Ashington: Mining History and Woodhorn Museum

Ashington offers several distinct points of interest to help you choose a destination: its mining history, the Ashington Group at Woodhorn Museum, and opportunities for outdoor activities. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether cultural history, trails and nature, or community sports activities should be the focus of your trip.

Mining History and Art

In the early 19th century, Ashington developed from an area dominated by agriculture into a mining village; the colliery opened in 1867. The Pitmen Painters were miners from Ashington who signed up for painting classes in 1934. The Ashington Colliery Heritage Trail was created on the former colliery site, which is now occupied by Wansbeck Business Park. These themes give your trip a concrete historical connection without equating mining history with art.

A permanent gallery dedicated to the Ashington Group is housed in the Cutter Building at Woodhorn Museum; it was established in 2006. The sculpture “Unknown Soldier”, created by Tom Maley in 2001, stands in Ashington Memorial Garden. The two places explore different aspects of cultural commemoration. The Northumberland Miners’ Picnic has celebrated the region’s mining heritage for generations. The memorial service held at Woodhorn Museum on 13 June 2026 was a central part of the Northumberland Miners’ Picnic.

Woodhorn and a Walking Tour

Many of the historic mine buildings at Woodhorn Colliery have been preserved and are open to visitors to explore. Woodhorn Museum is located directly on the C1 National Cycle Route. This means you can also plan your museum visit with a cycling route in mind, while the mine buildings themselves offer another way to explore industrial history.

The Ashington Local Heroes Walking Tour starts and ends at Ashington railway station and takes about one hour and 40 minutes. Along the way, it passes a statue of Jack Charlton. The Northumberland Line provides a passenger connection between Ashington and Newcastle. Check current service information before travelling so you can plan your journey around the train service without confusing the train journey with the walking tour.

Nature, Trails and Water

Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Country Park is a nature reserve with woodland trails and a picturesque lake. The lake covers 16 hectares and is suitable for windsurfing and canoeing. The Coast and Castles Cycle Route runs from Ashington to Queen Elizabeth II Country Park. Check route conditions before setting out. The combination of woodland trails, lake and cycle route offers a range of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

A colony of red squirrels lives in Ashington Community Woodland. The Ashington Community Woodland parkrun also takes place there: a free community event that starts every Saturday morning at 9 am. The Miners’ Memorial Meadow Project focused on wildflower areas commemorating First World War miners. The Miners’ Memorial Meadows were created on three grassland sites to support pollinators.

Sport and Local Volunteering

Ashington PlayZone is an outdoor sports and activity area with an all-weather facility that is open to everyone. Activities include football and a range of multi-sport activities. If you are interested in conservation work, Friends of Ashington Community Woods offers opportunities to volunteer. Sports and community conservation work thus complement the historical and natural themes Ashington offers for planning your trip.

Tuesday is market day in Ashington; traders sell a range of traditional local products there. Check the latest market details before your visit. When choosing a hotel, you can use this to put your travel interests first: mining heritage and art, trails and nature, or community activities.

Discover more destinations: Longhorsley, Newbiggin-By-The-Sea, Slaley, North Sunderland, Ilderton, Morpeth, Blyth, Fourstones.

For the overview of the wider region: Northumberland.