Local Information and Things to Do

Nenthead is a great base for visiting the North Pennines area. Wherever you end up going you can be guaranteed a spectacular drive getting there - passing through England's last wilderness. For those who are keen walkers or bikers we have OS maps for the area, pick a path or a river valley and have an adventure amongst the wild rugged peaceful scenery. The Pennine Way passes near by as does the Coast to Coast cycle route. If your looking for a challenge, then walking Cross Fell will provide that! As well as the information detailed below, the cottage has a printed information pack with a wealth of information about eating out, shopping, walking, cycling, relaxing and places to visit with contact numbers and websites.

Nenthead: Community Shop, playground and Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre. Also walks in: Dowgang Woods / Nent Valley Mines. If you are biking and need any repairs ask Mark (next door to you) for really friendly help.

Alston: England's highest market town 5 miles from Nenthead. Here you can find Alston Wholefoods (delicatessen and whole food shop), Saddlers Bakery, Post Office, two mini supermarkets (Co-Op and Spar), petrol station, numerous pubs, Alston House Hotel (bar and restaurant), Hi Pennine Outdoor Shop, art and craft galleries, gift shops, hair dressers, cafés, South Tynedale Steam Railway and Tourist Information.

Killhope Mines Visitor Centre, museum detailing life in the 19th century North Pennines. There are mine tours, forest walks, café, surface mining machinery and installations. Near Cowshill, 4 miles.

Alston Moor Golf Club, Alston Moor Golf Club is undoubtedly the highest golf course in England and comprises of 132 acres of parkland, high meadow and pasture land. Alston, 4 miles.

Weardale Museum, the Weardale Museum is a small independent folk museum established by volunteers in 1985 to preserve the heritage of Weardale. Ireshopeburn, 8 miles.

Cow Green Reservoir Walk, Magnificent walk around the reservoir taking in part of the Pennine Way and the River Tees. 13 miles away.

High Force Waterfall, Discover the force of nature at High Force, one of the most impressive waterfalls in England, located at Forest-in-Teesdale. 16 miles.

Hexham, great market town with lots of historical buildings, very good restaurants, culture, cinema, lots of independent shops, Waitrose / Tesco / M&S supermarkets, leisure centre. 22 miles.

Penrith, is a market town on the way to the Lake District, it has a good mix of traditional shops and sophisticated arcades, Booths / Morrisons / Sainsburys / Aldi supermarkets. 24 miles.

Hamsterly Forest - Biking and Walking Trails, Hamsterley Forest is a delightful 2000 hectare oasis, sprawling along the sides of a sheltered valley. Visitors to Hamsterley have no shortage of options when it comes to forest adventure or a tranquil getaway from the hustles of modern living. Go on, explore! Bike hire available. 26 miles.

Barnard Castle, is a market town in Teesdale and has a fantastic range of independent shops including cafes, restaurants, butchers, chocolate, delicatessen's, antique dealers, homewares, art and books. One of the best fish and chips take aways in the north east is also located here. There is also a Morrisons supermarket and it is home to the historic castle and the famous Bowes Museum. 30 miles, with a very senic drive.

Carlisle, Carlisle lies at the heart of a wealth of historic and modern attractions. From Roman civitas to Norman stronghold, medieval market town to contemporary city. Carlisle offers a huge choice of attractions to enjoy, including museums, art galleries, national sporting events, outdoor and indoor recreation, heritage tours, award-winning parks, nature reserves and relaxing open spaces. 34 miles.

Durham City, historic Durham City offers something for everyone. There is Durham Castle, the University Botantic Gardens, the Gala Theatre and Cinema, DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery, boutique shops and a multitude of cafés and restaurants, river cruises and even rowing on the River Wear. 35 miles.

Northumberland National Park, rivers, burns, walking, woods, forests and wildlife. Full information and what to do and visit is available from the parks website. 22 miles to the southern border, 37 miles to the centre.

Keswick, Gateway to the Northern Lake District, the main holiday town for the northern lakes. Lots to do, cafés, restaurants, independent shops, foodie shops, fantastic mountain bike and outdoor shops. 41 miles.

Newcastle, just in case your needing a metropolis fix, then you can find all the trappings of urban life here. 44 miles.

If you would like to see what is under your feet, look at the trip reports and photographs on The Mine Explorer Society website.

North Pennines, website detailing a multitude of activities, places to visit in the North Pennines.

On a clear evening / night, take a walk along the back road, take your second right up a dirt track, carry on up the fell. Stop, listen, smell, look up at the stars - its amazing. Just a 30-60min easy stroll as far or as short as you want, but so refreshing.