Living in Alston

Community life in Alston is defined by friendliness and active participation. With a close-knit population, residents often engage in local clubs, sports teams, and volunteer organisations. The Alston Moor Community Centre acts as a hub for activities, classes, and events, playing a key role in social cohesion.

A monthly country market, annual agricultural show, and popular Christmas events provide regular opportunities for everyone to come together. The surrounding countryside encourages an outdoor lifestyle, with immediate access to the Pennine Way, South Tynedale Railway walks, and open fells. Independent shops and the local arts and crafts scene add further colour to daily life.

Alston is considered a safe and secure place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than urban centres in Cumbria and the wider North of England. The area’s rural nature contributes to a quiet community atmosphere, where neighbours often know and look out for each other. Incidents of vehicle crime or anti-social behaviour are rare.

Policing is undertaken by the Cumbria Constabulary, which maintains a visible presence in the area. Neighbourhood officers are familiar faces, participating in local activities and ensuring community concerns are addressed quickly. Like many rural towns, occasional peaks in petty theft or vandalism tend to be isolated events rather than patterns. Community-led initiatives, including Neighbourhood Watch groups, help maintain Alston’s reputation as a safe haven for residents and visitors alike.

Parking in Alston is generally straightforward due to the town’s compact size and lower population. Most households have access to on-street parking or private parking spaces, though some of the older streets can be narrow. Public car parks are available close to the town centre, providing convenient access to shops and amenities. Resident permit schemes are not required, and parking restrictions are minimal.

Congestion is rarely an issue, except during annual events or tourist seasons. Road access is dominated by the A686, noted both for its scenic beauty and its challenging driving conditions during winter. Snow and ice can affect travel plans in colder months, so drivers are advised to check conditions in advance. Key road links provide access to the following destinations:

• Penrith – approx. 35 minutes via A686 (20 miles)
• Hexham – approx. 40 minutes via B6294/A686 (25 miles)
• Carlisle – approx. 70 minutes via A686/A69 (35 miles)
• Appleby-in-Westmorland – approx. 45 minutes via B6277/A686 (22 miles)

Alston may be small, but it offers a handful of traditional pubs, independent cafés, and local eateries with a strong focus on homemade and locally sourced produce. Pubs such as The Cumberland Inn, The Turk’s Head, and The Angel Inn serve hearty meals, regional ales, and provide a social hub for locals and visitors. Alston House offers dining with seasonal menus and a relaxed atmosphere, while cafes like the Top Café or Blueberrys serve up homemade cakes, lunches, and teas.

Takeaway options are available, including a fish and chip shop and a couple of fast food venues. Nightlife is understated, with most activity centred in pubs or seasonal events, rather than late-night bars or clubs. From quiz nights to occasional live music, social options are friendly and village-scale. For broader restaurant or nightlife choices, residents tend to travel to Penrith, Hexham, or Carlisle.

School Quality: Alston offers well-regarded primary and secondary education via its own small but caring schools. Students benefit from smaller class sizes and a personalised approach to learning.

Parks and Green Space: Alston is surrounded by open moorland, riverside walks, and scenic parks, making it ideal for families who love nature. Town parks offer play areas and safe spaces for children to explore.

Childcare: Although childcare options are not numerous, there is a local nursery and childminders available, and many families find the network of community support particularly strong.

Safety: Low crime, slow traffic, and a high level of neighbourliness make Alston reassuring for families with children.

Family Activities: Events such as the agricultural show, heritage railway trips, and easy access to walking and cycling trails ensure there’s always something for families to do together.

Alston is exceptionally welcoming to pets, especially dogs, thanks to its rural location and abundance of walking opportunities. There are miles of footpaths, historic packhorse trails, and riverside routes ideal for dog walkers or those with active pets. The town’s green spaces, such as the Tyne Willows Playing Fields, are popular with local pet owners.

Several local businesses welcome dogs, and most housing—particularly cottages and rural properties—tend to be amenable to pets. Veterinary care is available at practices in town and in nearby Penrith. Pet shops and grooming services are also accessible, ensuring pet-friendly living is straightforward for residents.

Transport links in Alston reflect its rural and elevated position. The town does not have a mainline railway station, but the heritage South Tynedale Railway operates as a popular seasonal attraction with connections to nearby villages. Alston sits at the crossroads of the A686 and B6294, providing scenic road access east towards Hexham and west to Penrith. The A686 is widely renowned for its breathtaking views and is a favourite among motorists and cyclists.

Bus services provide public transport links between Alston and Penrith, Haltwhistle, and Hexham, though these are limited, particularly during evenings and weekends. Residents mainly rely on cars for travel outside the town, with commutes to larger towns typically involving rural A-road journeys.

Commute Times to Key Nearby Cities:

• Penrith – approx. 35 minutes by car via A686
• Hexham – approx. 40 minutes by car via B6294/A686
• Carlisle – approx. 70 minutes by car via A686/A69
• Newcastle – approx. 90 minutes by car via A686/A69 or by train from Hexham

The nearest major airports are Newcastle International Airport, about 1 hour 40 minutes by car, and Carlisle Lake District Airport. Local journeys within Alston are typically on foot, given the compact layout of the town.

Primary Schools

Alston is served by Alston Primary School, a small community-focused school located within the town. It caters for children from early years up to 11, and has developed close links with the local community and neighbouring rural schools. The most recent Ofsted inspection in 2022 rated the school as 'Good', highlighting its nurturing environment.

Secondary Schools

Samuel King’s School is the main secondary school in Alston and caters to pupils aged 11–16. The 2021 Ofsted report rated Samuel King’s School as 'Good', praising its inclusive approach and the close community relationships fostered by its small size. Due to Alston’s rural setting, some students travel to Appleby Grammar School or schools further afield for additional sixth form and subject choices.

Colleges & Further Education

As there is no further education college in Alston itself, students typically travel to colleges in Penrith, Carlisle, or Hexham for sixth form or vocational courses. Newton Rigg College (Penrith) and Carlisle College offer a wider curriculum and are accessible via public transport.

Universities

There are no universities in Alston, but the University of Cumbria (in Carlisle), Durham University, and Newcastle University are within reach for those willing to travel or relocate for higher education studies.