The Allen Valleys has internationally important wildlife, a world class industrial heritage and a rich local culture of music and visual arts. Whether you are here for our wildlife, our history or the arts, you can enjoy them at your leisure, on foot, by bike or on horseback. Or perhaps just sit back and enjoy the view.
In recognition of its special qualities the North Pennines has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The North Pennines is also a European and Global Geopark – highlighting its globally important Earth heritage.
Here are some more websites to help you decide what to discover next in the Allen Valleys and the wider North Pennines.
More information available from the Market Place Information Point in Allendale village.
Allen Valleys and North Pennines
www.northpennines.org.uk
The North Pennines AONB and the work of the organisation set up to look after it.
www.explorenorthpennines.org.uk
A directory of things to do in the North Pennines, from self-guided trails to pottery classes
www.allenvalleyslocalhistory.org.uk
An archive of local historical materials
www.northpennobservatory.org.uk
The North Pennines Observatory was conceived and developed by the North Pennines AONB Partnership for the community and paid for by the Heritage Lottery Fund through the Partnership’s Allen Valleys Landscape Partnership Scheme. It is hosted at Allenheads Contemporary Arts .
www.keystothepast.info
A searchable database of historic buildings and structures
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/allen-banks-and-staward-gorge
Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, managed by the National Trust
www.killhope.org.uk
The award winning Killhope North of England Lead Mining Museum
www.south-tynedale-railway.org.uk
South Tynedale Railway
www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Bowes Museum
www.northpennines.org.uk/bowlees-visitor-centre
Bowlees Visitor Centre
Further afield
Within striking distance of the Allen Valleys there is a host of famous attractions, including Durham Cathedral, The Lake District, Hadrian’s Wall, Alnwick Castle and the magnificent Northumberland coastline. Further information can be found here:
www.visitnorthumberland.com
Visit Northumberland
www.thisisdurham.com
This is Durham
www.visitcumbria.com
Visit Cumbria
Public transport
There is a bus service from Allenheads and Allendale to Hexham, the 688. From Hexham you can find buses and trains along the Tyne Valley.