Ashgill Force
The highest waterfall in the area, the gill falls a spectacular 50ft into a pool in the wooded valley below.
YHA Alston
Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3RWOverview
COVID-19 Industry Standard
In Partnership with The National Tourist Organisation of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
In recognition that this business has confirmed that they have followed government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, ensuring processes are in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social/physical distancing.
YHA Alston is the perfect accommodation option for cyclists and walkers looking to enjoy the beautiful North Pennines scenery which surrounds the hostel. Ideally located for those tackling the Pennine Way or the Coast to Coast cycle route (the hostel is situated on both routes), the neighbouring countryside has great walking routes for all to enjoy, whether you are a keen hiker or prefer a more gentle approach.
Although the hostel is on the edge of town, there are three pubs that serve food, two supermarkets and local amenities within walking distance, providing all you need for a peaceful break. The hostel is also visited by red squirrels, that can often be seen through the dining room window.
Why guests love YHA Alston
Accommodation at YHA Alston
Bed in a shared room
Dorms are not currently available.
Dorm rooms have multiple beds, are typically more affordable than private rooms, and shared with other people who may not be travelling together. A typical shared room includes bunk beds, a reading light and a storage cupboard for each guest, secured by a padlock if required.
Children aged between 12 and 15 can stay in dorm rooms as long as an adult of the same gender accompanies them.
Some dorms may be en-suites, meaning that they have a bathroom in the room that you would be sharing with the other people in your dorm.
Private rooms
Don't fancy sharing a room? Private rooms typically include a storage cupboard for each bed, secured by a padlock if required, a reading light and a wash hand basin. Shared shower and toilet facilities are located near to the room.
Private en-suite rooms
Enjoy your own space with a private en-suite room. Private rooms typically include a storage cupboard for each bed, secured by a padlock if required, a reading light and a wash hand basin.
Hire the whole place
This hostel is occasionally made available for hire on an exclusive basis between November and March. This means that you can have the place to yourself and choose how many of your friends, family, club mates, etc., join you.
If you are looking for space to stay with us on a shared basis, and can’t see any availability, then this hostel may be being used for Exclusive Hire.
Food and drink at YHA Alston
Things to do around YHA Alston
Cycling in Alston
The hostel is a popular stop off for the Sea to Sea bike ride. The secure bike shed and drying room offer all the facilities a cyclist needs. However we do not have bikes to rent out.
Walking and Rambling in Alston
The Pennine Way passes through some of the most beautiful and remote countryside England has to offer. This section boasts the highest waterfall in England.
Mountain Biking in Alston
The South Tyne Trail is a great route for all abilities to enjoy traffic-free picturesque rides.
South Tynedale Railway
A new narrow gauge railway from Cumbria into Northumberland. There's also a shop, café & Hub transport museum. Visit the Railway website
The Rheged Centre
Designed to resemble a Lakeland hill, the grass-covered centre houses a cinema, play areas, pottery painting and regional shops that reflect the area, its craft people and producers. Why's it
Talkin Tarn Country Park
An ideal place for water sports or a quiet stroll through the mature woodlands. Fishing and bike hire available. See details on the Visit Cumbria website
Killhope
Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum, is a fully restored nineteenth century lead mine, where you can experience for yourself the life and work of the lead mining families of the Pen
Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre
See the mineral mining past of the North Pennines, with underground tours and interactive waterpower demonstrations. See samples in the nearby museum and tea-room. Visit the Mine website for
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access
- Breakfast
- Coach parking nearby
- Contactless payments
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Free on-street parking
- Free parking on premises
- Full mobile coverage
- Games
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Library
- Minibus parking nearby
- Minibus parking on premises
- Near bus stop
- Outdoor seating
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge
- Water refill station
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Closed facilities: The following facilities are temporarily closed at this hostel due to COVID-19 safety measures - self-catering kitchen(s), lounge area(s), dining room(s), cycle store(s), drying room(s).
Seasonal opening pattern: YHA Alston is open all year round.
Hostel opening hours: YHA Alston is open to the public from Monday - Sunday, 07:00 - 10.00 and 17:00 - 22:00.
Reception hours: From 07:00 - 10.00 and 17:00 - 22:00.
Parking: There is parking at the hostel.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Alston. Assistance dogs are welcome.
YHA Alston - Access Statement
(PDF download - 49.09 KB)
History
Purpose-built in 1975 for YHA, YHA Alston is now privately owned as a YHA Enterprise hostel.
Meet the team
The hostel is owned and run by keen long distance walkers and cyclists Linda Willmott, Neil Willmott and Jenny Bradley.
Manager recommends: For something unusual, walk behind Ashgill Force waterfall. If you're feeling active mountain-bike the South Tyne Trail - the old railway path to Haltwhistle.
