Winlaton, with its modern new-build estates, is a far cry from the area’s industrial past and its ironworks. Aranda Garrard discovers more. THE remains of Hollinside Manor are an important reminder of the wealth of history that Winlaton and its surrounding area holds.
The manor, dating back to the 13th Century, can be found to the east of the Nine Arches Viaduct. From here, there are spectacular views of the Derwent Walk Country Park and surrounding countryside. Winlaton itself is said to date back to the Iron Age. Over the years, the area has endured its fair share of industrial hardship, most notably after the demise of Crowley’s Ironworks and then the coal mines. There are plenty of places to visit, including Winlaton Cottage Forge in Church Street which is open by request and gives an insight into what life was like in 1691. St Anne’s Church, which opened in 1962, is also worth a visit. It has a beautiful stained glass window in honour of a parish priest. Winlaton is probably most famous for being the birthplace of Coffee Johnny, a well-known sportsman whose exploits are written about in the Blaydon Races. The name Coffee Johnny is said to have originated from his schooldays when he requested his friends to wait until he drank coffee before going to school. Today, for those looking to set up home in the area, the Winlaton Centre is a hive of activity, offering an after-school club, parent and toddler sessions, kickboxing and line-dancing classes. The centre has a hall with stage, sports hall, lounge (with a garden), games/refreshments area, computer suite, photographic darkroom and kitchen. Good places to eat and drink include the Golden Lion in Winlaton Mill and the Rose & Crown, in North Street, Winlaton. The Derwent Walk Country Park is a mix of woodland, meadows, wetlands, riverside and reclaimed industrial sites, all linked by the Derwent Walk. Local amenities at Winlaton and nearby Blaydon include a Co-op store, chemists, post office, cobblers and fresh fruit and vegetable shops. Blaydon is only a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Winlaton and offers a wider variety of shops including Boots, Superdrug and clothes stores. Winlaton also has a number of pubs. For those who enjoy walking, Shibdon pond and nature reserve and Thornley Woodland Centre are nearby. Winlaton offers a variety of house styles from new-build to Victorian terraces and stone-built farm cottages. Emily Dobbie lives in Winlaton. She said: "I moved into a new-build home in Winlaton two years ago. "The development was part of a multi-million-pound investment involving Keepmoat Homes, Yuill Homes, NomadE5 Housing Association and the council. There are now a variety of homes to buy or rent and that has attracted young, professional people to the area. "My choice to buy in Winlaton was driven by price, my familiarity of the area and its location. "A lady with a love for handbags and shoes, being only 10 minutes from the MetroCentre and Newcastle City Centre is an added bonus. "The Golden Lion at Winlaton Mill is great for a cosy pub night and has an extensive menu and wine list." | 
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