Ashington is one of the largest towns in Northumberland and is located in the Woodhorn and coast region, close to NewcastleGateshead.
It grew from a few farms in the early 19th century to a large coal mining village when the colliery opened in 1867. At one point, Ashington was known as the largest mining village in the world. The mines closed in 1988, but Ashington is proud of its history which is remembered at the nearby Woodhorn Museum, housed in a stunning new building, inspired by the massive cutting machines that were once used deep underground. The town also acquired a new high-tech business park designed to generate new enterprise following the closure of the colliery.
Ashington offers a good range of shops and market day is Tuesday. It has two country parks, Wansbeck Riverside Country Park and the Queen Elizabeth II Country Park at Woodhorn. The latter is enhanced by the QE II Country Park Railway.
Ashington has produced some of Britain’s most outstanding sportsmen, including footballers Jackie Milburn, Jack Charlton, and Sir Bobby Charlton, cricketers Steve Harmison and his brother Ben, and golfer Kenneth Ferrie to name a few.
Sign up to the Visit Northumberland newsletter, and you will:
