Alston

Information

County - Cumbria | Map
Tel code: 01434 | code search
Postcode: CA9 | code search
Population: 2100
Alston Jobs
Visitor reports
Alston History

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Folk Customs:
Ambleside Rush-bearing
Grasmere Sports
World Gurning Championships

Alston Events

September
Alston Agricultural Show

December
Alston Craft Fair
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Latest reviews

Nent Hall Country House Hotel
"Lovely pleasant stay, very welcoming. Food cooked well & good price. Some decor needs renewing. Be careful about putting postcode into Tom Tom as it covers a large area. We ..." More

Nent Hall Country House Hotel
"good quality hotel nice food friendly staff and a lovley atmosphere will visit again thanks for a lovley stay

Date visited: 10 11 July 2010 ..." More

Nent Hall Country House Hotel
"Good Points: Staff friendliness good food General review: Good overall value for money

Date visited: 2009-04-07 ..." More

Alston Reviews (13)

Visitor's Views

Alston is a lovely town situated in beautiful countryside. ...More

Best rates for a Local Hotel

Latest reviews | Events in Alston | 10 Places to Stay

The Cumbrian market town of Alston, at 1,000 feet above sea level said to be the highest in the country, is something of a paradox. With a population of just over 2,000 it is the size of a village, yet in layout, aspect and shopping facilities it is a town. The greater paradox is that this isolated settlement, so distant from the Lakes to the west, is at the centre of so many routes. There are roads running north-east to Hexham, east to Durham, south-west to Penrith, and north-west to Carlisle and Scotland. It even stands on the Pennine Way, and the Sea to Sea cycle route. Alston is on the South Tyne, and the Nent, Black Burn and Gilderdale Rivers all pass nearby. And though British Rail closed the line here in 1976, there has been a narrow gauge railway from Alston to Kirkhaugh since 1984, with plans to extend the line to Slaggyford. In Roman Times this place was already a hub, Maiden Way passing close by. The Romans were interested in lead and silver mining, industry which endured until it became uneconomic in the early 19th century. The Hub Exhibition in Alston records the area’s social history. The last paradox is that from the 10th century until Edward I defeated Scotland’s King John de Balliol, Alston and Alston Moor, though in England, were possessions of Scotland’s king. In the town itself there is a watermill (there has been one here since the 14th century), an interesting Victorian gothic Town Hall, and a Market Cross, but it is the moors and mountains around it that attract visitors, many of them serious walkers seeking quieter paths than can be found in Lakeland. The lucky ones will see deer, red squirrels, and moorland birds like peregrine falcons themselves on the lookout for grouse.

Attraction

Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre
South Tynedale Railway

Classes

Yoga - Yoga with Usha

Cottage

Dales Holiday Cottages
Jasmine Cottage

Dentist

Alston Dental Practice

Doctor

Alston Medical Practice

Golf Club

Alston Moor

Health and Fitness Club

Alston Fitness Club

Inn

Victoria Inn

Pub and Bar

Blue Bell Inn
Crown Inn Overwater
George & Dragon Inn
Miners Arms
Turks Head

School

Alston Primary School
Nenthead Primary School
Samuel Kings Secondary School

Taxi

Alston Taxis

Vet

Old Stone Vets

Sports Clubs

Dalston LTC (Tennis)

Shops

Gossipgate Gallery
Alston Wholefoods Ltd
Country Kitchen Cafe
Cumbrian Pantry
Blueberrys
Hartside Top Cafe
The Moody Baker
Blackstocks Butcher
Incredible
Alston Pharmacy

Activities

Alston Training & Adventure Centre(Adventure)
Naworth Fishery(Fishing)

Places to Stay near Alston

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Victoria Inn (0.06 miles)

Victoria Inn

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The Victoria Inn is a traditional town centre hostelry. Comprising of 8 rooms, offering a range of clean, comfortable, affordable bed and breakfast accommodation, from single to family rooms.Situated in ... More

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Angel Inn (0.08 miles)

Angel Inn
The Angel Inn is a traditional country pub and Bed & Breakfast with a cosy log fire in the winter and a friendly atmosphere.

Only an hour away from Scotland, The Lake District and Hadrian's Wall. ... More | visit website
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The Cumberland Hotel (0.08 miles)

The Cumberland Hotel
The Cumberland Hotel offers you a warm welcome deep in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A family-run, five bedroom hotel overlooking the River South Tyne in the ... More | visit website
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Cumberland Inn (0.08 miles)

Cumberland Inn

The Cumberland Hotel offers facilities to suit you, whatever your reason for visiting Alston Moor. All of our bedrooms have en-suite facilities, and our five bedrooms can accommodate up to fourteen guests at a time, ... More | visit website

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Alston House (0.12 miles)

Alston House

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This family run hotel in tranquil Alston offers you locally sourced, home cooked food, in an area of outstanding natural beauty that is a paradise for walkers and cyclists.
There are recognised ... More

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Lowbyer Manor Country House Hotel (0.23 miles)

Lowbyer Manor Country House Hotel

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Lowbyer Manor Country House is a 4-star guesthouse, offering you accommodation of exceptional value. We are sure that you will find your stay at Lowbyer Manor a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Our ... More

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Nent Hall Country House Hotel (2.31 miles)

Nent Hall Country House Hotel

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Nent Hall offers a charming destination to enjoy a relaxing break. Set in peaceful gardens, we are only a short drive from the Lake District, Hadrian's Wall and much more.
Nent Hall ... More

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Lovelady Shield Country House Hotel (2.34 miles)

Lovelady Shield Country House Hotel
A lovely old country house, tastefully furnished and situated in beautiful grounds.

Approached by a long tree lined drive, offering complete seclusion and unspoiled views of the surrounding countryside. Ideal for visiting the lakes, Hadrians Wall, ... More | visit website
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Thornley House (9.19 miles)

Thornley House
Thornley House is a Visit Britain 4 Star Rated guesthouse located in the beautiful countryside of Northumberland near the village of Allendale and the market town of Hexham.

Hadrian's Wall is only 20 minutes ... More | visit website
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Allendale B&B (9.39 miles)

Allendale B&B
Situated in the heart of the North Peninnes, an 18th Century Grade 2 listed building in the centre of the village offering well-appointed bedrooms, a friendly atmosphere and service. The Tea Rooms serve homemade cake and ... More | visit website

Brit Quote:
Men think about women. Women think about what men think about them. - Peter Ustinov
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On this day:
Tolpuddle Martyrs Sentenced - 1834, Argentine Forces land on South Georgia - 1982
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