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Alston is the highest market town in England, being about 1,000 feet above sea level. It lies within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, more than 15 miles (24 km) from the nearest town, and is surrounded by moorland. Nearby villages include Garrigill and Nenthead.
The town lies on the confluence of the River South Tyne and the River Nent. The landscape of the area is built up from limestone, sandstone and shale. The area is rich in minerals, in particular lead deposits, and the landscape has been heavily influenced by the effects of varying methods of mining over the centuries.
Tourism is now an important source of income for the area. Alston and the surrounding area is part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and European Geopark. Alston is noted for its cobbled streets and 17th-century stone buildings. The Pennine Way, the UK's first National Trail, passes through Alston.
Shopping is remarkably good for such a small place. Shops include a whole foods shop, a Co-op supermarket, a Spar convienence store, a vegetable shop, a butcher, a newsagent's which also sells hardware, a computer shop and cybercafe, an outdoor clothing shop, an organic bakery and a number of craft, gift and antique shops.
There are a number of public houses in Alston including The Cumberland Inn, The Turks Head and the famous Angel Inn.
Steam trains on the narrow-gauge South Tynedale Railway run from April to October, offering a short journey though pleasant scenery.
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