Alston
Built-up area in Westmorland and Furness, England
| Coordinates: | 54.813, -2.435 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | NY 72 46 |
| Population: | 1,105 |
Alston is a small market town in Westmorland and Furness, England, perched on the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Often described as England’s highest market town, its steep, cobbled streets and hilltop setting give long views over heather moorland and a pleasantly remote, rural feel.
Historically a centre for lead mining, the town still shows its industrial past in stone buildings and nearby mining remains, while today the local economy leans on farming, outdoor tourism and a lively community of independent shops and events. Attractions include a narrow‑gauge heritage line, the South Tynedale Railway, and easy access for walkers exploring the surrounding moors and quiet lanes.
Postcode districts covering Alston
Most populated places nearby
Neighbouring places
- Alston Moor Parish 1.6 miles2.6 km
- Knaresdale with Kirkhaugh Parish 4.2 miles6.8 km
- West Allen Parish 4.7 miles7.5 km
- Alston and Fellside Ward 6.5 miles10.4 km
- Plenmeller with Whitfield Parish 7.2 miles11.6 km
- Haltwhistle Ward 7.2 miles11.7 km
- Allendale Parish 7.3 miles11.8 km
- Coanwood Parish 7.5 miles12.1 km
- Kirkoswald Parish 8.1 miles13.1 km
- Melmerby Parish 8.7 miles13.9 km
- Glassonby Parish 9.2 miles14.8 km
- Hartleyburn Parish 9.2 miles14.9 km
Example postcodes in Alston
CA9 3HN, CA9 3HZ, CA9 3QW, CA9 3TQ, CA9 3SN, CA9 3TW, CA9 3QJ, CA9 3QH, CA9 3TL … See all
Transport links
- Newcastle International Airport 33.4 miles53.7 km
- Durham Tees Valley Airport 45.3 miles73 km
- Haltwhistle Railway Station 10.8 miles17.4 km
- Lazonby and Kirkoswald Railway Station 11.5 miles18.5 km
Hotels near Alston Ad
- Alston House Hotel 0.3 miles0.4 km
Schools in Alston
- Samuel King's School Secondary
Local points of interest
- Moor House Nature Reserve Nature reserve 9.3 miles15 km
- Vindolanda Archaeological site 12.7 miles20.4 km
- Chesterholm (Vindolanda museum) Museum 12.7 miles20.5 km
- Old Park Country house 13.7 miles22 km
- Housesteads Roman Fort Archaeological site 14.5 miles23.3 km
- Hexham Racecourse Recreation 15.6 miles25.1 km
- Brocavum Archaeological site 15.7 miles25.3 km
- Brougham Castle Archaeological site 15.8 miles25.4 km
- Brocolitia Mithraic temple Archaeological site 17.5 miles28.1 km
- Lune Forest Forest 17.5 miles28.1 km
- Brocolitia Roman Fort Archaeological site 17.5 miles28.2 km
- Chesters Roman Fort Archaeological site 18.8 miles30.3 km