Allendale parish lies in south west Northumberland, in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, approximately 14 kilometres (9 miles) south west of Hexham. At the 2011 Census, the parish had a population of 2,021. The local economy is predominantly based on agriculture and tourism, although recently it has become a popular commuter town for Newcastle upon Tyne and Carlisle.

Allendale countryside attracts walkers, cyclists and horse riders with routes taking in moorland, waterfalls and wildlife as well as the remains of Allendale’s industrial heritage of lead mining.

Allendale Parish Council provides a number of services in the village including, grass cutting, weed control, flower planters, public seating and cemetery management and maintenance.

The Parish Council is able to give grants to local organisations for all sorts of purposes and Councillors consider these twice a year at their February and September meetings.

Allendale Parish Council is made up of 13 Councillors who are normally elected for a four-year term of office. The Council meet on the first Thursday of each month, usually at Allendale Village Hall at 7pm. All meetings are open to the public and the press. The agendas and minutes of the meetings are displayed on the Parish noticeboards in Allendale, Catton and Allenheads as well as in Allendale Library.