Go to South Tynedale Preservation Society Web-
The area around the railway offers a wealth of natural beauty, items of local history and other attractions, particularly for those who are willing to “get off the beaten track”. In addition the town’s position at the hub of a number of roads means that Alston is well located for those wanting to explore the North of England.
Photos: Some views of Alston town from a postcard by Peter Pedley:-
Top left: The Market Cross in the main cobbled street, with the Turks Head public house to the right.
Top right: Alston Post Office in the main street. Bottom left: Some of the shops near the Market Cross.
Bottom right: One of the interesting passageways between the streets.(All photographs by Peter Pedley).
The Hub Museum is housed in the former railway goods shed, which is the large grey stone building located on the other side of the road, opposite Alston railway station. It contains a selection of local transport and household exhibits and historic photographs, posters and memorabilia of the local area, illustrating life in the ‘good old days’. Older people will rediscover their memories of their younger days. Whilst youngsters will catch a glimpse of what life was like before the arrival of Concorde and computers.
It is well worth a visit and usually open on South Tynedale Railway operating days between 11.00 am and 4.00 pm, and is managed by the Alston Goods Shed Trust, which was set up by local business people. Admission is by donation and annual membership to the Alston Goods Shed Trust costs £5.00.
The museum contains a collection of vintage cars, bicycles and motor bikes, historic photographs of local transport, including railways and the local bus companies, including other businesses in the area, old signs, various old household items and tools. Including interesting stories about local folk.
For further information -
Photo: The Hub Museum, showing various vintage cars and bikes on display, on the walls are some old implements and hanging up is also a destination blind from a Wright Brothers coach. The exhibits in the museum are changed from time to time and this photograph shows some of the items on display in September 2002. (Photograph by Daniel McIntyre).
Alston
ALSTON is England’s highest market town, which despite being so remote, is still
a busy place, it retains its cobbled streets and traditional shop fronts. There are
many local specialities including Alston Cheese and Cumberland Mustard, with hand-
Alston with its steep main street and old shops and houses seems unchanged by modern times and is used by film and TV companies as a setting for period drama. The attractions of the town are only some 5 minutes walk from our station, but, be warned, it is a steep uphill climb from the station to the Market Cross.
Evidence of Bronze Age settlers has been found, whilst the Romans also had a fort near the town, known as Whitley Castle, possibly built to protect their mining interests in the area. The town grew as lead mining became the area’s major occupation. In the 18th and 19th centuries the mining rights were leased by the London Lead Company, a Quaker owned organisation which had a great impact on the community, with a reputation of looking after their workers.
The road journey over Hartside Pass and through Alston was voted one of the most scenic in the country.
Other Places to Visit:-
Hartside Nursery Garden
Situated 1½ miles from Alston, on the Penrith road (A686), this is the highest nursery
garden in England and specialises in alpine plants. The plants that are raised here
are used to cold and windy conditions and will thrive in gardens, where more gently-
Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre, Nenthead
The nearest lead mining museum is in the village of Nenthead, three miles from Alston on the A689 road towards Weardale. See photograph to left, which is reproduced from the Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre 2003 leaflet. This local lead mine is open to the public during the Summer months, between April and October, each year.
At the Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre, visitors can do the following things:-
- Go underground on a tour of the extensive mine workings within England’s highest
and largest lead mining complex, parts of which are over 350 years old. Take an hour-
long adventure beneath the surface, to explore the stories of silver, lead and zinc and the people who mined these minerals. - Pan for minerals like a prospector of years gone by. It’s an easy skill to acquire. Hunt for ‘Fools gold’ and gems. They can also keep what they find!
- Witness and Control the Power of Water, with huge working waterwheels that you can control yourself. Watch and wonder at the simple logic of the machines that they power. The ‘Power of Water’ is the only interactive exhibition of its kind in the country.
- Stand at the top of the Brewery Shaft and gaze down the 328 feet drop with its amazing virtual stone feature.
- There is a chance to learn more about the history of the area in the modern Heritage Centre, relax in the cafe or sit out in the picnic area. Browse in the well stocked gift shop which sells souvenirs and specialises in local history books.
There is an admission charge for entry to the Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre. The use of a car is preferable to reach the heritage centre at Nenthead, as local bus services are very infrequent.
For further information see the North Pennines Heritage Trust website at http://www.npht.com/nentheadmines/
or write to Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre, Nenthead, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3PD, telephone
01434 382726 or 01434 382037 or E-
Killhope North of England Lead Mining Centre, Weardale
The other local lead mining museum is a little further away from Alston, about 7 miles along the A689 road towards Weardale. The water wheel and buildings of the Killhope North of England Lead Mining Museum also provides fun and a good day out in the countryside. Where visitors can enjoy a visit to the lead mining museum and explore the underground mine by guided tours. Visit the shop and cafe, or explore the woodland walks around the area. Various special events are held throughout the year between April and October.
For further information see the website at http://www.killhope.org.uk/Pages/KillhopeHomePage.aspx
or write to Killhope North of England Lead Mining Museum, Killhope, near Cowshill,
Upper Weardale, County Durham, DL13 1AR, telephone 01388 537505 or E-
Alston’s location at the junction of a number of trans-
All tourist information enquiries about places to visit in the Alston area and bookings
for local accommodation should now be addressed to the Alston Moor Tourist Information
Centre, The Town Hall, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3RF. Telephone (01434) 382244, Fax (01434)
382255. E-
For further web-
