"Centre Of Great Britain" ~ "Valley Of The Shinning Water"

ALLENDALE TOWN And VALLEY

Location ~ Approx. 12 miles south of Hexham, follow the B6305, B6304 and B6295. The village of Allendale is surrounded by the high moors covered in heather and rich in wild life. See the maps page.

There has been a settlement here for at least 1000 years. Although it is referred to as "Town" this was to distinguish it from the surrounding valley of the same name and as the population is only in the hundreds, it is regarded as a village. Although there is a lot of discussion, Allendale was recorded as the geographical centre of Great Britain in 1842. This was derived from taking the latitude and longitude readings on the sundial at Saint Cuthberts Church in the Market Place.

Lead mining was the main source of wealth and made a huge impact on the area. The relics can still be seen today with tall chimney's on the top of the fell. One of the bi-products of lead smelting is silver and it is said that the name Allendale refers to a Celtic meaning of the river containing traces of silver, hence, "valley of the shinning water".

Allendale is a terrific location for walking. There are superb walks in all directions, along the river, on the fell or the many signed routes. The flora and fauna is exceptional. Lapwings, curlews, birds of prey, grouse, pheasant, partridge, red squirrels and roe deer all live side by side.

The village has four pubs, two shops, post office, butcher, garages and tea rooms. There are many B&B's close at hand as well as cottages to rent by the week. The big attraction and one that is world famous, is the Tar Barrel Ceremony each New Years Eve. Crowds of up to ten thousand travel from far and wide to see the local men, known as Guisers in fancy dress, carry flaming tar barrels on their heads. The procession marks the boundary of the village and ends at midnight in a spectacular bonfire in the Market Place.

Other facilities nearby include Pony Trekking, Golf and Fishing. The village hold an annual Fair around the lst Saturday in May and a good size Agricultural Show around July/August.

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Last modified 30/07/03