Allendale, Northumberland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Allendale |
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 Shield Street, Allendale Town |
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 Allendale
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| Population | 2,021 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | NY8355 |
| Civil parish |
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| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | HEXHAM |
| Postcode district | NE47 |
| Dialling code | 01434 |
| Police | Northumbria |
| Fire | Northumberland |
| Ambulance | North East |
| EU Parliament | North East England |
| UK Parliament |
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Allendale, also known as Allendale Town, is a village in Northumberland, England. It is located in the beautiful North Pennines, an area known for its outstanding natural beauty.
In 2011, about 2,021 people lived in Allendale. The village is part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This is a special protected area, the second largest of its kind in England and Wales. The main jobs in Allendale are in farming, especially sheep farming, and tourism. Many people also live here and travel to work in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Allendale is about 11 miles (18 km) from Hexham and about 34 miles (55 km) from both Carlisle and Newcastle upon Tyne.
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History of Allendale
Allendale gets its name from the "dale" or valley of the River Allen. People have lived in this area since prehistoric times, with signs of early settlements found on the nearby moorland.
Life in the Past
In the 1500s, this area was close to the Scottish border. It was a wild place where people often faced raids. To protect themselves and their animals, people built strong farmhouses called 'bastles'. Allendale has many bastles, with about 40 still visible today, some as interesting ruins.
Lead Mining
Mining for lead has happened here since Roman times. The first factory to melt lead was built in the 1600s. Allendale Town and nearby villages grew a lot because of the lead mining and melting industries in the 1800s. You can still see parts of the old melting factory between Allendale and Catton. Today, this old factory is home to the Allendale Brewery.
In 1869, the Hexham and Allendale Railway opened. This made it easier to transport goods and people. However, around the same time, the lead industry started to decline because of cheap lead imports. The last mines in the area closed in 1894.
When the lead mines closed, many people moved away. Allendale then became a popular place for tourists from Tyneside who wanted a country getaway. The railway stopped carrying passengers in 1930 and goods in 1950.
The Rose of Allandale
Allendale is often thought to be the place mentioned in the famous 1835 song "The Rose of Allandale." This song has been sung by many artists, including Paddy Reilly and The Dubliners.
New Year Fire Festival
Allendale has a unique New Year celebration. People called guisers carry lighted tar barrels on their heads. This tradition is very old, with records going back to the mid-1800s. It might have started when a silver band was playing carols on New Year's Eve. They couldn't use candles because of the wind, so someone suggested using a tar barrel for light. To move around, they carried the barrels on their heads. The exact origins of the festival are not clear, but it's a very special part of Allendale's history.
How Allendale is Governed
Allendale is part of the Hexham area for the UK Parliament. The local Member of Parliament (MP) is Joe Morris from the Labour Party.
For local decisions, Allendale is part of the Tynedale Division for elections to Northumberland County Council. This council manages many services for the area. Allendale also has its own local parish council that looks after village matters.
What's in Allendale?
Allendale has many useful places and businesses. You can find a health centre, a village shop, and a Post Office. There's also a store run by the Allendale Co-operative Society, a brewery, a butcher, a chemist, and several pubs. For visitors, there are gift shops, a tea-room, and an art-cafe.
Because of its lovely location, Allendale is a popular place for holidays. There are many holiday cottages and a caravan park for people to stay in.
The Museum of Classic Sci-Fi is also located in a cellar in the village. It's a fun place to visit!
Public Services in Allendale
Allendale has a scout group and a busy village hall that hosts many events. The Allendale Library is located in Dawson Place in the village square.
There is also a fire station in the town to help keep everyone safe.
The community is served by the Anglican Church of St. Cuthbert's and a Methodist chapel.
Getting Around Allendale
By Air
The closest airports are Carlisle Lake District Airport and Newcastle International Airport. They are about 29 and 32 miles (47 and 51 km) away by road.
By Bus
The village has a bus service, the 688, run by Go North East. This bus connects Allendale with nearby places like Allenheads, Sinderhope, Catton, Langley, and Hexham.
By Train
The nearest train stations are at Hexham and Haydon Bridge. Both are on the Tyne Valley Line, which runs between Newcastle and Carlisle. From Hexham, you can catch trains to Newcastle and Carlisle often.
By Road
Allendale is about 11 miles (18 km) by road from Hexham, and about 34 miles (55 km) from both Carlisle and Newcastle upon Tyne.
Sports in Allendale
Allendale has many sports activities for people to enjoy.
- Fishing: Allen Valley Angling and Conservation helps people fish in the River East Allen. They also work to improve fish numbers and river access. You can find wild brown trout, and sometimes sea trout and salmon that come to lay their eggs.
- Sports Club: Allendale Sports Club has football teams for both adults and juniors. It also has a netball team and four tennis courts.
- Running: The Allen Valley Striders running club is based at the Sports Club. They welcome runners of all skill levels.
- Golf: Allendale Golf Club was started in 1906.
- Cricket: Allendale Cricket Club has two teams that play each week.
- Allendale Challenge: Every Spring, there's a long walking challenge called the Allendale Challenge. It's a 25 miles (40 km) route that goes across some of the peat bogs in the North Pennines.
- Bowling: There is also a Bowling Green next to the Village Hall.
Awards for Allendale
In 2007, Allendale was named the all-England winner of the Calor Village of The Year competition. This competition was organized by Community Action Northumberland.
Famous People from Allendale
- Philip Larkin (a well-known poet)
