Blyth
Northumberland's largest town, with a thrice-weekly market. Historically it grew as the major seaport for the export of Northumberland coal. It also had its own deep mines, the last of which, Bates Colliery, closed in the early 1980s. It is still a busy seaport whose main trade now involves aluminium ore, imported coal, wood and paper. It is also an important supply base for the North Sea oil and gas fields, and is supported by the developing Euroseas Centre for Offshore Technology. The north pier has nine eyecatching windmills – the Blyth Wind Farm – that generate electricity to the National Grid. The harbour is also the home of the Royal Northumberland Yacht Club, and to the south of the harbour is South Beach; with its soft golden sands it is a popular destination for windsurfers. Today there is a wide variety of shopping in the town, including a new covered centre, the Keel Row, whilst market days are Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Other attractions include a large leisure centre and pool, the Phoenix Theatre and the Blyth Spartans – one of England's most famous amateur football clubs.
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