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Town in Cumbria, England
Photo: John Lord, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Alston is a small town in Cumbria, North West England. Alston lies within the North Pennines, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Alston is noted for its cobbled streets and 17th-century stone buildings. The Pennine Way, the UK's first National Trail, passes by the edge of Alston and the Sea to Sea Cycle Route (C2C) passes through the town.
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A local museum dedicated to transport and history of Alston. Although small, it has some impressive exhibits and knowledgeable staff.
The Gothic Revival style building, which was commissioned by the local metallurgist and businessman Hugh Lee Pattinson, was completed in 1858. It also contains the tourist information centre and the public library.
The beck downstream of the main fall features several small cascades. It is a home to several wildlife species, including a much loved staple of British streams: dippers. There are ruins of former industrial buildings nearby, possibly from lead working, which the area was once famous for. Ashgill Force is an impressive fall, plunging 55 feet over a rocky shelf.
The parish church was built in 1869 on the site of two earlier churches. The church spire was completed in 1886. A unique item in the church is a clock which belonged to James Radclyffe, 3rd Earl of Derwentwater, who was beheaded for treason. It is believed to be of 16th-century origin, and was restored in 1978.
The railway used to run from Alston to nearby Haltwhistle, but was closed in 1974. Since then narrow-gauge track has been laid and steam trains run to Gilderdale, some 4 miles from Alston, offering a short journey through pleasant scenery.
This popular event draws musicians from all around Cumbria, Northumberland and Durham and is popular with the locals. Anyone is welcome to join in.
Many of Alston's residents start the weekend early with a few beers at the Cumberland on a Friday night. The Cumberland is serious about its real ale and is a good place to stop if you wish to sample something local to drink.
Music night are held roughly every two months in the town hall over the winter months, and show good variety from rock to reggae. Also features the infamous 'Alston Raffle' which beggars description.
From its mighty endings in Newcastle, Garrigill is very close to Tynehead where the river originates from springs. The small square in the centre of the village makes a tranquil place to sit outside. Roundtrip: 8 miles.
A bakery specialising in home-cooked vegetarian fare, although quality meat pasties and pies are now available. Their steak and ale pie; the Wolf Pie is made with beer from the local Allendale Brewery.
Well stocked with wholefoods, but also stocking local produce from the surrounding catchment. Helpful staff will also talk you though one of the most impressive cheese counters around.
Upmarket menu and surprising meal selections.
Does the best BLT in Alston!
Good bed and breakfast accommodation. Good bar food including several items from the Moody Baker Co-op and an Indian restaurant (the Victoria Spice).
Very old pub, low ceilings, open fires in the winter, reasonable selection of beers including local ales. Home of the Open Mike night on Wednesdays.
Growing reputation for good food, beer garden out the back.
Favourite of Alstonites for an after work, or even just afternoon pint. Stunning vista with beer garden over the playing fields and across the river Tyne. Great place to try a local well-kept ale and watch the sun set. Also offers food and accommodation. just won Camera's pub of the year award.
It offers fresh surprising menu, and good choice of wines and spirits, with few beers. Comfiest sofas in Alston.
Group of three artfully-converted cottages, each sleeping 4-5 people.
7 en-suite rooms with the expected mod-cons (flat-screen TV, wifi et al) in typically Cumbrian historic hotel building. On-site are a restaurant, a café, a bar and a pizza takeaway. Dogs welcome.
En-suite B&B accommodation with restaurant and bar. Email via contact form on website. Pets welcome.
4-star guest house in a grade II-listed Georgian manor house. 9 en-suite rooms, with breakfast and dinner served in the manor's restaurant. Limited wifi.
Youth hostel on the edge of town with red squirrels in the gardens. Breakfast and evening meals (not included) are served every day, and packed lunches are available on request the night before.
This renovated Georgian country house hotel features 14 en suite rooms, most offering views of the River Nent and the picturesque hills and pastures.
Wrights' buses run a daily service in the summer months to Penrith, Newcastle (via Hexham), and the villages of Garrigill and Nenthead.
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