Planning a stay at Alston House Hotel in Cumbria means weighing its reputation as a dog-friendly Pennine Way stopover against the practical details that matter most to guests. This review draws on verified pet policies from Expedia and TripAdvisor, guest feedback from Hotels.com, and pricing data from KAYAK to give you a clear, evidence-based picture. Whether you are researching its dining, its history, or how well it welcomes four-legged travellers, you will find the facts you need here.

Last checked: 2026-07-20

Location: Alston, Cumbria, North Pennines AONB · Accommodation: 8 individual en-suite bedrooms · Dining: On-site bar, restaurant & cafe · Pet Policy: Dog-friendly · Trail Access: Situated on the Pennine Way and C2C route · TV Appearance: Featured on Channel 4’s Four in a Bed

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-07-20.

Sources reviewed: official hotel website (via TripAdvisor owner replies), Booking.com, KAYAK, Hotels.com, TripAdvisor reviews and rankings, Expedia listing, HotelsCombined listing.

No on-site inspection was conducted, no staff interview was carried out, and no independent verification of historical claims was performed.

Alston House Hotel at a glance

1 Location
  • Townfoot, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3RN — 0.1 miles from the town centre (HotelsCombined)
2 Dog Policy
  • Dogs allowed in rooms and dining areas; £10 per dog per night fee (Expedia)
3 Room Count
  • 8 individual en-suite bedrooms — typical size for a Cumbrian boutique guesthouse (HotelsCombined)
4 Guest Score
  • 10/10 ‘Excellent’ guest review on Hotels.com (May 2023) highlighting staff, rooms and food (Hotels.com)

What is the history of Alston House Hotel?

The building that houses Alston House Hotel sits at Townfoot in Alston, a historic market town in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The structure itself is a traditional Cumbrian stone property, though specific details about the original construction date are not widely documented in the sources reviewed here. Its connection to the Alston surname and local family history is a frequent subject of enquiry, but the available booking platform and review sources do not provide a verified family lineage.

What is clearer is the building’s more recent evolution. Alston House Hotel has operated as a 2-star guest accommodation with 8 en-suite bedrooms, a bar, restaurant and cafe — a wider dining offering than many village inns in the area. The hotel gained a degree of national visibility through its appearance on Channel 4’s Four in a Bed, a programme that pits B&B owners against each other in a competition format. That television exposure placed the hotel in front of a UK-wide audience, though detailed records of its performance on the show are not available from the sources used here.

The pattern: Alston House Hotel’s history is less about a documented lineage and more about its organic growth into a full-service guesthouse that anchors the local hospitality scene in this corner of Cumbria.

Note: If you are specifically interested in the history of the Alston family, local archive sources such as the Cumbria Archive Service may hold more detail than hotel booking pages can provide.

Is Alston House Hotel dog friendly?

The short answer is yes — and the policy is documented from multiple sources. Expedia’s listing for Alston House Hotel states that the property welcomes dogs only, with an extra charge of GBP 10 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from that fee. A TripAdvisor Q&A response from a representative of the hotel adds that dogs are “welcome for meals” in the dining areas, a detail that matters for guests who do not want to leave their pets alone in the room at mealtimes.

HotelsCombined notes that the hotel permits “most pets, like cats and dogs,” and advises contacting the front desk for other types of animals. This gives a margin of flexibility, though the primary emphasis is on dogs. The same £10 per night charge appears consistently across both Expedia and TripAdvisor, which strengthens the reliability of that figure.

What is not clearly specified in the available sources is whether there are limits on the number of dogs per room, size or breed restrictions, or whether dogs are allowed in all room types or only designated pet-friendly rooms. These details are worth clarifying directly with the hotel before booking.

Important: The Alston House guest house in Brighton, East Sussex, is a separate property with a similar name but a different pet policy. Do not confuse the two when checking terms. Always confirm the address — Townfoot, Alston, CA9 3RN — when booking.

The hotel ranks as the #3 best value of 8 pet-friendly hotels in Alston, according to TripAdvisor’s 2025 list. This ranking suggests competitive pricing and service among the limited pool of dog-friendly accommodations in the area. For travellers walking the Pennine Way or the Coast to Coast (C2C) route with a dog, this is a meaningful credential.

The bottom line: Alston House Hotel is explicitly dog-friendly with a clear, published fee structure and the bonus of dog access to dining areas — a combination that is not universal among small Cumbrian hotels.

The bottom line: The bottom line: Alston House Hotel is explicitly dog-friendly with a clear, published fee structure and the bonus of dog access to dining areas — a combination that is not universal among small Cumbrian hotels.

What is the best time to visit Alston House Hotel?

Alston sits at around 300 metres above sea level in the North Pennines, making it one of the highest market towns in England. This elevation means cooler temperatures and a higher likelihood of rain compared to lower-lying parts of Cumbria. The Pennine Way and C2C routes that pass through the town are most accessible in the late spring through early autumn (May to September), when daylight hours are longer and trail conditions are generally drier.

Winter visits can offer a very different experience — fewer walkers, snow on the surrounding fells, and a cosy atmosphere in the hotel’s bar and restaurant. However, some sources indicate that certain rooms or services may have seasonal availability, so it is worth checking directly. Pricing also shifts: HotelsCombined data shows an average nightly rate of approximately £169, with cheaper deals starting around £110 to £150 depending on the season and room type.

“Very welcoming friendly staff. Nice rooms and good food.”

— Paul, guest review on Hotels.com, 21 May 2023

The town of Alston itself has a number of annual events, including the Alston Show in September, which attracts visitors from across the region. While the hotel’s own website does not list event-linked packages in the reviewed sources, the timing of a visit to coincide with local events could add value for guests who enjoy a more lively atmosphere.

Why this matters: The best time to visit depends heavily on your primary reason for being there. For hikers and cyclists, May to September is the practical window. For a quiet, budget-conscious winter break, the off-season may offer better rates and an emptier bar.

What dining options does Alston House Hotel offer?

The hotel operates three distinct eating and drinking spaces: a bar, a restaurant, and a cafe. This range is broader than many comparable village inns in the North Pennines, which often offer only a bar or a pub menu. The Alston House Hotel restaurant is contactable via phone at +44 1434 382200, a detail confirmed across multiple TripAdvisor pages.

The menu — described as seasonal and using local produce on the official site — is not published in full in the booking platform sources reviewed here. However, the hotel’s own TripAdvisor page indicates that the restaurant serves lunch and dinner, while the cafe handles lighter daytime fare. Guest reviews frequently mention the quality of the food: the Hotels.com reviewer who gave a 10/10 rating specifically praised “good food” alongside welcoming staff and comfortable rooms.

The same TripAdvisor Q&A response that confirmed the dog policy also stated that dogs are “welcome for meals” in both the bar and restaurant areas. This is a significant detail for dog owners who want to dine without leaving their pet behind.

The trade-off: While the range of dining options is a clear strength, the lack of a fully searchable online menu in the available sources means guests may need to call ahead if they have specific dietary requirements. The hotel’s responsiveness to dietary restrictions is not directly documented in the review data examined here.

What do guest reviews and television appearances reveal about Alston House Hotel?

The available guest reviews paint a generally positive picture. The Hotels.com review from May 2023 — rated 10/10 “Excellent” — highlights “very welcoming friendly staff, nice rooms and good food.” This is a single review, so it should not be taken as a statistical average, but it aligns with the tone of TripAdvisor comments that describe a warm, personal service style.

What we found: The review sample from Hotels.com and TripAdvisor is limited in volume. Only one dated, verified review (May 2023) was available in the research sources. Generalisations about guest satisfaction are not possible from this data alone.

The hotel’s appearance on Channel 4’s Four in a Bed is a known fact, but detailed records of its performance — including episode date, scores given by other participants, or any controversy — are not available from the sources cited in this review. The show typically involves owners staying at each other’s properties and paying what they consider a fair price, and results can range from high praise to pointed criticism. Without a specific source documenting the outcome for Alston House Hotel, it is not possible to say whether it “won” or how it was rated by fellow participants.

Bottom line: The pattern: Guest reviews are sparse but positive where they exist. The hotel’s television appearance adds a layer of public recognition that few comparable properties in the area can claim, even if the specifics of that appearance are not fully documented in publicly accessible sources.
Pros
  • Explicitly dog-friendly with published fee (£10/night)
  • Dogs welcome in dining areas, not just bedrooms
  • Three on-site dining spaces (bar, restaurant, cafe)
  • Situated directly on Pennine Way and C2C routes
  • Ranked #3 best value pet-friendly hotel in Alston (TripAdvisor)
Cons
  • Only 2-star rating — limited facilities compared to hotel chains
  • Limited volume of recent guest reviews available online
  • No online menu or dietary-option documentation in sources
  • Seasonal availability may restrict room choices in winter
  • Performance on Four in a Bed not publicly documented

Best for which travellers

  • Couples seeking a countryside getaway: The quiet market town setting and on-site dining make it a practical base for a relaxed break.
  • Dog owners looking for pet-friendly stays: The combination of a £10 pet fee, dog access to dining areas, and a #3 ranking among local pet-friendly hotels is a strong draw.
  • Hikers and cyclists on the Pennine Way or C2C: The hotel is minutes from both long-distance trails, and the bar and cafe provide solid refuelling options.
  • Families wanting a relaxing Cumbria base: The 8-bedroom setup offers a more intimate experience than a large hotel, though family-specific amenities are not extensively documented.

Pricing and how to book

Room prices at Alston House Hotel vary by season, room type, and booking platform. KAYAK data shows a typical range from £110 to £150 per night, while HotelsCombined records an average of around £169 per night, with cheaper deals from approximately £150. The £10 per pet per night surcharge applies for dog-owning guests. Check-in is from 2 PM to 9 PM, and check-out is at 11 AM. Late arrival may be possible by prior arrangement.

Given the limited availability of 8 rooms, advance booking is advisable, particularly during the peak summer hiking season (June to August).

Price tip: Third-party platforms like KAYAK and HotelsCombined sometimes show different rates for the same room type. Cross-comparing before booking can save money, especially if you are flexible with dates.

How to get there

Alston House Hotel is located at Townfoot, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3RN, approximately 0.1 miles from the town centre. Alston is accessible by car via the A686, a well-known road that runs through the North Pennines between Penrith and Hexham. The nearest railway station is in Carlisle (approximately 20 miles away), with regular train services from London, Newcastle and Glasgow. From Carlisle, the 685 or 681 bus route connects to Alston, with a journey time of around 45 minutes.

For those walking the Pennine Way or the Coast to Coast route, the hotel sits directly along the trail corridor, making it a natural stopover point.

Alternatives in the area

Ravenstone Manor Hotel

A dog-friendly country hotel near Keswick, offering a more upscale base on the western edge of the Lake District. See our Ravenstone Manor Hotel guide for details.

Dartington Hall Hotel

A historic estate hotel in Devon with a broader array of facilities, suitable for guests willing to travel further south. Read our Dartington Hall Hotel review.

Our recommendation

For dog owners walking the Pennine Way or C2C, Alston House Hotel offers a solid combination of clear pet policy, dining flexibility, and a location that cannot be beaten. The £10 dog fee is reasonable, and the invitation for dogs to join at meals is a genuine differentiator. For couples and families looking for a quiet Cumbrian base without the price tag of a Lake District hotel, the value proposition is strong.

The main gap is the thin layer of recent guest reviews and the absence of detailed documentation on the hotel’s Four in a Bed appearance. If those details matter to you, a direct phone call to the hotel (+44 1434 382200) before booking is a sensible step.

Additional sources

tripadvisor.com, no.tripadvisor.com, ar.tripadvisor.com

Frequently asked questions

Is Alston House Hotel dog friendly?

Yes. The hotel welcomes dogs in guest rooms at a charge of £10 per dog, per night (Expedia, TripAdvisor). Dogs are also allowed in dining areas for meals, as confirmed by a hotel representative on TripAdvisor Q&A.

How many bedrooms does Alston House Hotel have?

The hotel has 8 individual en-suite bedrooms, a size typical of a small Cumbrian boutique guesthouse (HotelsCombined).

Where is Alston House Hotel located?

It is at Townfoot, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3RN, roughly 0.1 miles from the centre of Alston and directly on the Pennine Way and C2C long-distance trails (HotelsCombined, KAYAK).

What dining options does Alston House Hotel offer?

The hotel has a bar, restaurant and cafe on site, serving seasonal British cuisine. Contact the restaurant at +44 1434 382200 (TripAdvisor).

What is the history of the Alston family?

While the hotel’s name references the local Alston surname, the available booking platform sources do not document a verified family lineage. Local archive services may hold more detailed historical records.

Can you leave dogs alone in the room at dog-friendly hotels?

Most UK dog-friendly hotels, including Alston House, recommend not leaving dogs unattended for extended periods. The hotel’s own policy allows dogs in dining areas, which reduces the need to leave them alone at mealtimes.

Timeline

  • 21 May 2023: Guest Paul posts a 10/10 “Excellent” review on Hotels.com, describing “very welcoming friendly staff, nice rooms and good food.” (Hotels.com)
  • 2025 (current): Expedia and TripAdvisor both list current dog-friendly policies with the £10 per night fee and dining-area access for dogs. TripAdvisor ranks the hotel #3 best value among 8 pet-friendly hotels in Alston.

Sources