Alston

Travel Guide

A stone bridge over a stream in a hilly landscape with stone walls and greenery.
A rural landscape with a stone wall, green fields, and rolling hills in the background.
A rural landscape with rolling hills, a river, and scattered houses.
A frosty field with a herd of sheep grazing, a farmhouse, and rolling hills in the background.
A stone wall in a grassy field with a clear sky.

Take a trip to explore hiking trails, mining history, and charming villages in the picturesque landscapes surrounding Alston.

Alston is an ideal destination for outdoor and scenery travelers. The North Pennines, a nearby mountain range, offers stunning landscapes for hiking and exploration. You can also visit the historic Nenthead Mines, where you can learn about the region’s mining heritage. Additionally, the Killhope Lead Mining Museum provides insights into lead mining and the area's industrial past. Various outdoor activities are available nearby, including golfing at Allendale Golf Club and stargazing at Kielder Observatory.

While you're in Alston, visit some of its interesting nearby areas. Leadgate is known for its community and local charm. Nenthead and Garrigill are also recognized for their outdoor and scenic experiences, making them great spots for walking and enjoying nature. These areas offer a blend of recreational opportunities and picturesque views, which can enhance your experience.

The best time to visit Alston is from June to September, when the weather is cool, mostly dry, and often cloudy. During these months, you can expect a steady flow of visitors, with a slight increase in demand from March to April and July. Conversely, the quieter months are October to December, making it a good time for those looking to avoid crowds.

Nent Hall Country House Hotel

Nent Hall Country House Hotel

3 out of 5
Nenthall Country House Hotel Alston England
$170 nightly
The price is $204 total per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
$204 total
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Alston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attraction Nenthead Mines is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Lovely hotel in beautiful location in the Pennines."

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2026

Nent Hall Country House Hotel
Ox Hotel Carlisle

Ox Hotel Carlisle

3 out of 5
HIlltop Heights, London Rd Carlisle England
$36 nightly
The price is $43 total per night from Nov 23 to Nov 24
$43 total
Nov 23 - Nov 24
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Carlisle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Ox Hotel Carlisle
Cumbria Park Hotel

Cumbria Park Hotel

3 out of 5
32 Scotland Road Carlisle England
$91 nightly
The price is $110 total per night from Dec 16 to Dec 17
$110 total
Dec 16 - Dec 17
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Carlisle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Great breakfast, rooms comfortable and staff excellent"

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2026

Cumbria Park Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
2 bedroom accommodation in Alston

2 bedroom accommodation in Alston

Alston
Stay at this cottage in Alston. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attraction Nenthead Mines is located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
An excellent cottage, out of the way with amazing scenery.
"An excellent cottage, out of the way with amazing scenery. Hosts were very friendly and helpful. This is a great base for exploring both Northumberland and the Lake District. Easy walks from the cottage or just sit on the garden and enjoy the views. Very accurate description and photos. Would visit ..."

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2025

2 bedroom accommodation in Alston
Great ‘get away from it all’ location sandwiched between Cumbria and Teesdale.

Great ‘get away from it all’ location sandwiched between Cumbria and Teesdale.

Garrigill, near Alston
Stay at this cottage in Alston. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Nenthead Mines and North Pennines are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
This cottage gave us a lovely break from the normal.
"This cottage gave us a lovely break from the normal... With two teenagers the lack of WiFi and poor vodafone coverage in the area meant we engaged in family time more and 'screens' were not a feature.We used the cottage as a base to visit Aira Force & Gowbarrow Fell, to kayak on Lake Windermere, ..."

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2026

Great ‘get away from it all’ location sandwiched between Cumbria and Teesdale.
4 Bed in Alston (oc-nb575)

4 Bed in Alston (oc-nb575)

Alston Moor
Stay at this chalet in Alston. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attraction Nenthead Mines is located nearby.
4 Bed in Alston (oc-nb575)
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Alston attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Alston?
The best time to visit Alston is from June through August, when the climate is most favorable for travelers. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option. During this period, travelers can expect cooler weather, with potential for snow.
What is Alston known for?
Alston is known for Nenthead Mines, a significant historical site. Travelers can explore the rich mining heritage of this destination, which offers a unique opportunity to learn about the area's industrial past and preserved history.
What is a good itinerary length for Alston?
A good itinerary length for Alston is one to two days to explore Nenthead Mines and try Gorge Walking. An extended stay of three to four days allows travelers to experience more of the area, including the Ashgill Force North Pennines: Gorge Walking Adventure, at a more relaxed pace. See Alston Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Alston?
In Alston, travelers can explore historic sites and enjoy outdoor adventures:

  • Explore Nenthead Mines, a historic landmark.
  • Experience a Gorge Walking Adventure at Ashgill Force North Pennines.

Can I book a refundable hotel in Alston?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Alston by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Alston with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Alston trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Alston?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Alston can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Alston trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Alston trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Alston trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Alston trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Alston?
If it's your first trip to Alston, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Alston hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Alston hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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