Ashington is one of the largest towns in Northumberland. It grew from farmland in the early 19th century, to a coal mining village when the colliery opened in 1867. The mines closed in 1988, but Ashington is proud of its history, which is remembered at the nearby museum.
Woodhorn museum on the outskirts of Ashington is filled with an abundance of memorabilia, prestigious gallery exhibitions and trinkets from the mining village, allowing you to explore the history that this town is so proud of.
The Pitmen Painters, were a group of Ashington miners who enrolled in painting classes in 1934 as an alternative pastime. They began to produce paintings to sell at local markets to supplement their poor wages and achieved unexpected success.
Immerse yourself in the colliery experience at the Ashington Colliery Heritage trail, created on the former colliery site which is now occupied by Wansbeck Business Park.
If you like to explore local markets, Tuesday is market day in Ashington, where you’ll find friendly traders selling a range of local traditional products.
Wildlife and nature is in abundance in and around this town. If you want riverside walks and view of the countryside, visit Wansbeck Riverside Country Park or Queen Elizabeth II Country Park. There are also plenty of recreational space such as Hirst Park.
Ashington is located just 3 miles from the coastal village of Newbiggin by the sea so a perfect spot for a day at the beach. For rainy days there are soft play centres and sports facilities.