New Homes in Washington

Welcome to Washington

Whether you’re exploring the town centre, discovering more about local history or adventuring in the countryside, there’s a huge range of things to see and do close to your new home in Washington. Located in Tyne and Wear just a short drive from Sunderland, Gateshead and Newcastle, the town has good transport links, ideal if you’re commuting to nearby towns and cities.

A quick history

Washington dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, and over the centuries has been home to a number of prominent families, including the ancestors of George Washington who became the first president of the United States of America.

Washington’s history is closely linked to the coal industry, with the town having grown around the mines. As the pits became more successful, local wagonways and railways were built for transportation. In the 19th century, the town was home to Washington Chemical Works.

Business and industry

Although Washington's industry is rooted in coal, today the area is home to a wide range of employers including Nissan, EDF Energy, Nike UK, R-Tek Ltd and Opsec Security Group. In nearby Newcastle, big businesses include the Go-Ahead Group, Grainger Games and Greggs

Things to do in the area

If you enjoy discovering more about local history, there are lots of great attractions in and around Washington. The National Trust’s Washington Old Hall is linked to the family of the first US president, George Washington, while the ‘F’ Pit coal mining museum explores the town’s industrial heritage.

For families moving the the area, Bill Quay Community Farm and Bowes Railway are popular with children of all ages, while Washington Wetland Centre is ideal for weekend walks. Other places to enjoy the great outdoors nearby include Herrington Country Park and The Great North Forest.

If you love to be active, sports facilities close to Washington include Sunderland Climbing Centre, Penshaw Equestrian Centre, George Washington Golf Course and Sunderland Aquatic Centre. For those who prefer to watch from the sidelines, Sunderland A.F.C play their home football matches at the Stadium of Light.

Other places of interest include the Arts Centre Washington, Washington Leisure Centre and Beamish Museum.

Travel and commuting

Located near the A1(M) and only a short distance from Chester Le Street and Sunderland train stations, Washington is well connected by road and public transport. If you’re going to Sunderland city centre, the journey by car takes around 15 minutes, while Durham and Newcastle are both a 20-minute drive away.

If you’re travelling to London, the train to King’s Cross from Sunderland takes three hours 15 minutes, much quicker than the four hour 45-minute drive to the capital. When you want to go on holiday, Newcastle International Airport is only 25 minutes from the town.