Lose yourself in the Allen Valleys

By day, stand atop rocky ridges and marvel at the panoramic views of one of the most unspoilt places in England.  Follow in the footsteps of Victorian tea merchant Isaac Holden and stride across vast heather moors.  Delve into deep wooded dales and admire the flora and fauna in the ancient woodland of Staward Gorge. 

By night, the skies turn to inky black – ideal for stargazing in one of several North Pennines Dark Sky Discovery Sites, such as Allendale Golf Club.  Welcome in the New Year with the Allendale Tar Bar’l, a local tradition celebrated since 1848.  At midnight, men parade through the streets carrying barrels filled with blazing tar on their heads, banishing evil spirits for the coming year.

Content provided by Visit Northumberland