The Ultimate Guide of Things to Do in Alston, Cumbria, and the North Pennines, for Every Season

Each season has its own magic, enjoy every minute of every year, spend time in Alston, Cumbria. Experience all that the town and the seasons have to offer

Spring brings everything back to life in Alston after a cold and often harsh winter. Mother Nature fills Alston with vibrant colours as the days lengthen and the sun shines brighter. Flowers bloom and trees start sprouting buds. Many baby animals are born, and birds start singing again, the Alston Moors literally come alive. 

Then comes summer, although some people prefer cosy winters and cooler days, most people love summer. Sunshine and fun, sand, beaches, cycling, hiking, exploring, swimming, holidaying, and warm weekends away, renew our souls.

Autumn, as with spring, adds its own colours. With every leaf changing to shades of orange, yellow and red and all the colours in between and the fantastic fall foliage. Autumn is magical in the North Pennines as nature quietly starts closing down readying itself for winter. 

Cold crisp majestical winter ends off the year with splashes of colour against a wonderland of the whitest white snow. In summer outdoor activities are plentiful but so are the choices in winter. Skiing, building snowmen, sledging, ice-skating, hot chocolate, good movies, or a great book in front of a roaring fire all add to the allure and enchantment of a wonderful winter in Alston. 

Life is to be experienced and every day in every season holds something special and new waiting to be explored, visit Alston in Cumbria, and discover the wonders of every season.

Ideas for a year with seasons of fun in Alston, Cumbria and the North Pennines

Alston, in Cumbria, and the North Pennines, is a beautiful place with something to offer visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you're looking for outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, you'll find it all in Alston.

Let’s start with Spring as new plant and animal life starts

Hiking, is an all year round outdoor activity but Spring has the ideal weather 

Get some fresh air and exercise by hiking the best hiking trails in Alston. The North Pennines are home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in England. Alston in Cumbria is a great base for exploring the many hiking trails. The North Pennines has over 150 trails some of the more popular hiking trails include the South Tynedale Railway Path, the Cross Fell Trail, and the Geltsdale Way.

Stop, relax, and smell the flowers

Spring brings all the flowers back to life and seeing a blanket of wildflowers has never been so prolific than in the North Pennines. The area is home to some spectacular wildflowers including bluebells, harebells, primroses, and daffodils. If you stumble across the deceptively gorgeous Foxgloves, do not touch them as they are extremely poisonous to humans and animals, but just admire their beauty.

Dive deep and explore what lies beneath in the great outdoors

Spelunking or caving is a hobby and outdoor activity enjoyed by many adventure seekers in Alston. There are several interesting and old caves in and around the area that are open to the public, including Mallerstang Caves and Alston Moor Caves as one of the best places to visit for adventurists.

Summer in Alston is a season of sun, warmth, and outdoor fun

Explore miles of best cycling routes in and around Alston, Cumbria

The North Pennines is perfect for a cycling holiday and touring or just a day out on your bike. With a wide variety of wonderful cycling routes to choose from, you are spoilt for choice with these outdoor activities. Pedal up hills and freewheel down feeling the fresh country air of the North Pennines. Some most popular cycling routes include Hadrian’s Cycleway, the South Tyne Cycleway, as well as the Pennine Bridleway. Saddle up and explore.

Penrith and Haltwhistle are not far from Lovelady Shield Hotel and Cottages, and offer bike hire. Hire bikes for you and your family and spend a day or two exploring the spectacular country roads, alluring paths, and landscapes taking in the splendour of the North Pennines. 

Water sports

There are several lakes and rivers around Alston that are popular for water sports, such as canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. For the not so adventurous you can enjoy a relaxing and refreshing swim in one of the many indoor and outdoor pools in the area.

Summer festivals 

Summer festivals, take place annually, are another great option for outdoor activities in Alston. Explore the culture and get to know the area. Summer festivals include Feel Good Festival, Alston Gala, the Alston Sheep Show, and the Alston Beer Festival. 

Autumn, the magical season

Fall foliage 

Autumn is the time to see the fall foliage in the North Pennines. Some of the best places to witness the splendours of the fall foliage, include Alston Moor, the South Tyne Valley and the Tyne Valley.

Festivals

Cumbria, being such a beautiful part of the country, always has something to celebrate. Cumbria, the North Pennines and the Lake District are home to a wide selection of fantastic festivals from marmalade festivals to music festivals, they have you covered.

Harvest festivals

Harvest festivals celebrate harvesting and the start of Autumn and all that the harvesting brings to the town or village. Dating back centuries this is a time to give thanks to what the land has given us. There are several harvest festivals held in the Alston area, such as the Alston Harvest Festival and the Alston Apple Day.

Poetry festival 

William Wordsworth is one of Britain's most famous poets, who lived from 1770 til 1850. His 'Daffodils' poem beginning “I wander'd lonely as a cloud” is the most well known Lake District poem. 

The Alston Poetry Festival is held every autumn. The festival attracts renowned and aspiring poets from all over the world. 

Winter outdoor activities to warm you up when it’s cold outside, enjoy!

Snow sports 

The North Pennines are a great place for snow sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. There are several ski resorts in the area, like the Cross Fell Ski Resort, Yad Moss and the Alston Ski Centre.

Winter walks 

Winter is a beautiful time of the year in Alston. Warm up by going for a brisk, fresh walk. While walking, sightseeing comes naturally in this expansive area. Pass snow-covered hills and valleys which will take your breath away.

Winter festivals 

There are several winter festivals held in the area around Alston, including the Alston Christmas Market and the Alston New Year's Eve Party. What better to be entertained than to attend a wonderful winter festival, adding colour and vibrance to a cold day.

All year round

At no time of the year can you honestly say, “I am bored, there is nothing to do”. While spending time in the North Pennines your days and nights are filled with adventure, exploring as well as relaxation.

Visit Lovelady Shield Hotel and Cottages to book your stay in the centre of all that Alston, Cumbria and the North Pennines have to offer.

Seasons gently pass and with each new season, there is new light, new hope, and new beginnings.