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STR totem logo Guide to Places to Visit
in Eden and the North Pennines Areas

Places to Visit from Alston

The town of Alston can be used as a base to visit many other places in the area. These pages have been designed to give you an idea of the variety of places of interest and other attractions to visit when you are considering visiting Alston and the surrounding area.

The map below gives an idea of the location and the roads to travel on, in order to visit many of the attractions listed on this page. Bus services in the area are infrequent and the use of a car to reach all of the places of interest listed below is recommended.

Map of Eden and the North Pennines Key to locations on above map

Further details about the attractions above are given below:-

  1. English Heritage. Discover Historic Cumbria with English Heritage, which has many properties in Northern England.

    For further information about English Heritage properties in Cumbria, which include Carlisle Castle; Lanercost Priory, near Brampton; Brougham Castle, near Penrith; Scott Park Bobbin Mill, near Coniston; and Furness Abbey, near Barrow-in-Furness see the English Heritage website at www.english-heritage.org.uk and for information about Hadrian's Wall, between Newcastle upon Tyne and Bowness on Solway, see the website at www.hadrians-wall.org

  2. The Rheged Centre. Known locally as The Village in the Hill, located just off Junction 40 of the M6 Motorway, near Penrith. This centre offers many attractions, Discover Giant Movies, The National Mountaineering Exhibition and free �Discover Cumbria� map show. It includes shops, cafes and children�s activities. Free entry and parking. For more details see The Rheged Centre website at www.rheged.com

  3. The towns of Penrith and Appleby.

    Visit Penrith, the chief northern town of the Vale of Eden, and, for many centuries, it was a gateway north and south, east and west. Penrith with its history, architecture, and shopping is a good base for exploring the Lake District and Eden Valley. It has a reputation for good fudge, Cumberland sausage, and gingerbread.

    Visit Appleby, the town lies in a loop of the River Eden and is overlooked by the Pennine range with the Lake District Fells showing on the western horizon, just a few miles away. The town is an ideal centre for tourists of all types and is the starting point for many dozens of walks over the surrounding fell countryside. It has kept its old world charm with its Castle and Keep at the Brow of the Main Street and the Town at its foot it seems as if time has stood still. A walk up Boroughgate can transport you back into Medieval England, while the charm of the riverside walks provides an opportunity to experience the tranquillity of the countryside within five minutes of the town centre.

  4. Kennedys Fine Chocolates Ltd. Situated in the centre of the village of Orton, just off the B6260 road between Tebay and Appleby. This is a small family firm that has been handmaking chocolates in Orton since 1991. The assortment of chocolates made has grown to number more than a hundred. The chocolates are freshly made using only the finest chocolates and ingredients. The shop also has a coffee house and ice cream parlour which serves light refreshments, including homemade chocolate cake, shortbread and scones. Hot Chocolate is made from pure chocolate and the homemade ice creams are certainly worth a special trip for. See the Kennedys web site at www.kennedyschocolates.co.uk for more information.

  5. Lilliput Lane Visitors Centre. The Lilliput Lane Visitor Centre at Skirsgill, Penrith is a life sized thatched cottage surrounded by colourful gardens. Inside you can take a tour of the studios to see how the world�s favourite miniature cottages are made. For further details see the Lilliput Lane website at www.lilliputlane.co.uk

  6. Dalemain Historic House & Gardens. An impressive Manor House owned by the Hasell family since 1679. Fascinating interiors with family pictures, furniture and clutter, including Mrs Mouse�s house. Delightful gardens, rare plants and old-fashioned roses. Country walks. For further details telephone 017684 86450 or visit the Dalemain website at www.dalemain.com

  7. The Alpaca Centre. Located close to Lake Ullswater, this unique centre set in rolling countryside is a beautiful place to see Alpacas. Unique in the United Kingdom, it is a source of unusual and beautiful clothing and gifts made from the exceptionally fine Alpaca fibre. It is also the home to G&S; Timber Crafts. For further details telephone 01768 891440 or visit the Alpaca Centre website at www.alpacacentre.co.uk

  8. Ullswater Steamers. Experience Lake Ullswater�s majestic scenery from on board an Ullswater �steamer�. All year round services. Refreshments are available at Pooley Bridge, Glenridding Pier houses and from bars on board the boats. Telephone 01768 482229 or visit Ullswater Steamers website at www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk for more information.

  9. Greystoke Castle Estate. Lying five miles west of Penrith, this 3,000 acre Estate provides the perfect setting for a wide range of outdoor activities from Quad Treks and 4 x 4 Off-Road Driving to Musket and Clay Shooting. Booking essential. For futher information see the Greystoke Castle estate website at www.greystoke.com

  10. Hutton-in-the-Forest. An historic house based on a medieval Pele Tower with substantial additions in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, containing fine collections of portraits, tapestries, ceramics and furniture. Beautiful walled garden and topiary in a woodland setting. For further information telephone 017684 84449 or visit the website at www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk

  11. Settle to Carlisle Railway. A journey along our railway heritage, with country stations, large viaducts and long tunnels, all set amidst the panoramic scenery of the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbrian Fells. Telephone 08457 484950 for train service information or visit the website at www.settle-carlisle.org

  12. High Head Sculpture Valley. A family friendly sculpture valley, providing indoor art galleries and farmhouse tearoom with tranquil country walks, children�s play area and a relaxing health spa offering a varied selection of therapies and beauty treatments. For more details see the website at www.highheadsculpturevalley.co.uk

  13. The Lanes Shopping Centre, Carlisle. The Lanes Shopping Centre is built on the site of the medieval lanes that once crioss-crossed the historic city of Carlisle. Major high street brands with over 75 stores and 600 parking places. For further details see the website at www.thelanesshopping.co.uk.

  14. Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery. Located in the city of Carlisle, experience dramatic audio-visual displays, striking recreations and long vanished scenes. Hands-on displays. There is something for everyone. Gift shop and restaurant. Open all year round, except 25th and 26th December and 1st January. Telephone 01228 534781 for further details or see the website at www.tulliehouse.co.uk.

  15. The World Famous Old Blacksmith�s Shop Centre. This is at the heart of Gretna Green�s romantic past and present. Visitors can become part of living history by entering the Gretna Green Story Exhibition and the original Anvil Marriage Room, where couples still marry today. Shopping, restaurant, play park, arts and crafts centre, sculpture garden and native breeds park complete your visit. For further details telephone 01461 338441 or visit the website at www.gretnagreen.com

  16. Cumbrian Antiques Centre, Brampton. A wonderful way of shopping for antiques within unique surroundings, 40 dealers in 4,500 square feet of showroom. Quality furniture, clocks, china, glass, silver jewellery, paintings and other works of art. For further information see the website at www.cumbrianantiquescentre.co.uk for futher information.

  17. South Tynedale Railway, Alston. Take a leisurely ride through the beautiful South Tyne Valley on trains hauled by preserved narrow gauge steam and diesel locomotives, between Alston and Kirkhaugh. The return train journey takes about 60 minutes. Telephone 01434 381696 or 01434 382828 for further details or see the timetable pages for times and operating dates of trains.

    18. Also in Alston, is the Gossipgate Gallery. The first and foremost art gallery in the North Pennines, established over 20 years, in the historic Butts area of Alston. Gossipgate Gallery has a reputation for quality art and craftwork from the North of England with a continuous programme of exhibitions. Small coffee shop, tea terrace and wildflower garden. Further information can be obtained from the Gossipgate Gallery website at www.gossipgate-gallery.co.uk

  18. Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre, Nenthead. Located high in the North Pennines, this is an adventure in silver and lead mining. Underground tours in an 18th century lead mine. Huge waterwheels that visitors can control by themselves. Waymarked trails, caf� and shop. For further information see the North Pennines Heritage Trust website at www.npht.com

  19. Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum. Killhope is a great family day out. Take a tour of the mine, and then find minerals. Walks, exhibitions, shop and caf�. Winner of the �Most Welcoming Experience� and �Most family friendly museum�. For further details see the Killhope website at www.durham.gov.uk/killhope

  20. North Pennines AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and UNESCO Geopark. Tumbling waterfalls, sweeping moorland, dramatic dales, fantastic walks, glorious cycle rides, snaking stonewalls and friendly faces - the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB) has all of this and more. Visit the website at www.northpennines.org.uk for more information.

  21. Teesdale. Teesdale is a rural idyll offering beautiful countryside, traditional shopping and fine food in the historic market town of Barnard Castle. Other places in Teesdale to visit include:-

    22. The Bowes Museum. This is a world-class museum styled like a French chateau. It is a Grade 1 listed building, built in the 19th century by a local aristocrat and his French wife. It now houses one of Britain�s finest collections of fine art, furniture, ceramics and textiles. For further details see the Bowes Museum website at www.bowesmuseum.org.uk

    Also nearby are other attractions such as Raby Castle, a medieval family home and 14th century castle, built by the mighty Nevills, which has been home to Lord Barnard�s family since 1626. The castle rooms display fine furniture, impressive artworks and elaborate architecture. Visitors can also enjoy the deer park, large walled gardens, coach and carriage collection, woodland adventure playground, picnic area and gift shop. For further details see the Raby Castle website at www.rabycastle.com

    Another nearby attraction is High Force, England�s largest waterfall set in England�s unspoilt North Pennines, with breathtaking scenery. It is open for enjoyment all year. There is a picnic area and gift shop. See the Visit Teesdale website at www.visittessdale.co.uk for further information.

  22. Thorpe Farm Centre. A great day out. Comprising of a coffee shop and bistro, farm shop and gift shop, Country Park, Falconry Centre and Recreation Barn. There is something for everyone. See the Thorpe Farm Centre website at www.thorpefarm.co.uk for further information.

  23. Wordsworth House/Acorn Bank Garden. Both of these attractions are owned by the National Trust. Details as follows:-

    24. Wordsworth House. William�s Childhood Home. Meet some of the Wordsworth household and find out what life was like for the maid, manservant and clerk in this Georgian townhouse in 1770�s Cockermouth.

    Acorn Bank Garden. A delightful walled garden with old varieties of fruit trees and flower borders. Over 250 medicinal and culinary herbs.

    For further information of both of the above attractions, see the National Trust website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk

  24. Artists� Open Studio. Artists - Alan Stones and Rebecca Payn invite you to visit their painting and printmaking studios at Blencarn, ten miles east of Penrith. Open on Thursday and Saturday afternoon, or telephone 01768 88688.

  25. Hazel Dene Garden Centre/Mrs Miller�s Tearoom. Hazel Dene Garden Centre is delightfully situated in the picturesque Eden Valley, nestling alongside the Settle to Carlisle Railway line. The garden centre offers a wide varied selection of plants throughout the year. Trees, shrubs, Spring and Autumn bedding plants, herbs, Fuchsia and Pelargoniums. Mrs Miller�s Tea Rooms reflects the golden age of steam on the Settle to Carlisle Railway, with morning coffee, lunches and teas available. See the website at www.hazeldenegardencentre.co.uk for further information.

  26. The Village Bakery Restaurant, Melmerby, near Penrith. A delicious range of organic, freshly cooked food served in delightful surroundings. English breakfasts, snacks, 3-course lunches and afternoon teas available. Picnic treats to take away. Fresh bread from the wood-fired oven. Open Monday to Saturday 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Sundays 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Telephone 01768 881811 or site the website at www.village-bakery.com for further information.

  27. Eden Ostrich World. Meet Ostrich and other animals at this attraction. Other facilities include tea room, hayloft galleries, play areas, riverside walk and sheep parlour, plus indoor soft play area. A great day out. For further details see the Eden Ostrich World website at www.ostrich-world.com

  28. Cars of the Stars Motor Museum. This world famous motor museum features vehicles from television and films including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, FAB 1, Batmobiles, Dukes of Hazard, Harry Potter and many more. There is also a souvenir and autograph shop. For further details telephone 01768 773757 or see the website at www.carsofthestars.com for further information.

  29. Gallery 26 at 27. Gallery 26 at 27 specialises in leading contemporary and modern art. The gallery artist is Nelsonn, one of the most diverse and exciting artists living and working in the Lake District and Cornwall, works in series of 13 and 26. See the website at www.nelsonn.com for further information.

  30. Trotters World of Animals. This is the home of friendly and exotic animals, including, Lemurs, Wallabies and a family of Gibbons that will keep you amused for hours. Daily demonstrations. �Clown About� indoor play centre with soft play area, ballpools, etc., for toddlers and upwards. Further information available on the Trotters World of Animals website at www.trottersworld.com

  31. Jennings Brewery. Jennings Brewery is the home of traditional brewing. Find out how our real ales are brewed by taking our friendly tour. Tours last one and a half hours, including free sampling in the Old Cooperage Bar and a chance to shop for gifts and leisurewear. See the website at www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk for more information.

  32. Lakeland Sheep & Wool Centre. An exciting and educational live indoor farm show, bringing you face to face with 19 breeds of sheep, working dogs, geese and dairy cows. There is also a large gift shop and caf�. See the Lakeland Sheep & Wool Centre website at www.sheep-woolcentre.co.uk for more information.

  33. The Hawes Ropemakers. See how the twist in put into rope! Admission is free except for pre-booked educational visits. For further details telephone 01969 667487 or visit the website at www.ropemakers.com for further information.

THE SOUTH TYNEDALE RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY,
Registered Office Address:-
The Railway Station, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3JB.
Telephone 01434 381696.
Talking timetable - Telephone 01434 382828.
Registered Charity No. 514939.
Limited by Guarantee: Company Registration No. 1850832 (England).

E-mail addresses - click on links below:-
South Tynedale Railway information - Send e-mail to South Tynedale Railway
STRPS membership information - Send e-mail to Kathy Aveyard
Tynedalesman information - Send e-mail to Tynedalesman compilers

This page was last updated on 15th April 2007.
� South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society 2007.

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