Northumberland has a rich historic past with idyllic countryside, and stunning coastlines making it a hotspot for home buyers. It’s is located in the North East of England and bordered by Cumbria to the West and Country Durham and Tyne and Wear to the South as well as having Scottish Borders towards the North. You’ll find parts of Hadrian’s Wall throughout the county, also Northumberland has the largest number of castles in England.
Best places to live in South East Northumberland
Ashington: Ashington is one of the largest towns within Northumberland. It grew from farmland during the 19th century to a coal mining village which then closed in 1988. All of its local history can be viewed in its nearby museum. Today Ashington is a vibrant town with excellent transportation links to Newcastle Upon Tyne making it very popular with professionals.
Ashington is well-known for the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Country Park, a popular beauty spot for walkers, joggers, families, and wildlife lovers.
According to Rightmove property prices in Ashington had an overall average price of £114,891. Most of the sales in Ashington during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £79,913. Whilst semi-detached properties sold for an average of £129,595 and detached properties fetched on average £208,436.
Blyth: Blyth is best-known for its industrial heritage, spectacular sea views and home to one of the best fish and chip restaurants in the county. Its historic port is still in use today, you’ll be able to see sailing boats as well as the buzzing quayside with a picturesque promenade lined with brightly painted beach huts.
The property website Rightmove suggests that properties in Blyth last year had an overall average price of £135,883, semi-detached properties fetched an average price of £123,528. Terraced properties sold for £101,562 on average, whilst detached properties on average sold for £213,441.
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea: Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is renowned for its marine wildlife as well as its peaceful beach where you can view beautiful sunrises and sunsets and admire Sean Henry’s couple statue that sits out to sea.
Pay a visit to the Maritime centre and discover what life would have been like living a former fishing village, view vessels and take a trip to the delicious 65 sea Breakwater Café serving local food.
You can also view the Bartholomew’s Church which looks over the waterfront over the Little Bay with beautiful idyllic seasons. Rightmove suggests that properties in Newbiggin-By-The-Sea had an overall average price of £106,388 over the last year. Overall, most of the properties sold were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £103,213. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £97,100, with detached properties fetching £263,000.
Things to do in South East Northumberland
Blyth Beach
Blyth beach is a long stretch of sandy beach with brightly painted beach huts across the promenade. The beach is popular with locals from early morning joggers to leisurely evening strolls throughout the year. During the spring and summer months, people flock to the candy coloured beach huts for seaside favourites such as fish and chips or an ice cream. You’ll find kayakers and jet ski’s making the most of the calm waters and sunshine. In the colder month’s surfers can be spotted taking advantage of the choppy waters. You’ll also find a bandstand which is occasionally used by music groups and choirs. There’s two children’s play areas, one for older children with climbing frames and a smaller play area aimed at under 5’s. Blyth beach is a great place for a day out for all the family.
The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Country Park
The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Country Park is a nature reserve in Ashington and a local hotspot for lovers of the great outdoors. It has charming woodland trails and an idyllic lake which spans across 16-hectares. The park can be reached by footpath or by the Coast and Castles route out of Ashington or from Woodhorn Museum which is a must-see if you’re in the area. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including birds, plants, and mammals. If you enjoy getting out and making the most of all that nature has to offer, then this one’s for you.
Blyth Market Day
Blyth is well known for its artisan markets, browse the stalls of friendly local traders including local produce, textiles, and gifts. Details of when the markets take place can be found on the Northumberland website. The market is subject to weather conditions, so check the forecast before you attend.
Bedlington Country Park Local Nature Reserve
Bedlington Country Park is a charming country park situated on the north side of the River Blyth with a picnic area and children’s play area as well as trails for horse riding and for taking in nature. There’s a range of wildlife across the park and grasslands which spans across 57-hectares. You may even be lucky and spot a red squirrel as they are known to reside in the park.
Plessey Woods Country Park
Plessey Woods, a popular country park in Bedlington, you’ll find beautiful blooms throughout the spring and summer months, bursts of colour during the autumn and a blanket of shimmering frost in winter. Explore the winding trails, idyllic riverside routes, and wild meadows. The country park is set across 100-acres so there’s lots to see and do. The paths and trails are ever popular with walkers, cyclists and horse-riders as well as picnickers. If you take the route across the riverbank, you’ll spot otters peeking out of the water and Kingfisher’s gliding across. There’s also the chance to do children’s trails which is great fun for all the family. If you’re looking to refuel, the Country Park Café offers a delicious range of delectables and you can also stop by the gift shop and pick up a souvenir.
Caboose Blyth Boat House
Caboose Blyth is a modern and contemporary restaurant offering everything from brunch through to cocktails at dinner. Situated on the Blyth riverside offering beautiful views. Caboose caters to a variety of different dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free so there really is something for everyone. Sit back and dine in style at Caboose Blyth.
Alnwick Castle
Alnwick castle is a bit further afield, but it’s definitely worth the journey. Alnwick castle is a castle and country house situated in Northumberland, it has a rich historic past and is the seat of the 12th Duke of Northumberland. But the castle is best known for staring in a number of film and television sets including Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey and appearing as Hogwarts in the film series Harry Potter.
Take a tour and learn how to ride a broomstick, brave the fearsome dragon quest or enjoy the beautiful state rooms. There’s fun for all the family at Alnwick Castle.
If you’re interested in moving, to South East Northumberland take a look at our property page to see what’s on offer. For more information and advice, get in touch at customerservice@easyproperty.com
