This small town is well worth a visit. Once boosted as being the highest market town in England, Alston has traditional cobble streets. The main shopping street in Alston is exceedingly steep and many of the shops have steps into them making access difficult. Goodwill and assistance are readily available, but if mobility is at all limited a friend or escort will be needed.
Shops include craft and gift shops, small supermarkets, produce and cafes.
The South Tyneside Railway have provided a special carriage for disabled people, with ramped access on and off the platform. There is a toilet suitable for an ambulant disabled person and a small cafe with two steps down into it. The former station can be accessed via a ramp from the platform.
Bank and Building Society
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Barclays Bank, Front Street
Personal Customers Telephone: 0845 7555555
3 steps to Automatic front door, Guide Dogs, Parking, 2 small steps to Accessible ATM
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HSBC, Front Street
Telephone: (01434) 362500
3 steps to Automatic front door, One vertical handrail, Guide Dogs, Parking, Level access to ATM but 1.2m to screen
Alston has an outdoor market - Saturday.
Officially Alston has Half-day closing on Tuesdays.
Although many shops stay open.
