Today, Woodhorn visitors will discover life above and below ground in a mining community. Life at home will be revealed, the joys and pastimes of the community and the constant dangers faced by those underground.
Woodhorn buzzes with stories linked to over 1000 years of coal production here by local people. Almost 2,000 men and women worked at the Woodhorn Coal Mine, from the sinking of the first shaft in 1894 to the closure of the shafts linking to Ashington Colliery in 1986. Coal was brought to the surface here between 1898 and 1966, then via Ashington Colliery until 1981. At its peak 600,000 tons of coal were produced each year.
Come and see our Scheduled Ancient Monument Colliery Complex and:
- Explore the historic colliery buildings
- Discover the unique art collection by the famous Ashington Group also known as the ‘Pitmen Painters’ and test your own creative powers as they did
- Travel through time and take a journey through Coal Town
- See proud mining banners on display
- Relax and refresh in the café
- Let off steam in the children’s’ industrial-themed play area
- Enjoy a programme of temporary exhibitions and events
