and Community

Back to our main topic of the blog.

Just a few days ago, I went back to the Redcar Contemporary Art Gallery for the open evening of a new exhibition, CHROMA, that explores the power of colour.

The place was absolutely buzzing, it was great to see so many people gathered together, drawn in by the love of art.

This latest exhibition showcases the work of five different artists, Lawrie Hutcheon, Lothar Götz, and Mike Collier – all are established and acclaimed – along with emerging artists, C-Dyre and Miria Miria (Miyoko), each bringing their own unique style and voice to the gallery walls. Their pieces sit beautifully together creating a vibrant mix of perspectives and creativity.

It was more than just an exhibition launch, it felt like a celebration of the local creative spirit. There was a real warmth in the air: people chatting with the artists, swapping impressions and just enjoying the atmosphere.

Moments like this remind me why small, independent galleries are so important. They create spaces where art feels approachable, alive and part of the community.

If you’re anywhere near the North East in the next few weeks, this is well worth a visit. This exhibition runs for a month and I can’t recommend it enough. I will be going back again for another look.

What Makes These Galleries Special?

There’s a lot to love about the smaller galleries you find across Teesside and Redcar.

For one, they feel properly personal. You can take your time, have a real chat with the artists or gallery owners and even get a behind-the-scenes look at how work is made.

It’s not about queues and ticket prices, it’s about genuine connection and discovering pieces that you might just fall in love with.

You’ll also find that many of these spaces focus on emerging artists, giving you a chance to spot fresh talent before they become the next big thing.

It’s exciting, unpredictable and full of energy, just what you want when you’re looking for hidden art gems across the North East of England.

And honestly, there’s something special about walking away with a story, a piece you saw first in a little seaside gallery before the rest of the world caught on.

Art Gallery Destinations UK: There’s More to Discover

When it comes to art gallery destinations the UK has to offer, there’s so much more than the obvious big names.

The North East of England, with its proud communities, brilliant coastlines and growing creative energy, is full of wonderful surprises and Redcar is a shining example.

Next time you fancy an inspiring day out, why not look beyond the usual and explore somewhere new?

You might just find that the best art isn’t behind velvet ropes in big cities, it’s right here, by the sea, waiting for you to stumble upon it.

I’d Love to Hear From You

Have you visited any hidden art gems recently?

Feel free to leave a comment below and share your experience.