An introduction to Allendale

The region, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and “gateway” to the North Pennines extends over 40 square miles. The parish reaches from the village of Catton in the north to Allenheads in the south and includes the hamlets of Sparty Lea, Sinderhope, Swin Hope and Middle Hope.

The main village in the parish is Allendale Town and this area of the East Allen valley was the centre of the lead mining industry. The reminder of the area’s 19th Century industrial heritage can be seen in the mine flues (chimneys) that pierce the heather moorland. The present industries are leisure, tourism (many B&Bs), outdoor education and sheep and cattle farming.Allendale Town is 10 miles from Hexham and 33 miles from Newcastle. The village has a small supermarket, a post office and a range of interesting shops and tea rooms, has good quality pubs serving excellent food. There is a first school and a middle school, child minders and a nursery, a care home, St Cuthbert’s (C of E) church and a Methodist chapel. Along with other organisations, members of a Women's Institute meet in the village and also at Catton.

There is a post office, general store and public house and restaurant at Allenheads and the history is retold at the Heritage Centre (Allenheads Trust). There are part time post offices/newsagents at Sinderhope and Sparty Lea.

Selected Links

• The Hexham Courant [http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/]
• Northumberland County Council [http://www.northumberland.gov.uk]
• Northumberland Tourist Board [http://www.ntb.org.uk]

Local Information Categories for Allendale

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