Newbiggin Bay & promenade

Located east of Ashington, Newbiggin Bay is a beautiful sandy coastal site nestled into a 1.5km bay.

Located east of Ashington, Newbiggin Bay is a beautiful sandy coastal site nestled into a 1.5km bay.

Shops and cafés can be found close by in the village and the promenade offers a sheltered walk with views along the bay.
The beach within Newbiggin Bay has had a sand recharge as it was discovered that prevailing currents were removing sand from the bay. There is a seasonal beach ban on part of the bay for dogs, with signage on site.

Each end of the bay provides a chance for rock pooling and, occasionally, seals can be spotted on the rocks.

On-street parking can be found on the village main street, as well as limited off street parking. The main car park is at Church Point, with the public toilets situated beside the entrance to Newbiggin Golf Club near the car park entrance.

Remember to follow the seaside code:
  • leave only footprints
  • take only photos
  • keep only memories
  • waste nothing but time
Please use the litter bins provided.

There are no permit requirements to fish in the sea. Details of size limits and protected species are available from the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority.

Drone use
Launching drones from County Council land is only allowed with the consent of the Council and where a formal license agreement has been signed. The council reserves the right to refuse consent and where consent is granted will require evidence of your Civil Aviation Training Certificate and public liability insurance.
The offshore break water provides a sheltered area with excellent water quality for bathers and water sports enthusiasts to enjoy.

There is a community of professional fishermen operating out of the bay who can be seen regularly launching and recovering their boats from the sea.

The Newbiggin Small Boat Club and the Sandridge Fisherman’s Group also launch through the bay, as does the Newbiggin Sailing Club, who regularly hold club sailing events in the bay. There is a launch registration scheme in place for the bay and all boats and vehicles which access the bay need to be registered. Details can be found on the Newbiggin Bay craft and vehicle permit site.

The sheltered southern end of the bay is ideal for sea kayak beginners and is outside of the powered craft corridor.
To the very north of the bay at Church Point stands the Newbiggin Maritime Centre with its museum and café/restaurant. The museum is run by a community-based trust and is open daily all year round. The nearby St Bartholomew’s Church is one of the oldest churches on the Northumberland coast.

Newbiggin Golf Club is situated on Newbiggin moor, and non-members are welcome. Newbiggin Sports and Community Centre has a range of facilities for everyone to enjoy and is only a five minute walk from the village main street.
The promenade is accessible to disabled visitors, with flat paths and no gradients. The northern end allows for interaction with people on the beach for wheelchair users and there is access to the sand via the lifeboat ramp.

There is public rescue equipment and safety signage on the promenade. The bay has two access points for vehicles and boats. Please be cautious when fishermen or lifeboat crews are launching and recovering their craft. Remember that the vehicles need right of way on the ramps.

Tractors and horses with carts are often on the beach to remove sea coal. Please be aware of them and allow for their safe passage.
For water sports, boat launch and general enquiries, please contact Arthur Cranson:

Email: Arthur.Cranson@northumberland.gov.uk
Tel: 01670 797323 or 07932440838