he Cumberland Hotel and Alston are ideally located for access to the best that the North of England has to offer. Scotland is only a short drive to the north of us as well. Travel through magnificent and varied countryside to visit some interesting destinations such as Newcastle's Quay Side with its world famous bridges, much admired city centre and renowned night life. To the South of Newcastle is Gateshead, home to the Gateshead Metro Centre, the largest shopping mall in Europe with retailers such as Marks and Spencers, House of Fraser and many more house hold names.

Traveling north up the A1 you pass by the historic town of Morpeth, further on you can stop and admire Alnwick with its dramatic castle used in the Harry Potter films. Attractions such as Cragside, a National Trust property can be found nearby. Berwick-upon-Tweed is found on the coast. Bisected by one of the best Salmon fishing rivers in the country-the river Tweed. An historic and good looking town well worth visiting. Carry on north and before long you will enter the" Venice of the North" Edinburgh in Scotland, (you may be surprised at how easily you can reach destinations in Scotland. Glasgow is approached via the M74). If you wish to enjoy the Northumberland coast travel along the lanes leading to the many fishing villages and places of interest including Druridge Bay, Amble, Warkworth (and castle), Alnmouth, Craster, Sea Houses and Bamburgh. You can also visit the Farne Islands and drive over the causeway to Holy Island. This would make a memorable day out if you are not in a hurry. West of the Northumberland coast there are many interesting and historic towns such as Coldstream, Jedburgh, Kelso, Hawick, Corbridge and Hexham, Haltwhistle, Brampton and Carlisle, the county town of Cumbria. The Northumberland National Park and Kielder Forest are within easy reach as are the best sections of the Hadrian's Wall. Going up the west coast of Scotland (just north of Carlisle at Gretna) you will find much to captivate you. Towns, countryside and views are all of the best quality. Drive along the A 75 through Dumfries towards Stranraer and the north along the coast to Largs and further north.

To the west of Alston is the Eden Valley and the Lake District. Surely some of the best countryside in the World. The Eden Valley offers a gently rolling landscape with enchanting villages and hamlets hidden down quiet country lanes. The North Pennines and the Eden Valley are often over looked by those intent on visiting the Lake District, please don't make the same mistake! The Lake District itself is only 30-35 minutes drive from the Cumberland Hotel, driving over Hartside Pass on the now internationally recognised A686 trans Pennine road. Ullswater, Keswick, Derwent Water, Bassenthwaite, Blencathra and all that the Lake District has to offer is within easy reach of the Cumberland Hotel.

To the South East are the historic and popular cities of Durham and York, and also Harrogate in Yorkshire. All are well worth visiting and are popular with visitors to the area. Durham has a beautiful Cathedral mounted on the hill with Durham city laid out before it. York, the Roman capital of Britain is suitably splendid. The old city used to be surrounded by a defensive wall, some of which still survives. York Minster is simply magnificent and the shopping in the mediaeval lanes known as the Shambles is excellent. The Spa town of Harrogate is also of great quality. These towns offer distinctive character and historic architecture of international repute. Take a day to visit each and take the time to explore them in greater detail. With all the options available to those staying at the Cumberland Hotel and the secluded location of Alston Moor it is easy to see why our motto is "In the middle of nowhere but the centre of everywhere".

As can be seen from the maps above we are almost surrounded by National Parks. Each has a distinctive character of its own, with varying countryside. The towns and villages differ in appearance as well, made from stone local to their areas. The National Parks are a national treasure and should be experienced by anyone visiting the area. As with the destinations mentioned above, a sufficient amount of time should be set aside to appreciate each of them. Don't rush your stay with us, instead relax and enjoy a stress free holiday. You may want to come back to us for another holiday to fully appreciate the area!