Ashington

There is no escape from the fact that coal was largely responsible for the development of Ashington - prior to the first efforts to extract coal early in the nineteenth century, the town was little more than a collection of farms. Now little remains of the industry itself except the spirit of community, the terraced housing which offered shelter to the miners'
families and the fascinating museum at Woodhorn Colliery.  A high-tech business park featuring an attractive lake as a centerpiece is now located on the site of the former Ashington Colliery, and it points the way to a bright new future.

Ashington is renowned for its ability to produce world class footballers and locals are rightly proud of many local lads including Jack and Sir Bobby Charlton.  A fine statue pays fitting tribute to another football hero "Wor Jackie" Milburn.  It is located in the main pedestrian shopping area of the town which is bedecked with colourful floral displays during the summer months. As one of the major towns in South East Northumberland, Ashington offers a wide range of local services from sports facilities to the very popular weekly market and parking is free! It is not all built up though and it is only a matter of a few minutes to escape into pretty countryside which surrounds the town.  A few minutes more and you could be on a stunning coastline or gazing at ancient castles.

Woodhorn Colliery Museum
Ashington
Tel 01670 856968

One of the few remnants of the mining industry left has been developed into a fascinating museum illustrating the life of the coal miner and his family. Displays show the kind of homes they lived in, the machines used, the artwork produced by the Ashington Group of Painters who grew from a night class for miners, the music and colourful union banners, and the general way of life.

Every member of the family will find something of interest.  The Museum also has its own light railway which runs the QEII Country Park. The temporary exhibition space at the Museum will be hosting a very special exhibit from Summer 2000. A virtual copy of the stunning Linisfarne Gospels plus supporting display material will be located in the exhibition space and it promises to be extremely popular. The real Gospels proved to be hugely popular when they last visited the North, but this virtual copy will allow visitors to examine the fine work in much greater detail.  Woodhorn is one of only two locations where it will be possible to view the virtual Gospels - the other is on Linisfarne itself. To make sure of the exact viewing times, contact the Museum.

Open Wednesday - Sunday (and bank holidays)
         September - April 10.00am - 4.00pm
         May - August        10.00am - 5.00pm

If you are interested in contributing more about this area then please contact form or get in touch with your local council. All Economic Development Officers of County, District, Town, and parish councils are being sent an information pack and should be able to help you by providing more information on how you can contribute and benefit from Go Britain. If your Economic Development Officer has not yet had their information pack then please let us know the name and address and we will send an information pack straight away. In the meantime you may find that the email chat forums we have set up provide a way to find out more about what is happening.