Newton-by-the-Sea

Newton-by-the-Sea is a delightful village with a grassy central square of low fishermen’s cottages, built in the 18th century, at its heart.  The Ship Inn, in one corner of the square, was converted from one of these houses, but also has an older, 16th century semi-circular turret at the rear. St Mary’s Church, a little way out of the village to the north, is an interesting tin tabernacle church, built from prefabricated corrugated galvanised iron as a Mission Room in the late 19th century and later used as a village hall.   

Much of the village and surrounding land is now owned and cared for by the National Trust. The beach offers sandy space to play and rock pools to explore, with habitats for hermit crabs, porcelain crabs, sponges and anemones.  Just inland lies Netwon Pool, a freshwater nature reserve with hides to observe migrating birds. On the promontory is Newton Point, offering fantastic views out to sea and to the Farne Islands on a clear day.  The buildings on Newton Point are a reminder of the role of the Northumberland Coast in 20th century defence, as they were built for long range navigation in the Cold War era.