Discover Alston in the North Pennines

Alston is a small town in the North Pennines with a steep main street lined with historic stone buildings. Steep cobbled streets, hidden courtyards and pretty shops provide a characterful setting for a trip that brings together history, landscape and special experiences. When choosing holiday accommodation or a holiday cottage, it is therefore particularly important to consider whether you want to explore the town centre, take a train journey or plan excursions in the surrounding area.

Historic Alston and notable buildings

A prominent landmark is Alston Market Cross. The listed building is designated Grade II*. It was first built in 1764 and rebuilt in 1883. Today’s Church of St Augustine also reflects the town’s long history: it was built in 1870 on a medieval site.

One of the more unusual attractions is High Mill. The water-powered corn mill was built by John Smeaton in 1767. Its waterwheel has a diameter of 21 feet. Those interested in industrial history and traditional buildings can include this stop along with Market Cross and the church in their day’s itinerary, without making a single attraction the sole focus of the trip.

The centre of Alston is designated as a Conservation Area, with the Market Place at its heart. A self-guided Heritage Trail allows you to explore the town centre in greater detail. This means you can set your own pace and plan your own breaks between individual impressions, shops and the historic streets.

Railway, exhibitions and mining history

For most visitors, a journey on the South Tynedale Railway begins at the former North Eastern Railway station in Alston. Today, the station serves as the headquarters of the restored line. The original two-storey station building houses the South Tynedale Railway shop and booking office.

At Alston Town Hall, the Local Links service provides visitors and residents with comprehensive information about what is happening locally and in the wider area. The Town Hall also hosts local art, craft and historical exhibitions. Around Alston, Nenthead Mines preserves remains of the lead and zinc mining industry, including adits, watercourses, dressing floors and buildings. Guided underground tours are offered at Carrs Mine on Open Days.

Landscape and active days

The Parish of Alston lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Those who would like to combine their trip with a longer cycle ride have a specific option in Alston Cycle Route 1: the cycle route is 56 km long and begins in the centre of Alston. For planning your day, this route can be given a different priority from a visit to the town centre or a historic railway journey.

With children, you can make your stay varied by choosing between self-guided exploration, a railway journey, exhibitions and experiences in nature. Specific information about facilities or availability is not required for this decision; what matters is the location you prefer for your own travel plans.

More places for planning your trip

If you would like to compare Alston with other places, you can also include Ivegill, Longtown, Kirkby Stephen, Penruddock, Cleator, Great Asby, Holmrook and Cartmel in your wider search.

For the overarching travel overview: Cumbria.