We met family for a day out and what a super day we had.
Visitors to South East Northumberland tend to head for the more well known Northumbrian attractions, sleepy picturesque villages with Castles rather than the forming mining towns such as Ashington! , However,on the edge of Ashington is a gem, not to be missed! – The Queen Elizabeth ll Country Park
This lovely Country ~Park provides a range of outdoor activities in has an award winning heritage centre – Woodhorn Museum, accommodation and a place to eat. It is within a short drive of the better known Northumberland attractions.
The Queen Elizabeth ll Country Park is situated between the A197 and A189, just outside the at the town of Ashington. The Country Park is built on what was once the largest Colliery spoil heap in Europe.
The woodland provides excellent walking opportunities and a variety of bird ,animal and plant life to see – ,look out for red squirrels too!
. There is , is a 40 acre lake host to resident and migratory birds, seating around the lake provides places to rest and eat – we took a picnic!.
For the more active there is windsurfing, canoeing and coarse fishing opportunities. Accessible fishing platforms are provided for those with poor mobility/wheelchair users. For cyclists, the park can be accessed by the Coast and Castles cycle route out of Ashington. Tarmac paths/cut grass paths allow access to the lake.
For children there is a play area.
There is a small narrow gauge railway which takes you around the park to the Woodhorn Colliery Museum, a major heritage centre. The railway and museum are open summer time only, there is a small charge for use of the railway around £2 each.
Woodhorn Museum is built on the site of the former Woodhorn Colliery. When the colliery closed in the 1980s the museum was built, Queen Elizabeth ll country park developed later around the museum. The museum has a car park with a charge of around £2.50, although entry into the fascinating museum is free. The large museum details colliery life, has many paintings and books produced by miners. Various events are held at the museum such as brass band days.
For eating there is a Brewers Fayre situated in the Country Park. I have eaten at this Brewers Fayre and would recommend it, t.
For those wanting to stay longer there is a Premier Inn located in the Country Park, with some rooms overlooking the lake.
The Country Park is just a short drive from the Market town of Morpeth, seaside towns such as Amble and Newbiggen, all worth a visit.