Sweets in Ashington: A Pit Village That Produced Footballing Royalty, and Not Much Sugar

Ashington, in Northumberland, had a population of around 27,700 at the 2021 census, making it one of the larger towns in the former Northumberland coalfield.

A pit town that produced footballing royalty

Ashington grew up almost entirely around coal. Sunk from the 1840s onwards, its collieries drew workers from across the country and the town expanded to house them, developing a strong sense of identity around the pits and the community clubs built alongside them. That same community produced an extraordinary run of footballing talent from one extended family: Jackie Milburn, a Newcastle United and England forward, was born in Ashington, and his cousins Sir Bobby Charlton and Jack Charlton — sons of Milburn's aunt — went on to win the 1966 World Cup with England, with Sir Bobby also lifting the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968. The Ashington Group of miner-painters, active from the 1930s, added another, quieter strand to the town's cultural reputation.

What that history doesn't leave behind

Ashington's identity was built on coal and football clubs, not confectionery, and a former colliery town of this size was never set up with a dedicated sweet shop offering bulk bags, vegan ranges or halal-friendly lines.

Why Ashington shoppers order online anyway

Beyond a newsagent's pick 'n' mix counter, ordering online is the more dependable option — no trip into Newcastle or Morpeth required for a proper range.

25,000+ customers, and counting

We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Ashington included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.

Frequently asked questions

Do you deliver sweets to Ashington?

Yes — UK-wide, including Ashington, Northumberland, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.

What is Ashington famous for?

Its coal-mining history, and as the birthplace of Jackie Milburn and his cousins Sir Bobby and Jack Charlton, who won the 1966 World Cup.

Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Ashington?

Not locally — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Ashington addresses instead.

Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.

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