If you’re looking for a day out that goes a little deeper than the usual café stops or coastal walk, Woodhorn Museum certainly delivers. Nestled within the restored buildings of a former pit, this Ashington attraction offers an immersive glimpse into the lives, creativity and resilience of Northumberland’s mining communities, making it an ideal hidden gem for locals keen to explore something both meaningful and unexpected.
I recently visited, and what stood out to me was how deeply it is rooted in our local history, and it truly felt like you were stepping back in time. (That time travel feeling was certainly helped by its chronological exhibitions, where you literally walk through time, watching the time periods change on the walls.)
At the heart of the site is the striking Cutter Building, a bold, contemporary structure inspired by the immense coal-cutting machines. The museum also has several exhibitions, including:
The Ashington Group Gallery
One of Woodhorn’s most unexpected treasures is the story of the Ashington Group, better known as the Pitmen Painters. These were miners who, in their spare time, began painting scenes of everyday life with astonishing honesty and emotion. What began in 1934 as an art appreciation class became a weekly class experimenting with styles and materials.
‘Start painting – it’s as simple as that.’
— Oliver Kilbourn, Pitmen Painter
‘Homing’
My favourite exhibition was an archway of origami birds hanging over you, and a collection of tags on the walls. The exhibition, named ‘Homing’, celebrates Ashington’s 150th anniversary and was created by artist Bethan Maddocks and 500 young people from Ashington. Each paper pigeon (which was chosen based on the tradition of homing pigeons) carries a message about what home is to them or the person’s hometown – its past, present and future. Some messages read: ‘I love this place, I love it, it’s so relaxing’, ‘Home is where I started to live my life’, ‘Home is where I feel safe’, ‘I’m proud of Ashington’. Something so incredibly simple but so poignant. We are privileged to have a home where we feel safe, warm and cared for. ‘Home’ can be anything, a place or a person. Homes come with such emotions, memories and legacies. It was an exhibition that stayed with me long after I left the museum.
Other parts of Woodhorn that stuck with me, in no particular order, include:
The Big Red Jobbie – not what you’re thinking, it’s a big red water tank.
Affectionately named by Woodhorn staff, this water tank has a 32,000-litre capacity. Although Woodhorn Colliery closed in 1981, pumps and fans were kept working to help Ashington Colliery.
Accessibility and the sensory walk
Accessibility is a lovingly thought-out thing at Woodhorn. Whilst there’s room for improvement – and they’re working with steering groups who have various disabilities, taking direct feedback from those with lived experience – they have lots of guidance to help you before you even get there. From virtual tours to access maps that document the stimuli you might encounter, such as sound and light levels, you can access all accessibility information on their website. A standout for me was the sensory walk; it was great to see blooming daffodils signalling the return of spring, providing a calming walk area, with different stimuli that create textures and sounds.
So, what’s coming up at Woodhorn that you might want to visit?
Miner’s Picnic 2026
On Saturday, 13th June, from 10am to 5pm, the Miner’s Picnic celebrates the local mining heritage. Enjoy live music, street theatre, children’s activities and more. Keep an eye on their social media and website for the full programme coming soon.
If you are looking to visit Woodhorn Museum, they are open Wednesday – Sunday from 10am – 4pm. Please note that due to renovations on the Heapsteads buildings, they may be closed on certain days. Check their social media and website prior to setting off.
Woodhorn Museum is a place where you can learn our local history whilst having a ‘canny day out’ (you can also find that phrase in one of their exhibitions!).
Pictured: Woodhorn Museum’s Pit Wheel.
Do you know a hidden gem or underdog business in and around the Tyne Valley? I’m exploring the area and hope to get to know the best places that may be overlooked. If you have a place to recommend, get in touch!