Guidebook for your stay in High Silly Hall

Colette And Edward
Colette And Edward
Guidebook for your stay in High Silly Hall

Food Scene

Local venues where food available. Also available are Jacks Takeaway and Food by Angela. Both have FB Pages, but no website (I can only add attractions that have a website into the guide)
Lowbyer Manor is a Bed and Breakfast on the outskirts of Alston. Also caters for groups of 8 plus for lunch and private dining. Check the website for the menu. Haven't tried it yet but heard good stuff!
Lowbyer Manor Country House
Hexham Road
Lowbyer Manor is a Bed and Breakfast on the outskirts of Alston. Also caters for groups of 8 plus for lunch and private dining. Check the website for the menu. Haven't tried it yet but heard good stuff!
Alston Wholefoods is a workers co-op. One of my favourite shops. Fabulous local cheeses and a cornucopia of other local produce. In addition, this is the place to stock up on herbs and spices sold loose at very reasonable prices. Also supply vegan and gluten free. And if you fancy making japanese sushi or a curry from scratch, this should be your first port of call to get the key ingredients!
Alston Wholefoods
Market Place
Alston Wholefoods is a workers co-op. One of my favourite shops. Fabulous local cheeses and a cornucopia of other local produce. In addition, this is the place to stock up on herbs and spices sold loose at very reasonable prices. Also supply vegan and gluten free. And if you fancy making japanese sushi or a curry from scratch, this should be your first port of call to get the key ingredients!
Excellent food, home made bread and cakes to take away and eat in during the day.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Saddlers Bakery Bistro
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Excellent food, home made bread and cakes to take away and eat in during the day.
Situated a mile or 2 out of Alston on the site of the Epiacum Roman Fort. Serving meals and fresh produce including cakes and pies, and fresh meat from the butchers in Haltwhistle and local farm
The Nook Farm Shop & Cafe
Situated a mile or 2 out of Alston on the site of the Epiacum Roman Fort. Serving meals and fresh produce including cakes and pies, and fresh meat from the butchers in Haltwhistle and local farm
Good local cafe, large restaurant and beer garden
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Alston House
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Good local cafe, large restaurant and beer garden
Recently reopened and a great review from Grace Dent in the Guardian in 2023. Nine miles out of town, but worth a visit for a spacial occasion
Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsmans Rest
Recently reopened and a great review from Grace Dent in the Guardian in 2023. Nine miles out of town, but worth a visit for a spacial occasion
Great home cooked food during the day - eat in or takeaway, situated on the platform of the South Tynedale railway
Hickins'
Great home cooked food during the day - eat in or takeaway, situated on the platform of the South Tynedale railway
Traditional pub offering home cooked food
The Angel Inn
Traditional pub offering home cooked food
Traditional pub - known for real ales. Also serves food
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Cumberland Inn
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Traditional pub - known for real ales. Also serves food
You can take a round trip on the South Tynedale railway or walk one of the legs to The Little Buffet Car on the station, serving tray bakes and hot drinks
Reeser Str. 106, 46446 Emmerich am Rhein, Alemania
You can take a round trip on the South Tynedale railway or walk one of the legs to The Little Buffet Car on the station, serving tray bakes and hot drinks

Shopping

The Market Cross is really great gift shop - worth having a browse
Market Cross Alston
The Market Cross is really great gift shop - worth having a browse
Another great gift shop which includes clothing
Mellow Yellow
Front Street
Another great gift shop which includes clothing
This long established family run store selling outdoor clothing and equipment from well-known reputable brands. They have a good range of footwear and clothing, including some "Outdoor Clearance" lines, as well as camping equipment, local maps and books. A new range of British made giftware. They pride themselves on excellent service and advice
Hi Pennine Outdoor Shop
Market Place
This long established family run store selling outdoor clothing and equipment from well-known reputable brands. They have a good range of footwear and clothing, including some "Outdoor Clearance" lines, as well as camping equipment, local maps and books. A new range of British made giftware. They pride themselves on excellent service and advice
Worth taking a look in here - See Louise restoring cane furniture using traditional methods. also lovely range of restored furniture and gifts, often made by local craftspeople. Also Louise does a great range of home made jam. Look for the Stokoe House label. Also stocked in Alston Wholefoods.
The Cane Workshop
Worth taking a look in here - See Louise restoring cane furniture using traditional methods. also lovely range of restored furniture and gifts, often made by local craftspeople. Also Louise does a great range of home made jam. Look for the Stokoe House label. Also stocked in Alston Wholefoods.
North Pennine Cycles is located on the C2C cycle route in the heart of the village of Nenthead. David Raeside, a cytech-2 qualified mechanic, offers an extensive all year round cyclist friendly service. The shop offers everything the keen or aspiring cyclist needs to get started or for supplies en-route. As well as the shop and range of on-site services David offers an out of hours recovery and repair service for cyclists who have problems on or off the C2C!
North Pennine Cycles
2 A689
North Pennine Cycles is located on the C2C cycle route in the heart of the village of Nenthead. David Raeside, a cytech-2 qualified mechanic, offers an extensive all year round cyclist friendly service. The shop offers everything the keen or aspiring cyclist needs to get started or for supplies en-route. As well as the shop and range of on-site services David offers an out of hours recovery and repair service for cyclists who have problems on or off the C2C!
Alston Makers Market Each 1st Saturday in the month, 11am – 3pm Browse and buy a varied selection of gifts and crafts, all produced on Alston Moor by talented local people. Goods on offer include jams and preserves, plants, greeting cards, jewellery, leather goods and much more. Upstairs in the main hall, free entry. A quality market in the beautiful town of Alston, showcasing the work of talented people from the surrounding area. When you shop at the Alston Markers' Market you are supporting local artists, craftspeople and small businesses right here in the North Pennines. What better place to find the perfect anniversary, birthday or Christmas present and one that cannot be found on the High Street. Of course why stop at buying for others.... you won't be able to resist treating yourself!!
Alston Town Hall
Front Street
Alston Makers Market Each 1st Saturday in the month, 11am – 3pm Browse and buy a varied selection of gifts and crafts, all produced on Alston Moor by talented local people. Goods on offer include jams and preserves, plants, greeting cards, jewellery, leather goods and much more. Upstairs in the main hall, free entry. A quality market in the beautiful town of Alston, showcasing the work of talented people from the surrounding area. When you shop at the Alston Markers' Market you are supporting local artists, craftspeople and small businesses right here in the North Pennines. What better place to find the perfect anniversary, birthday or Christmas present and one that cannot be found on the High Street. Of course why stop at buying for others.... you won't be able to resist treating yourself!!
Great place to have a mooch find vintage antiques and local crafts
Swans Head
Great place to have a mooch find vintage antiques and local crafts

Arts & Culture

Vibrant local history and transport museum, packed full of bygone forms of transport and delightful snippets of local history
The Hub-Heritage Museum
Vibrant local history and transport museum, packed full of bygone forms of transport and delightful snippets of local history
Enjoy a scenic ride through the beautiful South Tyne valley from Alston to Slaggyford (New for June 2017). Our trains are hauled by vintage steam,diesel and electric locomotives. The round trip will take approximately an hour and 20 minutes through beautiful North Pennine scenery. Catch sight of deer, look out for soaring birds of prey; you may even see a red squirrel. Why not walk or cycle one way to explore the South Tyne Trail? Bring a picnic or sample freshly made food from our cafe. There is also a gift shop plus free car and coach parking, all just minutes from Alston town centre
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
South Tynedale Railway
Station Road
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Enjoy a scenic ride through the beautiful South Tyne valley from Alston to Slaggyford (New for June 2017). Our trains are hauled by vintage steam,diesel and electric locomotives. The round trip will take approximately an hour and 20 minutes through beautiful North Pennine scenery. Catch sight of deer, look out for soaring birds of prey; you may even see a red squirrel. Why not walk or cycle one way to explore the South Tyne Trail? Bring a picnic or sample freshly made food from our cafe. There is also a gift shop plus free car and coach parking, all just minutes from Alston town centre
Nenthead Mines is an important historic place at Nenthead, near Alston, in Cumbria, UK. This remote valley is covered by remains from the lead and zinc mining industry of the North Pennines, including mine entrances, dumps and old buildings. The site includes a geology Site of Special Scientific Importance and is notable for rare lichens and plants growing on the metal-rich mine dumps. Most of the valley is a National Ancient Monument. Worth checking ahead as the opening is limited.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nenthead Mines
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nenthead Mines is an important historic place at Nenthead, near Alston, in Cumbria, UK. This remote valley is covered by remains from the lead and zinc mining industry of the North Pennines, including mine entrances, dumps and old buildings. The site includes a geology Site of Special Scientific Importance and is notable for rare lichens and plants growing on the metal-rich mine dumps. Most of the valley is a National Ancient Monument. Worth checking ahead as the opening is limited.
Old methodist chapel recently converted to art gallery and cafe. Small art exhibiltions and music. Information on local lead mining history. Take the opportunity while you are there to visit the mines and the absolutely amazing miniature village a bit further along the road.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nenthead Arts & Visitor Centre
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old methodist chapel recently converted to art gallery and cafe. Small art exhibiltions and music. Information on local lead mining history. Take the opportunity while you are there to visit the mines and the absolutely amazing miniature village a bit further along the road.
Modern world class museum showcasing the roman history of Northumberland - originally a supply for Hadrians Wall
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Vindolanda Museum and Restaurant
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Modern world class museum showcasing the roman history of Northumberland - originally a supply for Hadrians Wall
Take a walk along Hadrians Wall and visit Housesteads roman fort and museum - allegedly has the oldest toilets you will ever see!
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Housesteads Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Take a walk along Hadrians Wall and visit Housesteads roman fort and museum - allegedly has the oldest toilets you will ever see!
Killhope is a multi-award winning 19th century mining museum in the centre of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), where you can experience the life and work of the lead mining families of the North Pennines. Famous for its iconic working waterwheel, the venue offers so much more to do and see, including stunning landscape, captivating art installation, fascinating lead mining history, scenic walks and amazing wildlife. You can also accompany one of our guides on an unforgettable underground mine tour.
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Killhope Lead Mining Museum
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Killhope is a multi-award winning 19th century mining museum in the centre of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), where you can experience the life and work of the lead mining families of the North Pennines. Famous for its iconic working waterwheel, the venue offers so much more to do and see, including stunning landscape, captivating art installation, fascinating lead mining history, scenic walks and amazing wildlife. You can also accompany one of our guides on an unforgettable underground mine tour.

Entertainment & Activities

Here are a few of the entertainments and activities available close by. Whilst Alston is in Cumbria we are also on the borders of Northumbria and County Durham, so it is well worth exploring the tourist information sites for these areas. If you are looking for a day in the city, Newcastle is 1 hours drive away with lots to see and do.
The highest golf club in England is literally a short walk away from High Silly Hall. 18 hole with 18 Tees over 132 Acres. The green fees are reasonable and there is an honesty box to pay your dues!
Alston Moor Golf Club
Middleton in Teesdale Rd
The highest golf club in England is literally a short walk away from High Silly Hall. 18 hole with 18 Tees over 132 Acres. The green fees are reasonable and there is an honesty box to pay your dues!
Traditional pub right next to market cross. Regular live music
The Turks Head
Traditional pub right next to market cross. Regular live music
Great area to walk along the river, or if you are looking for somewhere flat to play football etc.
Tyne Willows
Great area to walk along the river, or if you are looking for somewhere flat to play football etc.
Beautiful walks between High Force and Low Force, through an ancient juniper forest. Bowlees Visitor Centre/Cafe and High Force Hotel nearby for meals and refreshments
116 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cataratas High Force
Alston Road
116 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Beautiful walks between High Force and Low Force, through an ancient juniper forest. Bowlees Visitor Centre/Cafe and High Force Hotel nearby for meals and refreshments
There have been gardens here since the 16th century and if you like to look for unusual plants, the garden centre and garden walk is a must. Nice cafe serving home cooked meals onsite
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Eggleston Hall Gardens
Eggleston Lane
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
There have been gardens here since the 16th century and if you like to look for unusual plants, the garden centre and garden walk is a must. Nice cafe serving home cooked meals onsite

Everything Else

The Tourist Information Centre is part of Alston Local Links situated in the Town Hall in the centre of Alston and is part of the network of award winning tourist information centres. It also provide library and council services in partnership with Cumbria County Council. It provides a wide range of information to help you get the most out of your visit to the area. Really interesting archive of books on local history and some great guides for local walks
Alston Town Hall
Front Street
The Tourist Information Centre is part of Alston Local Links situated in the Town Hall in the centre of Alston and is part of the network of award winning tourist information centres. It also provide library and council services in partnership with Cumbria County Council. It provides a wide range of information to help you get the most out of your visit to the area. Really interesting archive of books on local history and some great guides for local walks
Head here if if you fancy a pamper while you are staying
Live Well Beauty Salon
Front Street
Head here if if you fancy a pamper while you are staying
Local and friendly if you need a hair cut.
T L C Hair Design
Front Street
Local and friendly if you need a hair cut.

Parks & Nature

Ashgill Force is located near to village of Garrigill and approximately four miles from Alston. Ashgill Force is the highest waterfall in the area - once an industrial landscape of lead mining. The waterfall can be reached by footpath from Ashgill Bridge and is well worth the short walk down into the wooded gorge.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ashgill Force North Pennines Waterfall Gorge Walking
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ashgill Force is located near to village of Garrigill and approximately four miles from Alston. Ashgill Force is the highest waterfall in the area - once an industrial landscape of lead mining. The waterfall can be reached by footpath from Ashgill Bridge and is well worth the short walk down into the wooded gorge.
The Cross Fell Circular is a 15 mile walk from Garrigill near Alston. Although not quite the shortest approach (that distinction lies with the small village of Kirkland to the west) it is the most popular. The entire climb follows the route of the Pennine Way and is on a large and well constructed track.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cross Fell
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Cross Fell Circular is a 15 mile walk from Garrigill near Alston. Although not quite the shortest approach (that distinction lies with the small village of Kirkland to the west) it is the most popular. The entire climb follows the route of the Pennine Way and is on a large and well constructed track.
The beautiful Pennine Way runs along the bottom of our valley and you can walk for miles. Just over an hour into Alston and slightly less into Garrigill Village
Pennine Way, Alston, Reino Unido
The beautiful Pennine Way runs along the bottom of our valley and you can walk for miles. Just over an hour into Alston and slightly less into Garrigill Village
Best known for its comprehensive herb collection and traditional fruit orchards, Acorn Bank is a tranquil haven with a fascinating industrial past. Today the walled gardens shelter a medicinal herb garden, herbaceous borders, lily-filled pond and traditional orchards carpeted with Edwardian daffodils in spring. Wander along the Crowdundle Beck to the partially restored watermill, enjoying wildlife in the woods on the way, and discover more about the history of gypsum mining on the estate. Enjoy the views across the Eden Valley to the Lake District from the magnificent backdrop of the sandstone house.
Acorn Bank
Best known for its comprehensive herb collection and traditional fruit orchards, Acorn Bank is a tranquil haven with a fascinating industrial past. Today the walled gardens shelter a medicinal herb garden, herbaceous borders, lily-filled pond and traditional orchards carpeted with Edwardian daffodils in spring. Wander along the Crowdundle Beck to the partially restored watermill, enjoying wildlife in the woods on the way, and discover more about the history of gypsum mining on the estate. Enjoy the views across the Eden Valley to the Lake District from the magnificent backdrop of the sandstone house.

Essentials

Small pharmacy providing a full and prompt dispensary service, as well as a good range of over-the-counter medicines, toiletries and cosmetics. Happy to provide medical advice if required.
Alston Pharmacy
Front Street
Small pharmacy providing a full and prompt dispensary service, as well as a good range of over-the-counter medicines, toiletries and cosmetics. Happy to provide medical advice if required.
For shopping for all your essentials
Co-op Food - Alston
Market Place
For shopping for all your essentials
For shopping for all your essentials. Cashpoint and fuel here too
SPAR Alston
Station Road
For shopping for all your essentials. Cashpoint and fuel here too
Old fashioned independent hardware shop stocking an excellent range of plumbing, decorating and electrical supplies, as well as tools, household, gardening and haberdashery supplies. Also stock a small range of children's toys, pet items, camping and caravan spares. Additional services include key cutting and 'Rug Doctor' carpet cleaner hire. Pride themselves on good service and supplying customer needs, in a rural environment. Silver Winners of the DIY Week Awards of 2012.
Mad Hatters Hardware
2 Front St
Old fashioned independent hardware shop stocking an excellent range of plumbing, decorating and electrical supplies, as well as tools, household, gardening and haberdashery supplies. Also stock a small range of children's toys, pet items, camping and caravan spares. Additional services include key cutting and 'Rug Doctor' carpet cleaner hire. Pride themselves on good service and supplying customer needs, in a rural environment. Silver Winners of the DIY Week Awards of 2012.