What to do and see
A look at a few things to explore and experience, and places to eat and drink, in and around Alston.
WHAT TO DO
You won't be stuck for outdoor adventures, country pursuits or simples rustic pleasures in the beautiful North Pennines.
WHAT TO SEE
Whether it's the wonders of nature or the rich local history and heritage, there's so much to see around Alston.
WHERE TO EAT. . .
. . . and drink of course! Check out our favourite filling stations within striking distance of Temple Croft.
CYCLE ACROSS COUNTRY
Alston is positioned slap bang in the middle of - and right on - the famed C2C, and close by Hadrian's Cycleway. And with a plethora of other excellent long-distance cycle routes, green lanes, bridleways, trails and offroad opportunities, the town is a bustling hub for road cyclists, mountain bikers and two-wheel devotees of all descriptions.
TAKE A ROMAN HOLIDAY
From Temple Croft, it's only about a 30-minute drive to Hadrian's Wall at Haltwhistle, the northern frontier of the ancient Roman Empire. Lying a few minutes further afield are the celebrated Hadrian's Wall forts of Housesteads, Birdoswald, and Chesters, which all offer splendid views of the Wall. At the remarkable Vindolanda, you will view some of the best-preserved and most poignant Roman artefacts anywhere; and be amazed by the world-renowned 'Vindolanda Tablets' - the oldest surviving handwritten documents in Britain.
MEET HEAVY METAL MINERS
With some of the largest deposits of lead and zinc ores in Britain, Alston Moor has been mined since Roman times. Why not visit Nenthead Mines/Carrs Mines (5 miles from Alston) or Killhope Lead Mining Museum (7.5 miles from Alston) to see how lead was mined in Victorian times? Both sites offer fascinating tours underground as well as large displays of objects detailing the working, personal and community life of the miners, and many exhibits on the geology and minerals of the North Pennines. Killhope also boasts an extensive stretch of pine woodland, complete with hide and feeding station, from where visitors can enjoy a unique view of native red squirrels in their natural environment.
WALK THE WALK
At 268 miles, the Pennine Way National Trail is by far the most famous - and exacting - long-distance walk in the area. The Pennine Way runs through Alston, but both Isaac's Tea Trail (36 miles) and the South Tyne Trail (23 miles) swing through the town, too. Following the South Tynedale Railway line (and River South Tyne), the latter's 5-mile section from Alston to Slaggyford is pretty flat and well-surfaced, making it ideal for the less energetic hiker. It also has the added benefit of a cafe at one end a buffet car (stationary) at the other - and you can always hop on a passing steam train if you're feeling all in! There's also Hadrian's Wall Path (84 miles) not too far away, and any amount of unnamed local public footpaths on which to ramble the fells and river valleys on a less structured basis.
CAPTIVATING COUNTRYSIDE
With wonderful panoramic views, rugged fells, sweeping moorland, hay meadows, tumbling upland streams, whitewater rivers and cascading waterfalls, visitors to the North Pennines are routinely bowled over by its beautifully unspoilt landscapes. Throw in 12,500 acres of coniferous and broadleaf woodland and a fabulous profusion of wildlife, some of it rare and endangered, and you have a veritable Eden for all lovers of the wild outdoors.
HISTORIC HEXHAM
Dominated by the history-dripping Abbey, with its 7th-century Saxon crypt, Frith Stool, Roman Tombstone of Flavius, atmospheric Night Stair, stained glass and Museum, Hexham is a bustling picturesque market town lying within a 30-minute drive of Temple Croft. A stroll around the time-aged cobbled streets reveals artisan shops, independent restaurants and bars, art venues and galleries - and the oldest gaol in England!
SCINTILLATING STARLIGHT
Largely devoid of urban light pollution, the North Pennines has some of the darkest skies in the country; indeed, there are more officially designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites in the North Pennines than anywhere else in the UK. On clear nights (and it's not always cloudy up here), you can see thousands of stars, so it’s the perfect place for stargazing. The Observatory at Allenheads - less than 15 minutes from Alston by car - is an excellent resource enabling visitors and local people to take full advantage of this fabulous dark sky area. So, wrap up against the chill night air and prepare yourself for a glittering display of astral exuberance!
CUMBERLAND INN
Both family and dog-friendly, this award-winning traditional pub is rightly famed for it's varied menu of excellent home-cooked favourites, as well as its fine selection of frequently changed local guest ales and groaning single-malt whisky shelf. The walls festooned with Camra certificates speak volumes. . .
SADDLERS
This welcoming and cosy cafe and bakery is the perfect spot for a warming lunch or delicious, freshly made bread and pastries - all baked on the premises.
ALSTON HOUSE
This attractive period establishment is a great choice for either morning coffee and cake or a lunchtime or evening meal in the spacious, stylish restaurant. And, with the furniture pushed back, it's a great space for a full-blown birthday celebration or wedding party.
ANGEL INN
Compact and quaint, this family run pub feels more like a 'local boozer' than tourist gastropub. That's not to say you can't get a good meal here, so you'll feel equally at home dropping in for a pint with the locals to watch the game on the big screen or sitting down for a keenly priced bar meal.
Give us a call
We're always at the end of a telephone line; call us on 01434 382660.
Send us an email
Any comments, questions or criticism (constructive, hopefully)? Drop us a line at info@temple-croft.co.uk
Drop by for a chat
We're situated up in the North Pennines, roughly between Hexham and Penrith. Pop in if you're in the area - we'd love to see you!
GET IN TOUCH
Call, email, or stop by if you have an interest in, or any questions about, Temple Croft B&B. Otherwise, leave a message using the form below and we'll get back to you ASAP.
