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Pictures of Alston

a Historic Market Town in the county of Cumbria

About Alston

At a height of over 1,000 feet in the far reaches of the Pennines, this is one of England's highest market towns. Alston is a lively bustling place of steeply rising narrow streets, several still slippery with ancient cobbles. It is very picturesque with a stunning market square and a distinctive covered market cross. Much of its charm lies in its many stone buildings dating from the 17th-century.

The stone built Angel Pub dates from 1611 with an adjoining stone cottage thought to be from around 1687. Behind these buildings lies St.Augustine's Church built in 1869, this occupies the site of an earlier church. It is a handsome church building with a decorative tower and spire. The church is surrounded by a gently sloping grassed tree lined churchyard covered with graves and tombs from hundreds of years. Inside there is some spectacular stained glass and the chancel screen is interesting in that it serves as the War Memorial to the men of Alston who fell in World War I. There is an interesting 16th-century clock from Dilston Hall, the home of Earl Derwentwater. The clock has only one hand, and a bell which came from Earl Derwentwater, it was recast in 1845, and now has a peel of ten bells. The church is the focal point of the village, its churchyard being skirted with ancient cottages and terraced houses.

Alston is on the River South Tyne, and a track of the South Tynedale Heritage Railway. It is wonderful walking country with part of the Pennine Way passing through the town taking you to Greenhead and Hadrian's Wall. The beautiful Gilderdale Forest, Troutbeck and Milburn Forest offer some of the most glorious scenery in Cumbria, they are also renowned as habitats for many species of wildlife.

This is a wonderful place to be at any time of year, the air is crisp and clean, and there are memorable views in every direction. It is a place to get far from the madding crowd and enjoy a slower pace of life that seemingly forgotten in the every-day hurry of todays modern society.

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History of Alston

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	Nenthead (4.2 miles, 6.8 km, direction SE) Nestling beside the sparkling River Nent, Nenthead lies on Alston Moor, in a lonely remote North Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, between the pleasant market town of Alston and the Killhope lead mining museum... Information \| Pictures (14) \| Hotels \| Holiday Cottages
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Recommended attractions near Alston

	Killhope Lead Mining Museum (6.8 miles, 11.0 km, direction E) Killhope Lead Mining Museum keeps alive the counties lead mining traditions. This is a fully restored site of a working mine..... Information \| Pictures (1) \| Hotels
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	Langley Castle (12.3 miles, 19.9 km, direction NE) Built in 1350, during the reign of Edward III, the castle has retained its architectural integrity and is regarded as one of the..... Information \| Pictures (3) \| Hotels
	Weardale (12.3 miles, 19.9 km, direction SE) This lovely scenic valley lies between the town of Bishop Auckland, seat of princes of the church and the charming market town of..... Information \| Pictures (18) \| Hotels
	Talkin Tarn Country Park (12.9 miles, 20.8 km, direction NW) This lovely country park occupies a magical landscape close to the historic market town of Brampton. The icy waters forming the..... Information \| Pictures (12) \| Hotels

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All attractions in Cumbria
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Hotels & Accommodation in Alston

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	Victoria Inn Alston, Cumbria, England (0.0 miles, 0.0 km) The Victoria Inn is a traditional town centre hostelry. Comprising of 8 rooms, offering a range of clean, comfortable, affordable bed and breakfast accommodation, from single to family rooms.... More info and book online.. Price from £30.00
	The Angel Inn Alston, Cumbria, England (0.1 miles, 0.1 km) In beautiful rural Cumbria, this traditional pub and restaurant dates from 1611. The Angel Inn offers home-cooked meals and real ales, amongst the charming 17th-century stone buildings of Alston villa... More info and book online.. Price from £35.00
	Alston House Hotel Alston, Cumbria, England (0.1 miles, 0.2 km) This family-run hotel in tranquil Alston is on the Pennine Way and offers local home-cooked food in an area of outstanding natural beauty that is a paradise for walkers and cyclists.... More info and book online.. Price from £47.00
	Cumberland Inn Alston, Cumbria, England (0.1 miles, 0.2 km) This family-run, 5-bedroom traditional pub overlooks the River South Tyne. It has traditional cider and cask ales, homemade bar meals and welcoming, friendly staff.... More info and book online.. Price from £38.00
	Lowbyer Manor Country House Alston, Cumbria, England (0.3 miles, 0.4 km) Lowbyer Manor Country House is a 4-star guesthouse, offering accommodation of exceptional value. In the heart of the Northern Pennines, it is a perfect base for exploring the Lake District.... More info and book online.. Price from £36.00

All Accommodation in Alston..

Nearby travel help

Haltwhistle Station	(10.9 miles, 17.6 km, direction N)
Lazonby & Kirkoswald Station	(11.4 miles, 18.3 km, direction W)
M6 Junction 41	(16.4 miles, 26.4 km, direction SW)
M6 Junction 40	(16.9 miles, 27.2 km, direction SW)
Newcastle International Airport	(33.5 miles, 53.9 km, direction NE)
Teesside International Airport	(45.5 miles, 73.2 km, direction SE)
Alston to London	(247.8 miles, 398.7 km, direction SE)