Once the wealthiest lead mining centre in Europe, the Northern Pennines are richly endowed with the historical remains of the once thriving industries which populated the area and numerous mysterious humps, mine shafts and stone chimneys bear witness to the legacy of this industrial past.

The mining days in the area are now long gone however and the Northern Pennines are classed as an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' with a wonderful variety of animal and plant life contributing to the beauty of the fells and valleys with Black Grouse, Merlin, Red Squirrels and Dippers among the wildlife to be seen - this is not excluding our own herd of Alpacas at Greenends of course!

The North pennines is an ideal base from which to explore three of Britain's most popular national Parks - the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the Northumberland National Park. Along the edges of the North Pennines are numerous historical and fascinating market towns, such as Appleby, Barnard Castle, Penrith, Haltwhistle and Kirkby Stephen while the shopaholics among you are catered for in the thriving commercial centres of Bishop Auckland, Durham, Consett, Hexham and Penrith whilst the main cities of Newcastle and Carlisle are still relatively accessible.


Attractions
Four miles from Greenends lies Alston, an historic market town built on the confluence of the Rivers South Tyne and Nent. The town claims to be the highest market town in England and boasts a narrow gauge railway, specialist shops, cafes, craft galleries and artists galore. Buildings cling to the side of steep cobbled streets and narrow lanes lead to a variety of nooks and crannies for you to explore. In 1999 Alston was chosen as one of the settings for the film adaptation of "Oliver Twist".

Nearby Nenthead, the highest village in England, offers a public house, restaurant and post office as well as its own unique history. The village was purpose built by the Quaker run London Lead Mining Company and its legacy can still be seen today with a Reading Room (the first free library in England) and the earliest compulsory schooling in the country (Village Hall).

There are plenty of visitor attractions in the area to enjoy including Killhope Lead Mining Museum, Eden Ostrich World, South Tynedale Steam Railway, Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre and Alston's Transport and Heritage Museum.


Activities
For those seeking a different holiday experience you can, for example, go down a real lead mine, stand behind a fifty foot waterfall and travel on England's highest narrow gauge railway.

There are also plenty of opportunities locally for country pursuits such as shooting and fishing.

The North pennines are a fantastic region for walkers with any amount of walks available ranging from the magnificent trek to Cross Fell or High Cup Nick to one of the many shorter leisurely strolls which the area offers either through remote and isolated uplands sylvan riverside walks. You can always plan your walks to include plenty of refreshment stops by visiting one (or more!) of the many tea rooms and public houses in the area.

Cyclists are also extremely well catered for in the North Pennines with two National Cycle Routes passing through the area including the world famous C2C (Sea to Sea) route. There are numerous quiet and unfrequented minor roads and lanes to explore as well as miles and miles of off-road routes to tackle should you feel more adventurous.