Bedlington Tourist Information

Bedlington has seen the effects of two major industries on the town. Early growth was due to the development of the first malleable railtrack and the production of some landmark locomotives.

Engineering expert Sir Daniel Gooch spent his early years in Bedlington and designed some of the engines built there. Efforts are currently underway to investigate the ironworks site and to consider how best to preserve and interpret the history. Coal mining also came to Bedlington, but this too has gone. The site of one excavation to the south of the town has been replaced by a fine 18 hole golf course.

In 1999, The Chamber of Trade was successful in a bid to have information about the town sent to Mars, with the next American mission. Bedlington is famous for giving its name to a breed of Terrier - a small whippet-like dog with a curly coat, which are said to resemble lambs. They are extremely popular in the United States. The first official terrier was recorded in 1825, supposedly having been bred by gypsies in the Rothbury Hills. Market day is Thursday.

Visitors are welcome all year at Bedlingtonshire Golf Course, just south of the town centre. Bedlington Country Park offers five miles of pathways, horse and nature trails.