The 'unforgettable' northumberland village branded 'gorgeous' by denise welch

WITH A NAME THAT MEANS 'VALLEY OF THE SHINING WATER', ALLENDALE IS A DREAM DESTINATION WITH BEAUTY SPOTS GALORE AND UNUSUAL ATTRACTIONS TO DISCOVER 12:16, 30 May 2025Updated 12:19,

30 May 2025 This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more From dreamy rural escapes to idyllic coastal beauty spots,

there's little question as to why Northumberland is at the top of everyone's travel list this summer - and one village has even impressed some famous faces. Located less than an

hour away from Newcastle, Allendale is described as an "unforgettable" hidden gem. With a name that translates to 'valley of the shining water' thanks to the silver and

lead ore running through its rivers, this stone-built village is nestled in the heart of the Allen Valleys. Surrounded by the picturesque Northumberland countryside, Allendale is the perfect

place for day-trippers and holidaymakers looking to get away from it all - while still being a hub of action as the home of multiple festivals and historic celebrations. The village has

played host to the Tar Bar'l festival on New Year's Eve since 1858, which sees 45 local men carry burning whiskey barrels in a procession through the streets. Meanwhile, the

just-passed Mayfair festival and the upcoming Folk Festival in September both offer visitors the chance to experience the musical heritage of the Allen Valleys as well as traditional village

activities. Attractions open to visitors all year round in Allendale range from art studios and galleries to one that you would probably not expect to find in a rural village: The Museum of

Classic Sci-Fi. This museum is home to more than 300 original props, costumes and artworks from classic film and TV series, from Doctor Who and Star Wars to the Marvel Comics. The village

even featured on Robson Green's BBC series Weekend Escapes last year, in an episode which saw Robson take Denise Welch to the village where they took part in a painting workshop before

embarking on a guided horse ride at the nearby Sinderhope Pony Trekking Centre. Denise said of the day out: "The trip to Allendale was just gorgeous, it was a lovely thing to do."

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entertainment and events in and around the North East. Visit Northumberland writes of Allendale: "Shimmering rivers, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning moorlands, with wildlife in

abundance, Allendale is a picturesque and unforgettable part of Northumberland. A small village, with a big personality." The tourism board recommends taking a walk along the tranquil

River Allen, where ramblers can take in the surrounding sights of waterfalls, moorland and abundant wildlife. And for those looking for somewhere to stay to soak up the beauty of the Allen

Valleys, there are plenty of options in and around Allendale. In Allendale itself, the number one top-rated hotel in the village according to Tripadvisor reviews is The Kings Head, a

traditional pub housed in a Grade II listed building on the market square. And the number one choice over on Booking.com is the Allendale Tea Rooms, a bed and breakfast serving up lunches,

cakes and scones downstairs. Meanwhile, holidaycottages.co.uk has one place to stay in the village, River View Lodge, a luxury lodge with a hot tub boasting woodland views, although it

doesn't come cheap with prices starting from £1,310 for a seven-night stay. Sykes Holiday Cottages also has a select few traditional cottage options including The Forge and Hare &

Hounds House as well as The Dale Cottage, all of which are priced from around £420 for the week. Article continues below And over on Airbnb, one of the quirkiest stays in Allendale is the

Little Railway Hut, a converted train carriage situated in nine acres of picturesque private grounds. The latest series of Robson Green's Weekend Escapes is available to watch now on

BBC iPlayer. Filming for the new series is currently under way, with Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer joining Robson for one of his latest trips in the North East.