Newbiggin-by the Sea

Newbiggin by the Sea is an attractive seaside town which has made best use of its links with the sea over the centuries. At one time the town was third only in importance to London and Hull for the Shipping of corn, and it still maintains a small fleet of the traditional Northumbrian fishing cobles. Cod caught by these boats can be enjoyed at the Victoria Tea Rooms in the town.  There is a long and proud association with the RNLI.

The Lifeboat Station was first established in 1851 following a fishing disaster, and the boathouse itself is the oldest in operation in the country.  Why not pop in and look at the fascinating displays. Close to the Lifeboat Station is the Church of St. Bartholomew. Perched on the clifftop, it has offered hope to many storm weary fishermen and sailors for centuries.

The town was a very popular holiday destination for both the well-to-do and the working classes from Tyneside in the first part of the twentieth century.  The Riviera Cafe in the Piazza is still providing its homemade icecream to visiting families from its 1930s art deco shop after all these years.

Visit numbers did reduce however as cheap foreign travel and guaranteed sun became available to the general public. At the moment Newbiggin is enjoying a renaissance with free outdoor summer events and splendid floral displays.

RNLI Lifeboat Station
Newbiggin by the Sea

The Lifeboat station was established in 1851 following a fishing disaster. The modern Atlantic 75 Class lifeboat "CSMA 75 anniversary" is housed in what is now the oldest working RNLI boathouse in the country. Alongside the boat and other equipment is a large display of historical information and photographs charting the acts of great heroism and tragic episodes across the years.  Volunteers operate a small gift shop in the boathouse on Sundays.

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.