Things to see and do during your stay at Alston House Hotel

There is so much to see and do during your stay at Alston House Hotel, especially when it comes to walking. The Alston Fells are part of the North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty and they are stunningly beautiful. The coast to coast cycling route passes the front of the hotel, it is literally on our doorstep. For steam enthusiasts, the South Tyne Valley Railway (the north of England’s highest narrow-gauge railway) is a short walk away at Alston Station. We are a short drive away from Hadrian’s Wall, which is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking

If you like walking, then you will LOVE Alston and we are happy to advise on other short walks around Alston.

The fells (which are part of the North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty) are home to an amazing array of wildflowers along with red squirrels, deer and majestic soaring birds of prey.

The Pennine Way is some 20 yards from the hotel making us an ideal stop between Dufton (1 days walks across the fells) and Greenhead which is one days walk North.

We are also on the South Tyne Trail and the Isaacs Tea Trail, a 36 mile circular walk which is well marked with the distinctive Isaac signs. The trail is named after the itinerant tea seller and fund raiser Isaac Holden, whose career began as a lead miner; when his health deteriorated and earnings from the mines fell, he was forced to find another career. His Scottish born cousin (another Isaac), invented and developed looms for the woollen industry. The company of Isaac Holden and Sons, amassed a fortune with factories in Bradford able to process the wool from the regions 8 million sheep.

For those looking for more gentle rambles, Gossipgate to Blagill offers views from the Alston Moor along with the chance to explore some of the regions industrial archaeology, and at 3 miles is perfect as an afternoon stroll.

Walking in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB)
Cycling near Alston

Cycling

The coast to coast cycling route passes the front of the hotel, it is literally on our doorstep.

Cyclists are very welcome at the hotel, we have a drying room for damp clothes, and can offer safe and secure storage of your bicycle overnight.

For those who just fancy an afternoons cycling, or even a full day exploring the lanes around Alston we have teamed up with North Pennine Bikes to offer guests a bike hire service. North Pennine Bikes even offer electric bikes to take the pain away from the hills.

It is also worth adding that if you are experiencing mechanical problems with your bike then North Pennine Bikes will come out to the hotel to offer a quick and effective repair service.

South Tyne Steam Railway

For steam enthusiasts, the South Tyne Valley Railway (the north of England’s highest narrow-gauge railway) is a short walk away at Alston Station.

The railway allows travel to Kirkhaugh, Lintley Halt and back on either vintage steam or diesel train.

The journey takes you through the North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty, you might see birds of prey, red squirrels or even some of our local deer population.

South Tynedale Steam Railway
Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall

We are a short drive away from Hadrian’s Wall, which is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The wall stretches some seventy three miles from sea to sea across the wild moors and fells of northern England. Here you can take in spectacular views of the rugged landscape to find out what life was like for the men, women and children on the edge of Roman Britain and discover the remains of forts, towers, turrets and towns that once kept watch over the Wall. 

To find out more about Hadrian's Wall, just click on the button below to be taken to English Heritage’s website.

Tranquility

Sometimes it is good to get away, to come to a place of quiet, a place of tranquility.

A place where one can unwind, relax and leave the cares of the world behind.

A place where deer roam the fells, where red squirrels abound, where rivers meander and where the scenery quite literally takes your breath away.

A place where one can linger over breakfast and enjoy food, cooked with care and love using some of the finest locally sourced ingredients.

A place like Alston House Hotel

North Pennines Tranquility
The Fells

The Fells

What can we say ...

The Alston Fells are stunningly beautiful, they change every day as the light plays across them.

They are fabulous walking country, and the lanes that run through the fells (or moors if you prefer) are perfect for cyclists.

To wander through a landscape so unspoiled by man, to see nothing but moors infant of you to your side and behind you, is one of the most wonderful experiences.

Even though we have lived in Alston for 10 years now, the moors still fascinate us, changing with the seasons and offering a habitat to deer and red squirrel alike.

Family Activities

Adventure Vertical - A climbing session on a mountain crag or rocky outcrop is one way to keep fit, and challenge yourself.

Go Cave - Caving is an adventure activity full of challenges and a real opportunity for a feeling of exploration. From simple passageways to great labyrinths. Your journey feels like you’re reaching into the bowels of the earth on a true adventure.

Climbing