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Discover Allendale

Shimmering rivers, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning moorlands, with wildlife in abundance, Allendale is a picturesque and unforgettable part of Northumberland. A small village, with a big personality.

The valley of the shining water

With silver and lead ore running through its rivers, there is no doubt why Allendale means ‘valley of the shining water’. This hidden gem in Northumberland is a stone-built village in the heart of the Allen Valleys - it may be small, but it has a big personality.

Allendale has been home to the Tar Bar’l festival since 1858, which has seen famous visitors such as poet Philip Larkin. Book a New Year stay in Northumberland and experience this unique winter tradition for yourself, or why not visit during spring and summer for the May Fair and folk festivals, which give you a chance to experience the valley’s musical heritage and traditional village activities. With everything from artists studios to Sci-fi museums, as well as a nearby horse riding centre, Allendale has something for everyone.

Go for a walk along the tranquil and glistening River Allen, and take in the sight of waterfalls, moorland, and Northumberland wildlife as they surround you.

Allen Valleys

The Allen Valleys’ location in Northumberland’s North Pennines AONB says it all. This breath-taking beauty spot sits in the south west corner of the county, offering everything from undiscovered hidden gems to eclectic events and festivals.

Hexham

Stunning architecture, picturesque parks, and a bloody Northumbrian history are all waiting to be explored in Hexham. Immerse yourself in stories about the Northumbria Vikings, historical criminal families or ‘Border Reivers’, and the Anglo-Saxon Abbey.

North Pennines

Prepare to be blown away by the intense views of the North Pennines, one of the most remote and unspoilt places in England. This landscape of tumbling waterfalls and vast heather moors, where peatlands meld with ancient hay meadows, holds the double accolade of being a designated National Landscape and Britain’s first UNESCO European and Global Geopark.

Dark skies

It's safe to say that Northumberland is the best place to stargaze in the UK. 572 square miles of the county have been awarded Gold Tier status for their pristine dark skies, and Northumberland’s International Dark Sky Park is the largest in the UK. So get ready for a star-studded show - literally.

Places to stay near Allendale

Treat yourself to a luxurious stay in the 14th-century Langley Castle Hotel, or take in the scenic views in one of Allendale’s Panoramic Pods, the accommodation in this town will ensure you’re well-rested.

Blanchland Hotel

The Derwent Arms

The Derwent Arms in Edmundbyers lies amongst stunning countryside, bordering both County Durham and Northumberland.

Blanchland Hotel

Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland

Set in the midst of the North Pennine Moors, The Lord Crewe Arms is the very epitome of a countryside escape.

Guide Price £119.00 Per Night

Blanchland Self Catering

Derwent View Cottage

Set in the North Pennines National Landscape, this cosy newly-built cottage is in a tranquil setting with stunning views.

Guide Price £378.00 Per week

Langley-on-Tyne Hotel

Langley Castle Hotel

Fourteenth-century castle restored to a magnificent and luxurious hotel. Thirty minutes from Newcastle and 40 minutes from Newcastle Airport.

Guide Price £82.00 Per Night

Northumberland Self Catering Agency

Pennine Ways Holiday Cottages

Pennine Ways Holiday Cottages offers stunning, characterful cottages across the North Pennines, spanning Northumberland, County Durham and Cumbria.

Hexham Hotel

Slaley Hall

A former Edwardian mansion which offers luxurious accommodation, spa & gym facilities, a 36 hole golf complex, restaurants and event spaces.

Guide Price £111.00 Per Night

New Years Eve Celebrations

Allendale Tar Bar'l

Swap the fireworks display for a fire festival this New Year’s Eve with Allendale Tar Bar’l. This sizzling hot ceremony has been celebrated for centuries, and sees 45 local men carrying burning whiskey barrels in a dazzling procession through Allendale’s centre.

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Things to do in and around Allendale

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Learning and discovery Allendale Town

Arts Lab at the Rural Peace Hub

Home of Arts Lab - visual art and nature-based workshops and events transforming burnout, conflict, inequality, and climate action.

Cafes, Tearooms & Coffee Shops Allendale Town

Allendale Forge Studios

Cafe, gift shop, art gallery and working studios. Free admission and free parking. Wheelchair friendly.

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