Itinerary: Explore Alston and the North Pennines

Alston is one of England's highest market towns and the North Pennines National Landscape is a haven for special wildlife and plants.  Alston is one of England's highest market towns (being about 1,000 feet above sea level).

The climb up to Alston via Hartside, a route named as one of the World's Top Ten Most Scenic drives by the AA gives marvellous views over the Eden Valley, Lake District hills and Scottish borders.

Go stargazing - The North Pennines has some of the darkest skies in the country.  It’s the perfect place for stargazing and on clear night you can see 1000s of stars.  

Enjoy a walk around the town, explore the shops and art galleries and have afternoon refreshments in one of the cafes or coffee shops.

Visit South Tynedale Railway and take a ride on one of the lovingly restored steam and diesel engines.  A round trip from Alston to Kirkhaugh takes around 50 minutes through the beautiful scenery of the South Tyne valley.

Learn about Alston’s rich, local history at the Hub Museum with its interesting local history and bygone transport collection.  Nenthead Mines have open days with underground trips into the mines where you can relive the areas mining history.

The Hive at Nenthead - is an arts and visitor centre, housed in a restored Wesleyan Chapel.  The community owned space has a gallery for exhibitions and regular events.

A lovely walk is to Ashgill Force, near to village of Garrigill (approximately four miles from Alston) Ashgill Force is the highest waterfall in the area and well worth a visit.

Nearby is Killhope Lead Mining Museum and Epiacum Roman Fort with a Farm Shop and cafe on site.

Discover more of the history of Alston with one of our Alston Heritage Trails.

Visit Alston Local Links in the town for more information on the area.