Where to stay in...
Newbiggin, also being referred to by its full name of Newbiggin by the Sea, has a long and varied history dating back over a thousand years.
The town was originally called South Wallerick, after the Danish invasion in AD875 the town was renamed Neubegang or Newbegining, with several different spellings until we have the present Newbiggin.
In the 14th century, Newbiggin was a very important maritime centre, called upon to support Edward III in his campaigns against the Scots.
At one time Newbiggin was a major port for the shipping of grain. It is said that it was third only in importance after London and Hull.
Fishing has always been associated with Newbiggin, although later many inhabitants were employed in coal mining, by Victorian times, Newbiggin was Northumberland's favourite seaside town, attracting hundreds of visitors every day in the summer months.
With the decline in the fishing industry, coal mining was the main employment in the town in more recent times, although the mines have virtually all gone now, for example Woodhorn Colliery is now a museum.
As early as 1828, Newbiggin was a popular beach resort, with facilities to cater for visitors.
There were five good public houses, one of which had bathing facilities, several shops, and lodging houses.
By the beginning of the 1900's, Newbiggin was Northumberland's favourite seaside town, having hundreds of visitors every day in the summer months.
The recently opened Newbiggin Maritime Centre depicts life in a historic Northumbrian Fishing village.
The centre is open seven days a week and features a variety of heritage displays, including the restored former Newbiggin lifeboat 'Mary Joicey'.
The Sea Shore Shop features a range of giftware and items from local artists and craftspeople.
The 45-seat Breakwater Café overlooking Newbiggin Bay, is fully licensed and caters for all visitors, including families, large groups and people with specific dietary requirements.
The Latimer Room is available to hire for all types of functions, events and conferences.
Photo © Peter Robinson - CCL
Small boat enthusiasts will enjoy
Newbiggin by the Sea Sailing Club.
Offering dinghy sailing both on the coast and inland, the use of a man made lake located nearby is available during the winter season.
This allows a full spring, summer and winter club sailing programme.
Photo © FreeFoto.com - Free Use Rules
Local members of the community with an interest in the arts run the popular
Newbiggin Arts Forum,
holding regular meetings, events and arts workshops throughout the year.
The forum caters for all areas of the arts and for all levels of expertise,
be it from beginner to expert.
Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 7.00 pm in Newbiggin Sports and Community Centre.
Photo © Andrew Curtis - CCL
Woodhorn Museum and Northumberland Archives
is located at QEII Country Park, Ashington,
north of Newbiggin.
Woodhorn was a coal mine for more than 80 years, with production finally stopping in 1981.
The museum began in1989 and after much redevelopment, reopened in late 2006.
The visitor attractions include Coal Town, The Colliery Experience, Woodhorn Railway, The Ashington Group (Pitmen Painters) and much more, catering for all members of the family.
Also popular are the many Special Exhibitions featured throughout the year, a recent new expansion is the online exhibitions feature.
The museum also has a Café and Gift Shop.
Group Visits and Tours are available and special guided tours are available.
Disabled Access and assistance dogs are welcome.
Photo © Sandra White - CCL
In the month of July 2006, a fisherman caught a giant swordfish off the coast at Newbiggin, the 1.98m (6ft 6in) fish was thousands of miles from its normal habitat.
The 26kg (58lb) monster was caught by Peter Dent, and was later sold to the Black Pearl pub in Newbiggin.
This could be the first time a swordfish has been caught in British waters.
During 2007 a major construction project was undertaken.
This included a new breakwater in the bay, replenishment of sand on the beach,
a specially commissioned piece of art, the 'COUPLE' and general improvements to the promenade.
The £10 million project was completed at the end of September 2007.
Residents are very proud of their new beach and visitors are most welcome.
As the beach is non-tidal, dogs are not allowed on the new beach, they can however be walked by their owners along the promenade.
Photo © Oliver Dixon - CCL
Newbiggin by the Sea has a variety of holiday accommodation available, including...
Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering, and Caravan Holiday Parks.
Useful Links...
