Pretty seaside town named England’s cheapest where locals feel ‘lucky’ to live | UK | Travel

A ‘delightful’ coastal town has been crowned the most affordable  place to live in England. Often described as a tranquil seaside settlement, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in Northumberland boasts a magnificent beach perfect for leisurely walks and breathtaking sunsets.

This beach resort destination has been attracting families for centuries and houses St. Bartholomew’s Church, which dates back to the 13th century. Previously a crucial port, the heritage and traditions of this former coal mining community are celebrated by the Maritime Centre which overlooks the ocean, while today the fishing town’s high street brims with independent retailers. During a pleasant summer’s day, the town bustled with visitors soaking up the sunshine, including one resident who preferred not to be named, who was admiring the scenery from Church Point, gazing over Little Bay.

She revealed how she had sought an escape from urban living and relocated to the coastal town from London six years ago, shortly before the first Covid lockdown commenced, reports Chronicle Live.

The people here are really, really lovely,” she said. “It’s quaint and beautiful here. It almost chose me. I was supposed to be buying a house in Lincolnshire which fell through so landed on Newbiggin and the place chose me. I mean, look at the view and the bay.

“I enjoy the little walks and I find it magical, especially as each street along the main road leads out to the beach, it’s got that cosy sort of feeling that takes you right back to your childhood.”

She was also struck by the famous Couple sculpture by artist Sean Henry on her first visit, “there’s so many questions about it by everyone that visits!”.

John Lord, a regular among the town’s Dolphin watchers, was also enjoying the weather.

He said: “It’s one of my main hobbies, it’s improved our life and mental health after Covid and its great fun! We often see 30-40 dolphins at a time. A week ago some came from Cambois and we could hear their tails slapping. We’ve also spotted humpback whales in the bay too. A few years ago we saw hundreds and through this I’ve met people from all across the world.”

John understands why the town appeals to tourists and those looking to relocate: “I understand why you’d move from down south as there’s plenty of shops and I consider myself lucky to be here.”

According to Lloyds Coastal Homes Review, the average house price in 2024 was around £132,863 – making Newbiggin-by-the-Sea one of the most affordable places in the country. On the other hand, Sandbanks in Dorset has been identified as Britain’s priciest seaside location, with the average house price last year standing at a staggering £965,708.

Fisherman Carlon Warwick was busy working on a restoration project in the boatyard just off the promenade.

Carlon hails from nearby Alnmouth but explains that everyone in the local Northumberland villages are acquainted with one another. “We’re all friends,” he said.

The vessel which the team hauled from the water four weeks ago is currently in the process of drying out before they begin work in earnest.

Carlon said: “It’ll be 50 years old next year and it had been in the water for five years. I’m 75 so I should be retiring but this is one last adventure!”.

Seamstress and shop proprietor Daisy, of Daisy Stays – Dressmaking and Design on the town’s high street, said the more relaxed pace of life available in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is what drew her to the area.

“I’m born coastal and a sea girl and life here is like how it used to be when young.”

Having previously resided in Wallsend, North Shields and Tynemouth, Daisy and her husband relocated to Newbiggin from Tynemouth where they formerly operated a café that shut during Covid.

Daisy added: “I used to work from home and I’ve been a seamstress a long time so was looking for a high street spot.

“We decided after the café it was a good time to move and try something new and we took over the gift shop and some of the vendors that sold in it here three years ago so now we’re a hybrid shop – mainly dress making.

“It doesn’t surprise me why people would want to move here either – I love it here. I can see why people from south would move and there is a lot of people buying retirement homes or investment opportunity but I say bring them all here.”

Wayne Rigg from Needle’s Eye Cafe established his venture on the southern stretch of the promenade more than a year ago.

Constructed from three shipping containers and featuring its own permanent sauna – ideal for post-paddleboarding relaxation which also runs from the café’s location – the establishment has become tremendously popular.

Wayne remarked: “We’ve really put the place on the map and locals have responded really well saying this is just what was needed this end of the beach. I think the town’s seen a boom recently since Covid and it’s becoming like what it was in the 70s again.”

Needle’s Eye Café features a wall mural depicting the former colliery dwellings and the fishing community who previously resided on the shore in upturned boats – something Wayne describes as a tribute to the town’s dual heritage.

He added: “There’s a real community feel here but the town had been left behind for many years, whereas other Northumberland locations were seeing a lot on investment.”

Wayne, who is eager for further investment in the area, is also planning to launch another shipping container restaurant serving tapas on the northern side of the bay in future. Our Northumberland Live newsletter is complimentary.