Living in Ashington

Ashington is known for its strong communal identity, rooted in the legacy of mining and close-knit neighbourhoods. Many residents have deep family ties to the area, giving the town a familiar, welcoming feel. Community centres such as the YMCA and the Ashington Community Development Trust are central to social life, hosting regular activities, classes, and support groups for all ages.

Weekly markets and local events create opportunities for residents to gather, from charity fundraisers to annual festivals celebrating the area’s heritage. Wansbeck Riverside Park offers green space for walkers, cyclists, and families. The town’s proximity to the Northumberland coast and nearby woodlands encourages an active outdoor lifestyle, while sporting clubs, especially for football and cricket, play a prominent role in engaging the community and fostering local pride.

Crime rates in Ashington reflect the patterns often seen in former industrial towns, with some areas experiencing higher incidents of anti-social behaviour and petty theft. However, ongoing regeneration projects and community policing have contributed to improvements in recent years. Neighbourhood police teams actively engage with the local community, providing visible patrols and running initiatives aimed at youth engagement and support.

Residents speak positively of efforts to foster safe neighbourhoods, especially in residential zones away from the town centre. Recent investments in lighting, CCTV, and partnership work between local authorities and support groups have helped reduce perceptions of crime. Like many towns with a legacy of economic transition, vigilance remains important, but Ashington continues its progress towards a safer living environment.

Parking in Ashington is generally straightforward, with a combination of on-street spaces and public car parks within the town centre and near major amenities. Residents typically find that permit parking is only necessary in high-demand areas close to the centre, while most residential streets offer unrestricted access. Free parking schemes are available in several locations, which is convenient for shoppers and visitors.

Congestion levels are mostly low, even at peak times, thanks to the well-designed local road network. The A189 'Spine Road' is the main artery linking Ashington with regional centres and the A1 for longer distance travel. Drivers benefit from quick journeys to neighbouring towns and cities:

• Newcastle – approx. 30 minutes via A189
• Morpeth – approx. 15 minutes via A196
• Blyth – approx. 20 minutes via A189
• Alnwick – approx. 35 minutes via A1

Regional and national journeys are made easy, with access to the A1 and A19 close by, supporting commutes and travel across the North East.

Ashington has a diverse food and drink scene that reflects both its mining heritage and modern influences. Traditional pubs like The Grand or The Elephant and unique local establishments offer classic pub fare and a sense of community. Cafés and bakeries provide daytime favourites and freshly baked treats, while a variety of takeaways serve everything from Indian curries to classic fish and chips.

The town’s restaurants cover a mixture of cuisines, with options including Chinese, Italian, and Turkish. For those seeking an evening out, bars and small clubs cater to a relaxed crowd, especially on weekends. The social scene tends to be friendly and low-key, making Ashington appealing for those preferring a community-focused night out. Nearby Morpeth or Newcastle provide livelier venues, theatres, and bigger gig nights for those wanting a broader selection.

School Quality: Ashington is home to a selection of well-respected primary and secondary schools, with several receiving 'Good' Ofsted ratings in recent years. This provides reassurance for families seeking quality education close to home.

Parks and Green Space: Wansbeck Riverside Park and smaller play areas throughout Ashington offer outdoor activity and relaxation for children and families, along with easy access to the Northumberland countryside.

Childcare: Childcare options are available through local nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders within the community, providing convenient solutions for working parents.

Safety: Family areas in Ashington prioritise safe play and neighbourhood watch schemes, with ongoing community engagement to maintain lower crime levels in residential pockets.

Family Activities: Ashington boasts a leisure centre with a swimming pool and fitness facilities, local youth sports teams, and events held at nearby attractions like Woodhorn Museum, ensuring plenty of ways for families to spend quality time together.

Ashington offers an inviting environment for pet owners, especially those with dogs. Wansbeck Riverside Park, with its network of walking trails along the river, is a favourite spot for daily exercise. Surrounding woodlands and the proximity to Northumberland’s beaches make it easy to access a mix of green and coastal spaces for dog-walking and outdoor adventures.

Local vets serve the area, and pet shops in the town centre cater to a variety of animal needs. Many cafés and pubs are welcoming to dogs, especially those with outdoor seating. The attitude to pets in housing is generally positive, with many landlords accommodating responsible pet ownership by agreement. Ashington’s sense of community extends to four-legged residents, making it a comfortable choice for pet-friendly living.

Ashington is well-connected with a variety of transport links that offer access to Northumberland, Newcastle, and the wider North East. Although Ashington does not currently have its own train station, the upcoming Northumberland Line is set to reinstate passenger rail services to the town, improving direct rail access to Newcastle and beyond.

Regular bus services operate through Ashington, linking residents to Morpeth, Blyth, Newcastle, and surrounding communities. Key road routes such as the A189 (Spine Road) provide speedy car travel to major urban areas. Newcastle International Airport is approximately 19 miles away, making air travel accessible for holidays or business.

Typical commute times:

• Newcastle upon Tyne – around 30 minutes by car (A189/A19), 40 minutes (bus)
• Morpeth – approx. 15 minutes by car (A196), 20 minutes by bus
• Blyth – about 20 minutes by car/bus (A189/A193)
• Newcastle International Airport – 30 minutes by car (A189/A1/A696)

Ashington provides a range of educational options for families, from well-established primary and secondary schools to nearby colleges. The area’s schools are known for their community spirit and engagement, with several receiving positive Ofsted ratings in recent years.

Primary Schools in Ashington

Ashton Primary School, with a welcoming ethos, is a popular choice in the area. Central Primary School offers modern facilities and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2018. Both Bothal Primary School and St. Aidan's RC Primary School are also noted within the local community, with Bothal celebrating a 'Good' rating by Ofsted as of 2021.

Secondary Schools in Ashington

Dukes Secondary School is a central secondary option, providing a broad curriculum and supportive environment, recently rated 'Requires Improvement' by Ofsted in 2022 but noted for ongoing development. Ashington Academy, part of the North East Learning Trust, is gaining a reputation for academic progress and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2019. Hirst Park School and St. Benet Biscop Catholic Academy (in nearby Bedlington) are alternatives accessible to older students.

Colleges and Further Education

Northumberland College has a dedicated Ashington campus, offering vocational, academic, and technical qualifications for school leavers and adult learners alike. The college’s provision covers a diverse range of subjects, including construction, health care, and business, supporting the development of skills relevant to the local economy.

Universities

There are no universities in Ashington itself, but higher education is accessible via short journeys to Newcastle upon Tyne, where Newcastle University and Northumbria University offer a vast selection of degree courses and research opportunities.