Sowerberry

Sowerberry works well for a small family or couple wanting their own space without fuss. The cottage has two bedrooms on the ground floor—one with a king bed, the other with a double and single—plus a bathroom with bath and shower. Upstairs is entirely open plan: a kitchen with electric oven and gas hob, a dining area, and a living room that opens onto a balcony with views towards the churchyard and surrounding fells. Wi-Fi, heating, electricity, bed linen and towels are all included. One car can park on site.

The area suits walkers and those after quiet countryside. Alston's cobbled main street has independent shops, restaurants and tea rooms within easy reach, and a pub is less than a mile away. The South Tynedale railway runs vintage steam and diesel trains through the South Tyne valley from the nearby station. Fishing, horse riding and golf are available locally, as are sections of the Pennine Way and various rambles. For a bigger radius, Hadrian's Wall and its museums are within travelling distance, along with the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Scottish Borders. The cottage does not permit smoking.