Near Newcastle Upon Tyne Is An Ex-Mining Town With Coastal Vibes, Scenic Beaches, And Fresh Seafood

There is plenty of history and natural beauty to discover along England's Northumberland coast, a landscape full of beaches, historic castles, and coastal villages. These villages each offer a unique experience far from the bustling crowds of England's larger tourist cities like London or Manchester. One Northumberland getaway is Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, a former fishing port and mining town.

Although Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is growing in popularity, its history as a resort town dates back to the early 19th century, when the coast attracted wealthy Northumberland and Newcastle families who purchased summer homes in the area. However, the town itself is much older, with one of the earliest records of the town establishing the presence of medieval fisherman monks in Newbiggin during the 12th century. While fishing remained a constant industry until World War I, the early 20th century saw coal mining introduced to the area. During its peak, the town's colliery provided ample employment and produced nearly half a million tons of coal until its permanent closure in 1967.

Today, Newbiggin has grown into a charming fishing village filled with art, maritime heritage, and coastal adventure. History lovers can explore the museums or visit historic structures, while foodies can enjoy some fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. Newbiggin is also home to several beaches that offer views of Newbiggin Bay. Plus, the nearest major city, Newcastle upon Tyne, is about 17 miles away, adding to the town's tranquil atmosphere.

Located in Northumberland, England's scenic northernmost county, Newbiggin is home to natural scenes and historic sites, as seen in the town's three main beaches. The East Beach is a narrow stretch of sand with a quiet atmosphere and is one of the least trafficked options. It's a great beach for spotting wildlife such as otters or dolphins, or some of the various bird species such as gulls or waders. East Beach sits near Church Point, a scenic headland with views over the water where visitors will find the Church of St. Bartholomew. This still-active 13th-century parish church has retained much of its medieval architecture despite extensive renovations.

Newbiggin South and North Beach are both backed by a flat promenade that stretches across Newbiggin Bay. Not only is the promenade a great place for a stroll or to take in a sunset, but it also offers views of the iconic "The Couple" sculpture. On the southern end of Newbiggin Bay sits Newbiggin South Beach, which becomes a great place for tidepooling during low tides. Newbiggin North Beach sits closest to the town center, providing access to two popular town sites. The first is the Newbiggin Maritime Center, which offers a deep dive into the town's maritime history with a museum, three galleries, and a cafe. Nearby sits the 1851 RNLI's Newbiggin Lifeboat Station, the U.K.'s oldest active lifeboat station. In the mood for even more history and beach adventure? Newbiggin is less than 6 miles away from the award-winning beach and historic sites of Cresswell, another coastal village. 

Beyond the beaches, Newbiggin is a hub for art lovers, as seen by the Newbiggin Art Trail. While this trail may not be as famous as some of the others in England, like the iconic Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail in Coleford, another ex-mining town outside Gloucester, it still features plenty of impressive pieces. One is the approximately 40-foot-tall "The Couple" offshore statue, which Visit Northumberland notes is the first of its kind in the U.K. Built in 2007, the figures appear to be standing on the water during high tides, and a smaller "Land Couple" structure can be found along the trail as well. There are over 50 sites to see along the trail, which takes around two hours to complete in one go.

After all of that exploring, visit one of Newbiggin's eateries to rest and recharge. When it comes to the best spot for fresh seafood, residents are split between Ladhar's Fish Bar and The Front Fish and Chips. The family-owned Ladhar's has served the Newbiggin's community since 1999, and is noted for its friendly service. "Best fish and chips I've had in years," wrote one guest on Tripadvisor. "The haddock portion was very large and very fresh perfectly cooked with light crispy batter." The Front, which is only a short stroll away, earned the title of Northumberland's best in both 2023 and 2025 at the English Business Awards, with one Google review describing the fish as "fresh, flaky, and perfectly crispy." Another unique dining option is Cafe Needles Eye. Not only do they offer fresh coastal dishes to enjoy while overlooking the water, but they also offer a sauna for relaxing after a long day on the beach or perusing the art trail.