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Sedbergh is a surprising mix of sassy and smart. Set among the rolling hills of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, it’s one of England’s leading book towns, with a fine collection of new, second hand and collector’s bookshops. It has bags of olde worlde charm, its historic houses and cobbled streets the perfect complement to its extensive choice of speciality shops, and cafés, pubs and bistros serving locally sourced produce. Sedbergh is also the home of Farfield Mill, a former Victorian woollen mill which now contains gallery spaces, artists’ studios, power looms and handlooms set over four floors, displaying, and selling a range of contemporary craft, art, and jewellery, handcrafted and designed by artisan local producers in the Mill.
Its location at the foot of the Howgill fells make this a walker’s paradise and the perfect centre to base your explorations of both the dales and the Lake District. With some of the best mountain biking trails in the UK, fabulous walks on the doorstep, and a rich history of heritage and culture, Sedbergh is a destination not to be missed.
Sedbergh is a superb village with bags of character in which to try gorgeous homecooked food, whether it’s in a quaint little café, an old English pub or classy restaurant.
There’s also fantastic markets too: the weekly market is terrific, but the monthly Artisan market, held throughout the summer months, has built up such a high reputation it is now considered a ‘destination market.’ The cafes here are quite unique and each has something tempting to offer. One in particular is widely celebrated and has won many awards. Cafes range from the quaint and quirky to the more modern bistro feel, where food is inventive, superb quality and of restaurant standard -yet the prices are sensible. There’s a lovely welcoming atmosphere with the waft of homecooked fayre enticing you in to try dishes made with local ingredients and all cooked with care and attention.
Traditional pubs are worth a try too with well-kept local ales and that lovely warm and welcoming ambience with roaring log fires, which pubs do so well. Food is simple, with good choices of vegetarian and fish dishes and portion sizes are generous, which is always welcome after a day on the fells!
Another inn to try, a short drive from Sedbergh, is a brilliantly rustic, temperance inn. What’s that you say, no booze! Well fear not, you can take your own and enjoy a really high standard of proper northern food like steak & ale pie, while soaking in the views from your window of the Dales and the longest above ground waterfall in England. There’s also something of a gastropub come restaurant in Sedbergh, with pretty views. It’s a gem of a place offering superb Sunday lunches and mid-week meals and all are made with locally sourced ingredients.
Dent although smaller than Sedbergh has its fair share of quaint tea rooms with lots of rustic charm. All offering exquisite homemade cakes, from chocolate cake made with beer to heavenly carrot cake and fluffy scones with jam and cream. There’s also a very good range of different teas to try. More substantial homecooked meals are also offered, along with a glass of local ale and all round a roaring fire in winter.
The cafes here are family-owned, so you’re guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome. Or it’s an olde worlde pub you’re looking for, with great atmosphere, an open log fire and a great choice of local beers, there’s a couple of good pubs in the village to try. The food is good and wholesome, offering home-baked pies and other traditional pub food - and all great value too. The long-distance walk, Dales Way, takes you through Dent, so what better way to enjoy your walk than a stop in this charming little village with all it has to offer.
For more information on what Cumbria has to offer see Food and Drink
Sedbergh owes much of its development to its location at the convergence of four valleys formed by the rivers Lune, Rawthey, Clough (Garsdale) and Dee (Dentdale) – each serving as access and trade routes. The Romans followed the north-south axis of the Lune Valley, establishing forts at Borrowbridge (near Tebay) and Over Burrow (south of Kirkby Lonsdale) linked by a Roman road that runs on the line of Fair Mile and Howgill Lane.
Norse settlers arrived in the 10th century, penetrating up the valleys in search of suitable grazing grounds for their livestock. Their traditional longhouses, often sited next to watercourses, are the forebears of many of today's Dales farmhouses and can be identified by names ending in ‘thwaite' (‘clearing') or ‘scales' (‘summer dwelling').The name ‘Sedbergh' is derived from the Norse ‘Set Berg', meaning ‘flat-topped hill', a possible reference to the defensive structure at Castlehaw.
Sedbergh is mentioned in the Domesday Book so a settlement must have existed here before the Norman Conquest. On their arrival, the Norman barons established control by constructing a defensive motte and bailey at Castlehaw (SD 662 923), and later founded the two churches dedicated to St Andrew at Sedbergh and Dent.
By medieval times, Sedbergh was a well-established town; its reputation cemented by the founding of its famous public school in 1525. The school has produced many distinguished names over the years including Professor Adam Sedgwick, the father of modern geology, and Will Carling who captained the England rugby team 1988–1996.
The relative isolation of these valleys fostered a strong sense of independence in Dales folk, which during the 17th century turned to disillusionment with the established church. In 1652, George Fox, founder of the Quakers, came to Dentdale and Garsdale bringing the message that God could simply be found within you. His inspirational words struck a chord with the people of the Dales, so that when he arrived at Sedbergh, a receptive audience of over a thousand was waiting for his sermon on Firbank Fell – now known as Fox's Pulpit.
Dent - With its hilly cobbled main street and colour-washed cottages, Dent is a thoroughly charming village set in the beautiful valley of Dentdale. Adam Sedgwick is regarded as the father of modern geology. He was born in Dent at the Old Parsonage, the son of the local vicar. As a boy he attended the tiny grammar school in the churchyard before moving to Sedbergh School and then to Cambridge University. Dent is also home to the highest railway station in England.
Kirkby Lonsdale - Kirkby Lonsdale is in the beautiful valley of the River Lune on the fringes of both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. A national winner of 'Britain in Bloom', the town has an excellent range of speciality shops and attractive 17th and 18th century inns. Kirkby Lonsdale's superb location has attracted many notable visitors.
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Fun facts and tantaliaing trivia about Sedbergh. Click for more details
I do not know a place more naturally divine
Number of results: 96
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Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth
Set in the beautiful River Lune valley between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District National Parks, Woodclose Park is a quiet and serene place. It stands in a slight hollow leading down to the spectacular three ribbed medieval arches of Devil's…
3-5 Market St, Kirkby Lonsdale
A Warm, Friendly and Comfortable welcome awaits you at the Copper Kettle Bed & Breakfast Guest house, located in the beautiful town of Kirkby Lonsdale, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dakes.
SEDBERGH
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from 1130, is a haven of peace.
Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth
‘Treetops’ is a one-bedroom, dog-friendly self-catering apartment at Woodclose Park. The apartment has an open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom. There is a sofa bed in the lounge area for two additional guests. To the…
Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth
Woodclose Park is situated in the beautiful valley of the River Lune, right on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and within easy reach of the Lake District. It's a peaceful and tranquil holiday park, offering guests an escape from the hustle and…
Sedbergh
Heallreaf 5 presents their latest exhibition of handwoven tapestry. Using centuries old weaving techniques, the international exhibitors produce beautiful thought provoking works.
Heallreaf is an Old English word meaning a tapestry hung in a public…
Kirkby Lonsdale
Fine butchers next door to Churchmouse Cheeses selling beef, lamb and pork, home cured bacon, sausages and pies, huntsman pie, steak and kidney pie, steak and ale pie, chicken and ham pie and more. Specialities include pork, duck and orange and…
Sedbergh
I grew up in Huddersfield, in the heart of the textile industry, and spent many childhood days playing amongst the derelict mills that are our industrial heritage. After travelling extensively, I returned to my hometown and the rugged and remote…
20 St Lukes Rd, Kirkby Stephen
Enjoy an excellent introduction to the charms of the English Lake District on the official Cumbria Way Walking Holiday.
Cumbria
The highest peaks of the Howgills cry out to be walked from Sedbergh. Their rolling flanks sweep down to the edge of the village offering soft green folds that draw the eye skywards. At the heart of the range is a cluster of flat topped peaks which…
Sedbergh
Exploring Techniques in Woven Tapestry Workshop with Anna Wetherell
Saturday 1 March 2025 10am – 4pm
£65 plus £5 for materials
The Heallreaf tapestries are inspirational! We will have a look round the exhibition and see how the weavers have used…
The Lake once supplied water to the Lancaster and Kendal Canal; The 37 acre lake is situated in picturesque countryside and provides excellent fishing
Sedbergh
Howgills Apartment 8 is a dog-friendly ground-floor apartment with french doors on to a terraced area with outdoor seating, ideal for a summer evening! The apartment offers an open-plan living space, with dining area and kitchen. This apartment has…
Cumbria
Of all the Yorkshire Dales, Dentdale has probably the most pleasant atmosphere. With a westerly aspect it receives the sun for most of the day making it more verdant and giving a softer feel than some of its more dour neighbours. None of Dentdales…
Cumbria
Buses to and through Sedbergh:
564 Kendal - Sedbergh - Dent - Kirkby Stephen - Brough.
564B Cowgill - Dent - Sedbergh - Kendal.
567A Kirkby Lonsdale - Sedbergh.
20 St Lukes Rd, Kirkby Stephen
Coast to Coast Packhorse is the only UK travel company specializing exclusively in Alfred Wainwright’s famous C2C Way. For nearly 30 years, we’ve helped walkers, runners, and cyclists plan unforgettable coast-to-coast holidays from our headquarters…
20 St Lukes Rd, Kirkby Stephen
Set your own pace on the Coast to Coast. Choose how many rest days you need and how far you’d like to walk each day. Opt for one of our self-guided tours or customise your trip with bespoke options. With flexible start dates throughout the season,…
Sedbergh
The International Textile Exhibition is back with new work from around the world. Oceans is the inspiration for the work entered into the competition from internationally renowned textiles artists. There is a stunning array of figurative and…
Sedbergh
Howgills Apartment 9 is on the 2nd floor of our building and offers a split-level apartment with living, dining, and kitchen facilities downstairs and the bedrooms upstairs. Each bedroom has a wet room - which offers a shower, sink, and toilet.
Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth
Welcome to glamping holidays at Woodclose Park. Nestled in the Lune Valley and within walking distance of Kirkby Lonsdale, Woodclose Park is a popular choice for guests seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by countryside, with easy access to both…
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