A guide to just some of the wonderful things taking place on and around Alston Moor in March and April.

Well, here we are again at Temple Croft B&B, with a look at just some of the things to do and see this spring.

With the nights getting lighter and the mercury rising, thoughts are now turning to days out and short breaks in the sunshine with family and friends. What better way to shake off those winter blues and regain your equilibrium than with some quality time in the sublime scenery of the wild and wonderful North Pennines National Landscape?

To get you started on your Alston adventure, we thought we’d offer a bit of assistance with a brief ‘What’s On’ calendar. . . Oh, and a great 3 for 2-night offer at Temple Croft B&B in Alston – an ideal base for exploring the area. There’s an awful lot more than this on offer, obviously, but at least it’s something to whet your appetite!

Laters alligators,

AC/PC

SPRING OFFER – 3 NIGHTS FOR 2 AT TEMPLE CROFT B&B

There is so much to see and do in our beautiful neck of the woods over the upcoming weeks. Everything has started to come back to life and there are plenty of events and activities – catering for all tastes – to look forward to. Why not use Temple Croft B&B as your base for a short break? With this special offer you can enjoy three nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation in our wonderfully quirky Georgian property for the price of two. The offer also includes a two-for-one evening meal on any day of your stay.
To book directly, go to temple-croft.co.uk quoting ‘SPRING3FOR2’. Please email or phone to make a reservation for dinner. Offer includes the Easter holidays and ends April 27^th. (Subject to availability; offer not available on Bunkhouse bookings.)

Full steam ahead

In the beautiful town of Alston, the South Tyndale railway operates steam trains (plus vintage diesel and electric locomotives) again over weekends and Bank Holidays in April. The 10-mile round trip to Slaggyford – via Kirkhaugh and Lintley Halt – follows the River South Tyne through outstanding countryside.

If you do decide to let the train take the strain, why not refuel at the lovely Wooly’s café at Alston Station? or the quirky converted train-carriage tearoom at Slaggyford? If you are feeling more energetic, hit the scenic South Tyne Trail to Slaggyford on foot; hop on the train for the return to Alston if you’re too pooped to walk back!

History and heritage

For family days out, Roman Vindolanda (just south of Hadrian’s Wall) is hosting Archaeology Detectives from April 5^th to 27^th www.vindolanda.com Elsewhere, you could visit Cragside, near Rothbury,  a unique country house with extensive gardens beautifully, maintained by the National Trust. For all the young sleuths out there, the Cragside Easter Trail runs from April 18^th-21^st.

Back to nature

Alston Moor and the surrounding countryside is home to an abundance of spectacular flora and fauna, some of which are rare, endangered or unique. As well as being in the centre of the North Pennines National Landscape, Alston Moor lies at the convergence of three counties, all with loads  of events and activities for wildlife and nature enthusiasts to choose from this spring. A great place to start is with the local Wildlife Trust event calendars; take your pick from Cumbria, Northumberland and Durham.

Tune in

Calling all music lovers! Don’t miss the UK Rock Show coming to the Old Fire Station in Carlisle on March 21st. You’ll be transported back to the roaring 1980s with a slice of classic rock . For a more refined musical experience, the Tynedale Orchestra are performing Gershwin’s piano concerto in the glorious Hexham Abbey on March 29^th.

Food glorious food

While you’re thinking about Hexham, why not check out the excellent Farmers’ Market held on the 2^nd and 4^th Saturday of every month. The top-quality fare is provided by trusted local producers from Northumberland, Cumbria, Co Durham, Tyneside and North Yorkshire. 

Walk (and swim) on the wild side

For those looking for a more energetic and/or adventurous form of entertainment, guided fell walking and wild swimming are both fantastic ways to experience and explore the great outdoors at its absolute best. Check out Moorland Immersion and get booking with friendly and experienced local guide Sarka-Jo Cole.

Mum’s the word

With Mother’s Day ( March 30^th) fast approaching, a family day out packed with special events at Beamish, a large open air Living Museum in County Durham, might be just the ticket. As well as the Mother’s Day special, there are all the usual attractions of meticulously recreated towns, villages and industries of the past.

Medieval magic

During April, the iconic Alnwick Castle in Northumberland is hosting a huge range of events and activities. Alnwick is famous for, among other things, being a film location for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Historic activities from yesteryear include Medieval tile making, Victorian falconry displays, jester shows and – wait for it – cannon firing!  

Book now online or call 01434  382660 for the Temple Croft 3 for 2 Special Offer