Local Tourist Information Offices may have more detailed knowledge of all of these villages and towns, but here is a brief guide on the net to wet your appetite. Some of the locations listed have a more detailed page, please click on your choice for more information. Over the coming months this section will be expanded to show more towns and villages with their own home pages.

If you would like your community included contact us now at villages@northpennines.com

ALLENDALE TOWN ~ Some say it's the Centre of Britain, but certainly world famous for the New Years Eve, Tar Barrels Ceremony. There is a Coop store, post office, four pubs, shop, garages and Tea Rooms. Note see also Special Events

ALLENHEADS ~ This is one of the many villages that produced so much of Europe's lead in centuries past. Take a close look at the beauty of the valleys in this area, under much of the heather you will find spoil from the numerous lead mines. To look at this beautiful place now, you would never guess at the depth of industry here a hundred years ago. Allenheads is said to be the highest village in England and is situated 20 miles south of the main town HEXHAM.

ALSTON ~ Claims to be the highest town in England and is quite picturesque with lots of good renovation underway. You need good legs to walk up and down the cobbled main street, but it's well worth it with shops, lots of pubs, post office and a rare fish and chips shop as well as other cafes and places to eat. The South Tyne Railway is also located here. More information can be obtained from the Tourist Information Office on 01 434 381 696

APPLEBY IN Westmorland ~ Is in the old historic county of Westmorland (now Cumbria) with well preserved castle and busy shopping area, lots of good pubs and places to eat. Well known for the annual Horse Fair usually around the first week in June. More information from the Tourist Information Office on 01 768 371 177

BARNARD CASTLE ~ Located in the south of County Durham on the A688 south west of Bishop Auckland with imposing Norman ruin by the river. The town is quite large and has a good supply of facilities such as shops, hotels, pubs, garages and places to eat. More details can be obtained from the local tourist office on 01 833 638 212.

BELLINGHAM ~ On the lower slopes of the Tyne Valley, east of the North Pennines region. There is currently a special history project underway. The project will focus on a section of valley occupied by Hareshaw Burn between the town of Bellingham and Hareshaw Lynn. The social history of Hareshaw offers great potential for interpretive and educational work. The aim of the project is to research and record that social history, in particular its recreational and industrial use from the Victorian times to the present day, through the reminiscences of those who have worked, lived and played there. The intention is to share these reminiscences with the local community and all those who have an interest in Hareshaw today. Click here for more information.

BLANCHLAND ~ You have probably seen this picturesque village in period films especially those of the great Northeast author, Catherine Cookson. The Lord Crew Hotel is the local pub and there is a small village shop. Small, but perfect in a very beautiful setting. The village is situated on the B6306 about 20 miles south of Hexham.

BOWES ~ Famous museum and castle near to Barnard Castle on the A66, Scotch Corner to Brough trunk road. Call 01 833 690 606 for details, or check out www.bowes.co.uk

BRAMPTON ~ Small town located in north east Cumbria on the A69 trunk road and 10 miles from the M6 motorway. The town is very close to Hadrian's Wall and the Roman sites. There are shops, pubs, places to eat and a tourist information centre, call 01 697 734 33 or visit the towns website www.brampton.co.uk

BROUGH ~ Small town in south west Cumbria, situated on the A66 trunk road with the usual facilities for shops, pubs and eating.

CARLISLE ~ is a major city just outside of the North Pennines region to the north west, on the Solway Firth. It's well worth a visit for it's fine history, castle and places of interest. Of course the Scottish border and the famous wedding location of Gretna Green are close by. The main trunk road from the south is the M6, the A74(M) comes from the north and the A69 from Newcastle Upon Tyne in the east. The main west coast rail route also stops here.

DURHAM CITY ~ This world heritage city is strictly not in the North Pennines, but if you have the time, try to pay a visit to the magnificent Norman Cathedral, sitting proud above the River Wear. Getting to Durham City is easy, it's on the main east coast train line between Edinburgh and London and the A1 Trunk Road. There are lots of shops, pubs, places to eat and it's a university city. Durham is a World Heritage Site.

HEXHAM ~ Large market town in Northumberland, located mid way between Carlisle and Hexham on the A69 trunk road. The town has a large amount of shops, pubs, hotels and places to eat. It is well located for both Hadrian's Wall and The North Pennines. There is a weekly livestock mart, located near the River Tyne to the north of the town.

EDEN VALLEY ~ Not a town or a village, but the Cumbrian authority responsible for tourism in those places immediately to the west of the North Pennine region and across to the Lakes. Information on the region can be obtained from 01 768 867 466 (Penrith) and EDEN ARTS can be contacted on 01 768 899 444 or by email edenarts@aol.com

KILLHOPE ~ see Nenthead

KIRBY STEPHEN ~ This historic market town is located in the Eden Valley in the south east of Cumbria. You will still find market days on Monday and there are many pubs, hotels and places to eat. For more information contact the Tourist Information Office on 01 768 867 466.

MELMERBY ~ This is a small village located in the east of Cumbria on the A686, below the Hartside Pass. The village has a superb home bakery, excellent pub/restaurant and post office.

NENTHEAD ~ Small village located in east Cumbria on the A689 approx. 5 miles east of the bigger town, Alston. The village was at the heart of the vast lead mining industry of the last century and is proud of it's history. There is a post office, shop and a couple of pubs. It's also on the C2C cycle route. There is currently a major project underway to investigate and open up the many miles of underground tunnels from the days of lead mining. More details soon .....

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE ~ This is the commercial centre of the Northeast of England. It is a large city and has all of the facilities that you would expect and was recently voted as one of the Top Ten "happening cities" in the world.

PENRITH ~ Large town situated in the west of Cumbria on the main M6 trunk road and west coast rail routes. There are many shops, hotels and places to eat. At the foot of the North Pennines the town is also ideal for exploring the Lakes.

ROOKHOPE ~ Small village on the way between the Allendale and Weardale valleys. The village was very much involved in the vast lead mining industry of the last century. The place is also back in the news for a new industry, Wind Farms. It is proposed that Europe's largest wind farm is built on the fell tops of the valley. There is a local pub and workingmen's club. If you are in the area, have a look at Rookhope Nurseries for a superb collection of alpines and hardy plants. call 01 388 517 272 for details.

STANHOPE ~ This small town is located in County Durham, high along the Wear Valley on the A689. There are several pubs, shops, bakery, places to eat and visitors centre.

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Last modified 30/07/03