Set in the stunning countryside and moorland of the Allen Valleys, Allendale is a pretty stone-built village with an eclectic range of shops and attractions.
It has its own brewery, tea rooms and art cafe and in 2007 it was named Calor Village of the Year for All England. The award recognised a vibrant village community that makes the best of local opportunities to maintain and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
The town is famous for its New Year celebration where lighted tar barrels are carried on the heads of revellers called "guisers".
This tradition dates back to 1858 and famous English poet Philip Larkin used to visit the village to witness the tradition.
There are a range of other events throughout the year, with well established beer and music festivals and a new flower festival starting in April 2009.
There's a range of accommodation including youth hostels, a privately owned caravan park and self catering cottages.
Allendale is a gateway to the Allen Valleys and the North Pennines, a countryside full of contrasts from the sometimes bleak upland heather moorlands to the deep wooded dales where red squirrels can often be seen.
The distinctive chimneys that are such a feature of the local skyline provide a strong reminder of the area’s lead mining past.
Walking routes abound and can be found in a wide range of local guidebooks. There is even an annual Allendale challenge as hundreds of walkers and runners take part in a 25-mile endurance test circling the valley.
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