30 things to do in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea
This post includes an (ad) with The Elderton for April 2023. All other aspects of this post were researched and paid for by ourselves. Information correct as of April 2023. Please always check with venues direct for the most up to date information. We spent a weekend at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in April 2023 and I was blown away with the place. It is such a hidden gem in Northumberland. I had only made fleeting visits in the past but after spending some proper time here, will definitely make an effort to visit more often. Newbiggin-by-the-Sea has a really unique charm. It's rich history includes life as a busy fishing port and important trade route for shipping grain, as a mining town and a town with a large artistic community. You experience parts of this history as you walk around with lots of public art on display, history and information boards. It's a really interesting place. What I also love is that it's quite a bit cheaper to stay and visit here than some of the more popular areas of Northumberland. You feel like you get really good value for money and aren't paying over the odds. Where to Stay & Discount Code We stayed at The Elderton, a three bedroom (sleeps up to 6 + 2 infants) dog friendly house in a quiet spot in the heart of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea with the beach at the end of your street. Everywhere mentioned in this post is within easy walking distance of the Elderton. If you fancy staying yourself, use code NEFF10 (valid until 31 Dec 2023) at check out for a 10% discount. Find out more and book: theelderton.co.uk I will share a full review and more photos at the bottom of this post. Maps & Postcodes I have created an interactive map with postcodes for the places mentioned in this post including public loo & parking locations in this post here: view Newbiggin-by-the-Sea interactive map . 30 Things to do in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea Newbiggin Art Trail Newbiggin Art Trail is free to download and enjoy. It includes over 50 public pieces of art in the town ranging from the famous 'couple' and puffin sculptures to totems, creative panels and carvings. You can download a free map and more info here . The full trail should take around 2 hours to complete in total or you can enjoy part of the trail if you have less time or simply just enjoy the public pieces of art as you walk about and refer back to the map to learn more. Sea Glass Hunting Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is a prime spot for sea glass hunting. Just head down to the beach and start looking for your own treasure. A few readers have mentioned that the best beach to find sea glass is the one below the Golf Club. Alternatively, The Sea Glass Company is based in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea and you can book a guided sea glass safari and craft your findings into a special keyring or purchase some sea glass jewellery. Stop for Fish and Chips We ordered ours from Ladhars and they were really delicious. You also have the option to visit 'The Front' which recently won an award for being the best chippy in Northumberland. Newbiggin-by-the-Sea Parkrun Parkrun takes place at 9am every Saturday. Just meet on the prom near the Maritime Centre. It's two laps along the prom (5km) and honestly super supportive and for people of all levels of fitness. Kids can run too (under 11s need to be kept within arms reach of an adult) and there are people walking it with pushchairs too. Would definitely recommend as a brilliant way to feel great at the start of your weekend. Tourists and visitors are very welcome (this park run is the most Northernly Parkrun in England). Check out their Facebook page here. Family Story Trail There are five stories hidden around Newbiggin-by-the-Sea (see map below). Scan the QR codes to unlock the story. It's free to enjoy. Find out more here. Fantastic Community Events Newbiggin-by-the-Sea hosts a range of community events across the year (and most of them are free to attend). From Kite Festivals to Firework Displays, Picnic on the Prom and Arts & Craft Sessions. Check out the Town Council Facebook page for upcoming events. Feel the Burn Bootcamp Feel the Burn run Bootcamps outside the Maritime Centre overlooking the beach. I caught a glimpse of one as we were waiting for Parkrun to start and I was really impressed with how inclusive and friendly it looked. Find out more here. Maritime Centre The Maritime Centre has a small admission charge (£2.50 for adults, £1.50 for children with several discounts available) and is fairly small with three galleries but I would say it's worth a visit if you're in the area. You can learn about some of the daring missions undertaken by the RNLI and more about the history of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea being used as a fishing port and trade route. There are activities for children too including a RNLI dress up area, games to play, colouring areas, knots to tie and a museum trail. The Maritime Centre also has it's own cafe (which is free to visit). You can enjoy beautiful views out across the bay. We picked up some drinks and brownies which were nice. Pet dogs are not permitted inside the centre / cafe but there is outdoor seating where dogs are allowed and the views are fab. Dog water bowls are available here. Find out more here. Attlee Terrace Park Located close to the Maritime Centre, this playground is lovely overlooking the sea with the main feature being a pirate ship. Milburn Park Playground At the other end of bay (next to the allotments / bowling green), you will find the brand new Milburn Park Playground. This park also overlooks the sea and it's main feature is a ligthouse structure. There are some pieces of accessible play equipment too. Dogs are not permitted inside the playgrounds. It's super easy to walk between the two parks and enjoy them both - just along the prom which is surfaced. There is a small hill as you approach Milburn Park Play Area but it should be manageable for a pushchair / mobility scooter. Berterellis Ice Cream Parlour (mentioned next) is an ideal half way stop off. Attlee Terrace Park: NE64 6DU Milburn Park Play Area: NE64 6XQ Ice Cream at Bertorellis Caffe Bertorelli is a beautiful art deco ice cream parlour / cafe serving homemade gelato, Italian coffee and other drinks / snacks. It's gorgeous! Dogs are not permitted inside but they do sell doggy ice cream and have plenty of seating outside on the plaze where dogs are welcome. Find out more here. Newbiggin Arts Centre Newbiggin Arts Centre host workshops for all ages (some are funded), exhibit local artists' works and sell a small section of art supplies. It's worth popping in and checking out what's on. The Ink Spot The Ink Spot is a cute little Craft Ale Bar. They're dog-friendly, also serve cocktails and offer a selection to take out. RNLI Lifeboat Station & Rocket House Pop along to the RNLI Lifeboat Station and take a closer look at the Atlantic 85 lifeboat. The shop is canny too and somewhere you can pick up bucket and spades if you've left yours at home. Newbiggin Rocket House is just behind the station and a small but interesting place to visit and learn more about they were used to save lives. The above are not open all of the time, check their websites / social media or just pop in if you're walking past and they're open. Free to visit. Hire a Beach Wheelchair You can hire a beach wheelchair from Newbiggin Maritime Centre free of charge. Find out more and book here. The Old Ship The Old Ship is a lovely dog-friendly pub right by the beach. Our lunch here was genuinely one of the best pub lunches I've had in ages and such a good price too. At the moment, they only serve food on Saturday lunchtimes (12noon-3pm) and Sundays. This is subject to change though so do check their FB page posts for current timings. I'd recommend booking in advance. Rib eye steak, served on a garlic flatbread, with salad leaves, fries, bbq ribs, a flat mushroom and homemade slaw with a creamy garlic mushroom sauce. - £14.95 Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich served with rustic chips, side salad and slaw £10.95 Newbiggin Golf Club Newbiggin Golf Club is in a picturesque location overlooking the sea and they welcome visitors. Geocache Adventure Lab Trail If you're into Geocaching (or fancy giving it a go). A Geocache Adventure Lab Trail runs through Newbiggin-by-the-Sea. Download the app here to get started. Shop Local Glebe House Vintage There is a selection of lovely independent shops, cafes and restaurants in Newbiggin. It's not somewhere you'll find lots of chains. There is an indpendent butcher, bakeries, tea rooms, craft shops, a wool shop, fruit and veg shop, vintage shop, jewellery shops, fabric shop, vintage clothing shop, hat shop and more. The Book Nook Located just outside of Glebe House Vintage, the Book Nook is a free community library / book exchange (there is also a children's section). Paddle Boarding You can hire Paddleboards and wet suits from Newbiggin Surf Co. You can even hire a family Paddleboard which can fit up to 4 people. Visit the Beach The beach at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is beautiful! There are sandy sections and some areas which are great for rockpooling. There is level access at various points along the prom. See further down this post for dog restriction info. Artisan Tea Room I sadly didn't get a chance to pop in on our visit but lots of people recommended Artisan Tea Room to us. You can pre-book afternoon tea or just pop in for cake and coffee. They are dog friendly and run a popular supper club too. Due Fratelli Again, another place we didn't get a chance to visit which so many of you recommended was Due Fratelis. I am planning to return and visit soon so watch this space. Alongside their regular menus they run a couple of fantastic offers including a 3 course lunch special for £8.95 and a 3 course Sunday lunch for £10.95. Told you Newbiggin was cheap! Newbiggin Sports Centre Newbiggin Sports Centre is fairly small compared to other Active Northumberland locations but there is plenty to keep you active including a refurbished gym, indoor cycling studio, squash courts & 6 court sports hall. It's also where you'll find the library. Newbiggin Spy Trail Newbiggin has it's very own Spy Trail which is lots of fun for families to try. It is a circular loop and should take around 2.5 hours. It is dog friendly and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Find out more here: Newbiggin Spy Trail Needles Eye Caffe Credit : Needles Eye Caffe Coming later this year (currently planned for September 2023), a brand new Fish Shack (similar to Rileys in Tynemouth) will open on Newbiggin beach. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates. The Bank House Club A Social Club is not somewhere I would usually recommend in these round up posts but a few people mentioned the one in Newbiggin in pretty special and I have to agree. Just look at their terrace! What a view. They usually show NUFC matches here and there are various tribute acts and live singers to look forward to. Check their Facebook page for more info: The Bank House Club Facebook Page. Go Back to the Ice Age As you walk around Newbiggin-by-the-Sea there are various points of interest with information boards. My favourite was the 'Hunkleton Stone' which is from the last Ice Age! Very cool. A short drive away..... The following places are a short drive from Newbiggin-by-the-Sea (and most are accessible by public transport). QEII Park Woodhorn Museum Wansbeck Riverside Park Blyth Beach and Ridley Park (with splash pad) Hirst Park (with splash pad) Morpeth Northumberlandia Plessey Woods The Fun Jungle, Ashington Cramlington (lots of rainy day activities including AirBox Bounce, Concordia Swimming Pool / Bowling / Clip n Climb, CJs Funhouse ) Need to Know There is plenty of free parking in Newbiggin. Do check signs for restrictions though. This map includes car park locations and postcodes Newbiggin is served by the 35 bus (Newbiggin-Morpeth) and X21 bus (Newcastle-Ashington) Public toilets are available on Front Street Newbiggin Maritime Centre cannot officially call their toilet a Changing Places due to it being slightly too small but they do have excellent facilities including a changing bench and hoist. See here for photos and more info. There is a Co-op and pharmacy on Front Street Dogs are welcome on all areas of the beach from 1 October - 30 April Between 1 May and 30 September, a dog exclusion zone operates on parts of the beach. See below / signs on arrival for a map The Elderton Review & Discount Code We had such a lovely stay at The Elderton. A dog-friendly holiday house in a quiet tucked away location in the heart of Newbiggin-by the Sea with the beach at the end of the road. There is ample free parking outside. I loved the central location and how it felt like a real home from home with fresh milk and bread waiting for us on arrival, free WiFi, a Smart TV, a welcome basket for our dog and a basket of emergency toiletries in case we forgot anything. Downstairs, you open the door into a long hallway (with a W.C under the stairs) and there are coat hooks and shoe racks here. The first room you come to is a cosy living room with fire, TV and two sofas. Dogs are welcome on the sofa as long as you use the throws provided. Then it's through to a second reception room with a cabinet full of board games & books, table and chairs plus another sofa and TV. It was so lovely having two reception rooms as we really felt as if we could spread out and enjoy our own space. Then it's through to the kitchen which was excellent with a large cooker, dishwasher, washer/dryer, microwave, kettle....everything you could need. Loads of cupboard and bench space too. Dogs are provided with a welcome basket featuring a towel, throw, poo bags, dog treats and a little tag to pop on your dog's collar while they're on holiday here which I thought was a thoughtful touch.
