Alston is on the Pennine Way, and offers some wonderful scenery across the North Pennines. The National Trail chases along the mountain tops on the rugged backbone of England and offers 268 miles of the finest upland walking in England. Alston Railway Station is only 6 minutes walk from Stokoe Cottage and provides access to a wider area. A once in a lifetime experience.
Go for a ride on the North of England’s double gold award winning narrow gauge railway winding from Alston into the South Tyne Valley in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Trains are hauled by steam, diesel or battery electric locos and all have a fascinating history. Both of restored stations at Alston and Slaggyford house a cafe, ticket office and gift shop. At Alston you can explore the Discovery Centre and visit the viewing gallery above our engineering workshop. Most areas of the site are accessible and there are large car parks at Alston and Slaggyford.
Hadrian’s Wall was the north-west frontier of the Roman empire for nearly 300 years. At 73 miles long it marches across northern Britain from sea to sea. The most famous of all the frontiers of the Roman empire, Hadrian’s Wall was made a World Heritage Site in 1987. Explore ruined forts, the museums and a Roman town along the wall to find out more about life on the northern frontier.
Colonel Lacy, of Salkeld Hall, famous for once trying to blow up the stones of Long Meg Stone Circle, carved five chambers out of the sandstone cliffs by the River Eden in Little Salkeld.
Possibly he was emulating the caves at Wetherall, further up the River Eden.
It was fashionable to have romantic ruins at that time, or they may have been built as a wine store. Colonel Lacy used to entertain guests here, and the area was planted with gardens. The rhododendrons and laburnams still flower every spring.
Carlisle is a 2000 year old city with two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There is plenty to do with great food and drink, music and entertainment, museums, horse racing, Carlisle Castle, Carlisle Cathedral, and much more.
