Welcome back to the North Pennines

Shane Harris, Responsible Tourism Lead

As I write this blog, businesses in the visitor economy in the North Pennines are taking their first tentative steps towards reopening after the COVID-19 Outbreak. For these small, rural, businesses it has been a very stressful and worrying time – as it has been for everyone in the area, and of course elsewhere in the country. Businesses have been working extraordinarily hard, behind the scenes, to follow Government Guidelines to re-open safely. They’ve done their level best to make visiting as safe as it reasonably can be and now is the time… now many of them are in a position to welcome back visitors.

• But not every business is open now – those that are will be joined in the coming weeks by other places to stay, eat, visit and explore.
• This blog post provides an updating list of businesses that are open in the North Pennines – it won’t ever be complete but it will provide you with a bit of a starting point.
• Businesses will be listed according to where they are in the area: Allen Valleys; Alston & the Cumbrian North Pennines; Blanchland & the Upper Derwent; Teesdale; and Weardale. View our area guides for more information.
• Warning – the listing isn’t complete, if you run a tourism business in/near the North Pennines and you are open but not listed below – let me know and I’ll get you added. Equally if you’re a visitor and you know of somewhere which is open and not listed by all means let know. The best way to contact me is by email – shane@northpenninesaonb.org.uk
• BOOK DIRECT! You’ll often get the best price and the business will get the most benefit from your booking…

At almost 2,000 sq. kilometres the North Pennines is the second largest of the 46 AONBs (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and is one of the most peaceful and unspoilt places in England. Visit www.landscapesforlife.org.uk for information about the AONB Family.

What’s open*

• Remember this listing is only a guide. It reflects the businesses which I know to be open.
• Before travel it is recommended that you contact the businesses you intend to visit, or look at their websites to double check details.
• *Last updated 05/08/2020

North Pennines wide

• Pennine Country Cottages, Alston (Holiday cottage agency with 30+ properties across the AONB) – bookings@penninecountrycottages.co.uk / 01434 381808
• Northern Experience Wildlife Tours (guided tours) – Martin Kitching – enquiries@newtltd.co.uk / 01670 827465 / Facebook
• Greener Miles Running (running events) – Mark Marchant – info@greenermilesrunning.co.uk / Facebook (virtual events and group running challenges)

South Tyne and the Allen Valleys

• Carrshield Camping Barn, West Allen Valley – Contact via website or Facebook
• Ninebanks Youth Hostel & Chalet, Mohope (West Allen) – Pauline and Ian – contact@ninebanks.com / 01434 345288 / Facebook
• The Allendale Forge Studios, Allendale – email@allendaleforgestudios.co.uk / 01434 683975 / Facebook
• The Golden Lion Hotel, Allendale – hello@thegoldenlion.net / 01434 683225 / Facebook
• Allendale Post Office & Market Place Shop, Allendale (PO, General Store, Info Point, Pizza Takeaway) – jodixon088@gmail.com / 01434 683201
• Allendale Bunkhouse – 01434 618579 / Facebook
• The Dale Manor, Allendale (self-catering) – Linda Beck – welcome@the-dale.co.uk / 079717 68993 / Facebook
• Allendale Caravan Park and Station House (holiday park and self-catering) – Verona Woodhouse – info@allendale-holidays.co.uk / 01434 683362 / Facebook
• Coffee & Kuriosities, Allen Mill – Kristel Gardner – coffeeandkuriosities@gmail.com / 07952 635578 / 01434688280 / Facebook
• Old School House, Allenheads (accommodation) – Helen Ratcliffe – helenshead@acart.org.uk / 07966 257276/ Facebook
• The Hemmel Café, Allenheads – nobleamanda@ymail.com / 01434 685568 (closed Wednesday)
• The Allenheads Inn, East Allen Valley – Ann Homer – annallenheads@gmail.com / 01434 685200
• Sinderhope Pony Trekking Centre, East Allen Valley – 01434 685266 / Facebook
• Discover more about walking the Isaac’s Tea Trail (starting and finishing in Allendale) via this blog
• Broadmea Barn and Stable, Slaggyford (South Tyne, self-catering) – Patricia Staley – stay@broadmea.co.uk / 07510 219830 / Facebook
• Langley Castle Hotel – manager@langleycastle.com / Facebook
• The Garden Station, Langley-on-Tyne (garden, cafe) – welcome@thegardenstation.co.uk / 01434 684391 / Facebook

Alston & the Cumbrian North Pennines

• Overview of what’s open on Alston Moor
• Alston Local Links (local info, 7 days) – alstonlocallinks@eden.gov.uk / 01434 382244
• Epiacum Roman Fort (outdoor attraction) – Elaine Edgar – info@epiacumheritage.org / 01434 382080 / Facebook
• The Nook Farm Shop & Cafe, Epiacum Roman Fort (nr Alston) – Elaine Edgar – thenookfarmshop@gmail.com / 07415 029398 / Facebook
• The Crossings Cafe, South Tynedale Railway, Alston – enquiries@south-tynedale-railway.org.uk / 01434 338214
• The Cumberland Inn, Alston (pub with rooms) – Guy Harmer – guy@alstoncumberlandhotel.co.uk / 01434 381875
• Lowbyer Manor Country House, Alston (guest accommodation, meals, bar) – Janice and Jim – stay@lowbyer.com / 01434 381230 / Facebook
• Alston Youth Hostel – Linda & Neil Willmott – alston@yha.org.uk / 01434 381509 / Facebook
• Mark Close Farmhouse, Alston (self-catering) – Emily & Alun Jones – markcloseholidaylets@gmail.com / 01434 312169 / 07942 610611 / Facebook
• Apartment No.6, Alston (self-catering) – Hilary Park – info@alstoncumbria.com / 01434 382999
• Alston Art Apartments (self-catering) – Sonia Kempsey – enquiries@holidaycottagesalston.co.uk / 01434 382975 / Facebook
• Harbut Law, Alston (B&B and self-catering) – Thomas Younger – t.younger125@btinternet.com / 01434 381950 / Facebook
• Alston Emporium (sweet shop) – Sharon Owen – 07979 271785
• Hi Pennine Outdoor Shop, Alston – Janis Goodfellow – janis@goodfellowc.plus.com / 01434 381389 / Facebook
• Once Upon a Time Bookshop – onceuponatimebookshop@outlook.com
• The Cane Workshop, Alston – Louise Folkard – louise@thecaneworkshop.co.uk / 01434 382973 / Facebook (open by arrangement)
• Blueberrys, Alston (convenience store, takeaways drinks) – blueberrys.teashop@yahoo.com / 01434 381928
• The Top Cafe, Alston – Sami & Sally – 07803 835312 / Facebook
• Saddlers Bakery, Alston – Hayley Jones – saddlersbakeryandbistro@gmail.com / 07494 129845/ Facebook
• The High Plaice, Alston – 01434 382300 / Facebook
• Hartside Nursery Garden, nr Alston – enquiries@plantswithaltitude.co.uk / 01434 381372
• Isaac’s Byre Holiday Cottage, Garrigill (self-catering) – Rob and Judith-Ann – info@isaacsbyre.com / 01434 381013 / 07989 859727 / Facebook
• Beldy Chapel, Garrigill (self-catering) – Sarka-jo Cole and Andy Moseley – sarkaljo@hotmail.com / 07730 119871 / Facebook
• The Hive at Nenthead (cafe, gallery, visitor centre) – 01434 408040 / Facebook
• Greenends Holiday Cottages, Nenthead (self-catering) – Sandra Mackensie – email / 01434 382354 / 07810 638376 / Facebook
• Sunrise Cottage, Nenthead (self-catering) – Pippa Baker – sunrisecumbria@gmail.com / 01434 381768
• Haggs Bank Bunkhouse & Camping, Nentsberry – Danny – info@haggsbank.com / 01434 382486 / Facebook
• GoCave, Nenthead & Garrigill (Caving and mine exploration) – Iain Rennie – info@gocave.com / 07849 398288
• Dufton Barn Holidays (self-catering) – Simon Higginbottom – stay@duftonbarnholidays.co.uk / 01768 352167 / Facebook
• The Stag Inn, Dufton (Gastropub) – 017683 51608 / Facebook
• Milburn Grange Holiday Cottages, Knock (self-catering) – Russell Clark – holidays@milburngrange.co.uk / 01768 361867 / 07889 315685 / Facebook
• Howscales Cottages, Kirkoswald (self-catering) – Liz and Adrian Cave – stay@howscales.co.uk / 01768 898666 / Facebook
• The Old Croft House, Kirkby Stephen (B&B) – Rachel & Nick – info@theoldcrofthouse.com / 01768 371638 / Facebook
• Lockholme B&B, Kirkby Stephen – Chrissie Halsall – enquiries@lockholme.co.uk / 017683 71321 / 07808 166380 / Facebook (bookings from 20 July)

Blanchland & the Upper Derwent

• Blanchland Shop & Post Office – Dave Hull – 01434 675209
• The Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland – 01434 677100 / Facebook
• The White Monk Tearoom, Blanchland
• Derwent View, Derwent Reservoir – South Shore (caravans, motor homes) – derwentviewglamping@btinternet.com / 01207 255117 / Facebook
• Boat Shack Cafe, Derwent Reservoir – South Shore (cafe) – derwentviewglamping@btinternet.com / 07766 077380 / Facebook
• The Punch Bowl Inn, Edmunbyers (restaurant, accommodation) – Lorna – mlbpartnership@gmail.com / 01207 255545 / Facebook
• The Burnside Bed & Breakfast, Edmundbyers – Jenna Adamson – jennaladamson@gmail.com / 07752 405094 / Facebook
• Bonners Lodge B&B and Touring Caravan Park, Waskerley – Michelle O’Brien – info@bonnerslodge.co.uk / 07946 536934
• Mansion Cottage, Hunstanworth – let via Air BnB / Twitter
• Woodside Lodge (self-catering) – Gillian Whatmough – stay@woodsideholidays.co.uk / 01434 676949 / 07836 580902 / Facebook (re-opening mid-August)
• Derwent Manor Hotel Best Western, Allensford – sales@bw-derwentmanor.co.uk / 01207 592000 / Facebook

Teesdale

• High Force Hotel & Waterfall – highforcehotel@raby.co.uk / 01833 622209
• Langdon Beck Hotel, Langdon Beck – Sue Matthews – info@langdonbeckhotel.com / 01833 622267 / Facebook
• Bowlees Visitor Centre, Forest-in-Teesdale (visitor centre, cafe – takeaway) – Mandy Oliver – visitbowlees@northpenninesaonb.org.uk / 01833 622145 / Facebook (incorporating the Falls Cafe at Bowlees)
• Doe Park Caravan Site, Cotherstone – Alison Lamb – info@doepark.co.uk / 01833 650302 / Facebook
• Owl Cottage, Middleton–in-Teesdale (self-catering) – Claire McKeever – info@owlcottageteesdale.co.uk / 07908 976491 (from 10 July)
• Brunswick House B&B, Middleton-in-Teesdale – Andrew Milnes – enquiries@brunswickhouse.net / 01833 640393
• The Tees’pot, Middleton-in-Teesdale (cafe) – Michelle Longman – bailhill@hotmail.co.uk / 01833 640717
• Teesdale Hotel, Middleton-in-Teesdale – enquiries@teesdalehotel.co.uk / 01833 640264 / Facebook
• The Forresters Hotel and Restaurant, Middleton-in-Teesdale – info@forrestersmiddleton.co.uk / 01833 641435 / Facebook
• The Rose & Crown, Romaldkirk (Inn) – info@rose-and-crown.co.uk / 01833 650213 (bookings from 1 August)
• The Crown, Mickleton (gastro-pub, self-catering, caravan site) – info@thecrownatmickleton.co.uk / 01833 640381 / Facebook
• The Aspens, Kelton, Middleton-in-Teesdale (self-catering) – Mandy – info@theaspensteesdale.co.uk / 07920 142511 / Facebook
• The Coach House Cafe and Gift Shop at Eggleston Hall – 01833 650553 / Facebook
• Cheesedale Cafe & Shop, Butterknowle – Allison & Jonathan Raper – allison@teesdalecheesemakers.co.uk / 01388 718984 / Facebook
• Mellwaters Barn Cottages, Bowes (self-catering) – Sally, Phillip and Andrew Tavener – info@mellwatersbarn.co.uk / 01833 628181 / Facebook
• Cross Lanes Organic Farm Shop & Cafe, Barnard Castle – info@crosslanesorganics.co.uk / 01833 630619 / Facebook

Weardale

• Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope (gift shop/tearooms) – durham.dales.centre@durham.gov.uk / 01388 527650 (
• Lime Tree Gallery, Stanhope – limetreegallery@hotmail.com / 01207 560447 / Facebook
• Che Restaurant, Stanhope (restaurant – takeaway) – Oskar and Dawn – info@cherestaurant.co.uk / 01388 205050 / 07394 635541 / Facebook
• Weardale Adventure Centre, Ireshopeburn (activities and take-away cafe), weardaleadventure@outlook.com / 01388 537387 / Facebook
• Belle View Holiday Cottage, Bollihope (self-catering) – Sue Andrews – belle.view@outlook.com 01388 527492
• Westgate Manor – Stuart Dobson – info@westgatemanor.co.uk / 01388 517371
• Hill Top – Killhope (Self-catering) – Phil Chatfield – admin@hilltopkillhope.co.uk / 01388 537248 / Facebook
• Lily’s Cottage, St. John’s Chapel (self-catering) – Julia & Richard Frost – juliafrost@btinternet.com / 07770 541672 / Facebook
• Plumbum Cottage, St. John’s Chapel (self-catering) – Contact Pennine Country Cottages – bookings@penninecountrycottages.co.uk / 01434 381808 or via web
• Chatterbox Cafe, St. John’s Chapel – Sarah Langan – chatterboxcafe11@gmail.com
• The Blue Bell Inn, St. John’s Chapel – Terry and Chris – hello@thebluebellinn.pub / 01388 537256 / Facebook
• The Golden Lion, St. John’s Chapel (accommodation, food and drink) – goldenlionweardale@btconnect.com / 01388 537231 / Facebook
• Parkhead Station, Waskerley Way – above Stanhope (Tearoom – takeaway) – Terry & Lorraine Turnbull – parkheadstation@aol.com / 01388 526434 / Facebook
• Carrs Cottage, Westgate (self-catering) – Kay Stubbs – kay.stubbs@stonecarrs.co.uk / 07999 552136
• Cross Keys, Eastgate (B&B, food and drink) – Gaynor and Brian – ​info@crosskeyseastgate.co.uk / 01388 517234 / Facebook
• Horsley Hall, Eastgate (self-catering) – Liz Curry – info@horsleyhall.co.uk / 01388 517239 / Facebook (opening from mid-August)
• Newlandshall B&B and Shepherds Hut, Frosterley – Carol Oulton – info@newlandshall.co.uk / 01388 529233 / Facebook
• Bradley Burn Farm Cafe & Shop – shop@bradleyburn.co.uk / 01388 527285
• The Victoria Inn, Witton-le-Wear (B&B) – Carolynne Hall – thevictoriabandb@gmail.com / 01388 488058

Artists, Photographers, Local Produce, Miscellaneous

• Essential Teesdale (New book by Martin Rogers Photography, available mail order) – Martin Rogers – 01833 640917 / 07967 229351 / via web
• Ann Whitfield Art (Teesdale-based landscape artist) – via web
• Anne Mason (Studio in the Wood) (Teesdale-based landscape artist) – anne@annemasonart.co.uk / Facebook
• Teesdale Cheesemakers (mail order cheese boxes) – Allison Raper – allison@teesdalecheesemakers.co.uk / 01388 718984 / Facebook
• Cumberland Mustard (mail order mustard, vinegar, sauces and pickles) – info@cumberlandmustard.com / 01434 381135 / Facebook
• Lonton Coffee Co Artisan Roasters (Teesdale mail order coffee, ground & beans) – Scott 07794 421829 / Sam 07878 289545 / via web / Facebook