Alston

English is spoken fluently by all, although this may change through the course of Friday and Saturday nights.

There are good transport links into Alston. Although the railway is no longer running, main roads extend to Alston from Carlisle, Hexham, Penrith, and Barnard Castle. Each of these is 20–30 miles distant.

Wrights busses run a daily service in the summer months to Penrith, Newcastle ( via Hexham), and the villages of Garrigill and Nenthead.
Alston is set in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. There are many walks to be had on the moor, and both Nenthead and Garrigill are good 8 mile ( round trip) walks which can be taken along the rivers Nent and Tyne respectively.

• The Hub MuseumA local museum dedicated to transport and history of Alston. Although small, it has some impressive exhibits and knowledgeable staff.

• The Hub MuseumShowing Alstons industrial heritage, small but well stocked museum.

Itineraries

• Garrigill WalkStarting from Alston, there is a gentle walk to be had following the Pennine Way to Garrigill along the Tyne river. 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

• South Tynedale RailwaysThe 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 throughout the summer months to Gilderdale, some four miles from Alston.

• Open Mike night at the Turks Head pubThis popular event draws musicians from all around Cumbria, Northumberland and Durham and is popular with the locals. Anyone is welcome to join in.

• Friday 'early doors', The CumberlandMany of Alstons 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.

• Events at the Town HallMusic 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.

Like much of Cumbria, after the Foot and Mouth incident a few years ago, many businesses combined and diversified, leaving Cumbria with a gastronomical edge.

• The Moody Baker Co-opAward winning bakery, specialising in home cooked vegetarian fayre, 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.

• Alston WholefoodsWell 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.

• Alston HouseUpmarket menu and surprising meal selections.

• Country KitchenDoes the best BLT in Alston!

Alston was once a place of many pubs considering its small size. There are less than 2000 people living on the whole moor and there was until recent years a total of 10 pubs. Each pub had its own individual character and many of were free houses, serving local beers from the microbreweries of Cumbria. In 2014 just four pubs remained open (Cumberland/Angel/Turks Head/Victoria), and one hotel/Restaurant (Alston House), although the Cumberland and Victoria also provide accommodation.
Here is a guide to the pubs of Alston Moor.

• The Victoria InnGood bed and breakfast accommodation. Good bar food including several items from the Moody Baker Co-op and an Indian restaurant (the Victoria Spice).

• The Turks HeadVery old pub, low ceilings, open fires in the winter, reasonable selection of beers including local ales. Home of the Open Mike night on Wednesdays.

• The Angel InnGrowing reputation for good food, beer garden out the back.

• The Cumberland InnFavourite 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.

• Alston HouseRecently renovated, offers fresh surprising menu, and good choice of wines and spirits, with few beers. Comfiest sofas in Alston.

• Alston Art Apartments

  phone: +44 1434 382975
  address: Pigeons, The Butts, Alston, CA9 3JQ
  Group of three artfully-converted cottages, each sleeping 4-5 people.

• Alston House Hotel

  phone: +44 1434 382200
  address: Townfoot, Alston, CA9 3RN
  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.

• Cumberland Hotel

  phone: +44 1434 381875
  address: Townfoot, Alston, CA9 3HX
  En-suite B&B accommodation with restaurant and bar. Email via contact form on website. Pets welcome.

• Lowbyer Manor

  phone: +44 1434 381230
  address: Hexham Road, Alston, CA9 3JX
  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.

• YHA Alston Youth Hostel

  phone: +44 1434 381509
  address: Firs Edge, The Firs, Alston, CA9 3RW
  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.

• Haltwhistle
• Penrith
• Hexham