From farmland to colliery...
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.
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.
Ashington is also famous for producing some of England’s greatest footballers. The town is the birthplace of Jackie Milburn, one of Newcastle United’s most legendary players and a revered England international. His legacy is commemorated with a statue in Ashington, celebrating his impact on the sport.
The town also boasts Bobby and Jack Charlton, two of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning heroes. Jack Charlton’s legacy is honoured with a statue in People’s Park, a fitting tribute to a man who shaped football both on and off the pitch. These sporting icons, who started their careers playing on Ashington’s fields, remain an immense source of pride for the town.
In addition to footballing greats, Ashington has produced some exceptional cricketers, including Steve Harmison and Mark Wood, both of whom played for England at the highest level. Harmison played a key role in England’s 2005 Ashes-winning squad, while Wood, a World Cup winner, is renowned for his incredible pace. Together, they have helped put Ashington on the sporting map.
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 a great base for many visitors as it is close to some of the most beautiful stretches of the Northumberland coastline, including at Cresswell and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.
Ashington is a popular destination for many visitors to stay in Northumberland, as it is close to the Northumberland coast and all of the watersports, cycling, walking and family friendly activities that the stretches of beach offer, as well as only being a short 30 minute drive away from the city centre of Newcastle.