All about CresswellCresswell is a pretty little coastal Northumberland village, popular with bird watchers, walkers and families attracted to the vast golden sandy beach. Situated at the southerly tip of Druridge Bay, it's peaceful yet within easy reach of all the attractions of Northumberland.
HistoryLittle has been recorded of Cresswell's past, apart from the fact that the devil once paid it a visit! According to local legend, in 1752 Cresswell had a well known tailor who was reputed to be the best in the country. The devil tried to tempt him to fall into the sin of pride. The story is told that the tailor was suspicious and called on the local vicar upon which the devil vanished in a ball of fire! The area is rife with legends and tales of witchcraft and mysterious happenings. Visitors may enjoy listening to some of the local stories of the supernatural which abound in the area. As a hotspot for witchcraft, a total of 23 witched are recorded as being executed in the area! Cresswell contains architectural remains stretching back 6000 years, although the most visible to anyone is the medieval Pele Tower (photo above) Click here for more local history. Cresswell TodayCresswell is a small village with a community of around 200 residents in homes scattered along the coastal road. The area has spectacular scenery, scenic clifftop paths and a beautiful golden sandy beach. Northumberland has a 64 mile coast path which begins at Cresswell and runs along the coastline to Berwick upon Tweed, making it a very pleasant place for walkers. There is a small but very popular ice cream shop which may not be open during the winter months. There are two caravan holiday home parks. Click here for more photographs of the village and magnificent beach. The outstanding natural beauty of the Northumberland Heritage Coastline draws many visitors who appreciate the rugged coastline, vast and sandy beaches and stunning landscapes. There is a well known nature reserve at Cresswell called 'Cresswell Pond', which has a superbly positioned hide popular with bird enthuasiasts for its rare bird sightings and for watching all the regular species of local and migratory birds. The National Trust owned Druridge Bay Country Park is just under 3 miles north of Cresswell and is a nature lover's paradise. It's wonderful to be able to enjoy the lake and the wildlife upon it, then walk just a couple of hundred yards through the dunes to the biggest beach in Northumberland. The beach is a magnet for families and dog walkers and many watersports are enjoyed here, including windsurfing, canoeing and waterskiing. What's at or near CresswellJust off the A189 east of Ashington, postcode for SatNav is NE63 9YF. 2 miles from Cresswell is this great museum, very much worth visiting, which records the history of mining in the area. Entrance to the museum is free (although it's around £3 to park). Inspired by monster coal cutting machines, once used deep underground, the stunning Cutter Building and original listed colliery structures house really fascinating, interative exhibitions and displays. Take an emotional journey through Coal Town and find out about the life and loves, tears and tragedies of a proud mining community. Explore the colliery buildings and imagine just what it would have been like to work underground. Hum along to the brass band at the Miners' Picnic, see the colourful banners and even design your own for the parade. Marvel at the original paintings of the Ashington Group - miners from the 1930s whose story has inspired a wonderful and highly successful new play, Pitman Painters, by Billy Elliot writer, Lee Hall (shown on Broadway, New York). Enjoy the galleries too with their changing touring exhibitions and hands-on fun for all ages. It could be anything from colourful geometrical canvases reflecting Islamic art or internationally acclaimed wildlife photography to a history of the Women's Institute. There are often craft activities for children and special events linked to the exhibitions too. The large Workshop Galleries are designed for big shows and recently have hosted family favourites Wallace & Gromit in the amazing Animated Adventures exhibition. It has also been home to the Cars of the Stars exhibition featuring some stunning vehicles from the world of film and TV. For those interested in researching the history of Northumberland or perhaps their own family, Northumberland's amazing archival 'treasures' are stored at Woodhorn too with all kinds of records going back 800 years! Those with a casual interest or first time visitors will find touch screens to show you how to get started if you want delve into the past. Visitors to Woodhorn often enjoy the QEII Country Park too in which the museum stands. Once a huge spoil heap a 1 mile wide x 2 miles long, it was transformed more than 30 years ago in the largest earth moving project of its kind in Europe into a beautiful park complete with 40 acre lake. Today it teems with wildlife including the endangered red squirrel. If you don't fancy walking or cycling around, you might consider a trip through it on the narrow gauge railway that runs from the museum. And of course Woodhorn has a café for that all important cuppa after a packed visit. Here are some helpful links
Northumberland CamFabulous photographs of Cresswell to view online. Explore Alnwick - Central, Countryside & CoastExplore Alnwick, the historic market town in the heart of Northumberland. Visit the market, Alnwick Castle & Alnwick Garden and enjoy the beautiful countryside and stunning coastline. Explore NorthumberlandExplore Northumberland by car on unbelievably quiet roads. In Northumberland you can drive a distance of 60 - 70 miles and meet only a few dozen cars during journeys to Hadrian's Wall and Berwick upon Tweed. Gardens in NorthumberlandAs well as the famous Alnwick Garden, find out more about other horticultural delights in Northumberland, such as Belsay Quarry Gardens, Howick Hall and Cragside. National Trust Properties in NorthumberlandInformation on all National Trust properties in Northumberland, including Lindisfarne Castle, Cragside Estate and Wallington Hall. English Heritage Properties in NorthumberlandAll English Heritage Properties in the region, including Warkworth Castle, Lindisfarne Priory and Hadrian's Wall. The Scottish BordersAttractions north of the Border within driving distance of Alnwick. Photo GalleryEnjoy photographs of Alnwick & Northumberland by the region's top photographers. ActivitiesEnjoy fishing, walking, golfing, cycling and birdwatching. Events & FestivalsMusic events, festivals, village shows. Alnwick WalksWalks in the Alnwick region of Northumberland. Scenic DrivesFavourite driving routes through the villages, countryside and coastline |
