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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 main summer attractions are the 'Newbiggin by the Sea Summer Fair' taking place during the month of July and later in August,
'The Medieval Fayre of St Bartholomew' takes place.
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.
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.
The Northumberland Coast Path - Stage 1 - Cresswell to Warkworth...
This, the first stage of the route at 10.5 miles long, starts at the village of Cresswell,
situated three miles north of Newbiggin by the Sea.
An eight mile stage, following the sweeping sands of Druridge Bay,
and to the north,
Druridge Bay Country Park and Ladyburn Lake, which have available a variety of facilities, including visitor centre, café and toilets.
A short distance beyond is Low Hauxley bird reserve, with its attractive lake and scattering of islands, perfect for interesting year-round birdwatching.
Then along the sand dunes overlooking Coquet Island and to Amble Links and the busy fishing port of
Amble.
The route finally skirts around the Coquet Estuary, well known as a haven for wintering waders and waterfowl,
before ending up in the ancient fortified village of
Warkworth.
Ordnance Survey Maps...
- Sheet 81 (Landranger) - Alnwick and Morpeth
- Sheet 325 (Explorer) - Morpeth and Blyth
- Sheet 332 (Explorer) - Alnwick and Amble
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...
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