to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
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.
Food & Drink
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
Culture & Heritage
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.
Surrounding Areas
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.
Did you know?
Fun facts and tantaliaing trivia about Sedbergh. Click for more details
I do not know a place more naturally divine
Search
- Accommodation
- Things to Do
- What's On
- Food & Drink
-
Towns & Villages
Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Towns & Villages
Towns & Villages
Number of results: 100
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539621958Sedbergh
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…
Address
Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539621958Sedbergh
Snowdrops Fibre Art Workshop with Wendy Ann Stanger
Sunday 23 February 10am - 4pm
£65 plus £5 for materials on the day
Join Studio Artist Wendy Ann for a fun day creating snowdrops inspired fibre art. Using a range of plant fibres such as linen,…Address
The Copper Kettle, 3-5, 3-5 Market Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2AUTelephone
015242 717143-5 Market Street, Kirkby Lonsdale
Old world type restaurant serving home-made food.
Address
Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539621958Sedbergh
Members of the international Waterline project continue their collaboration with a new theme of Murmuration. A new series of handwoven tapestries capturing the marvel of a flock of birds flying closely together, a shape-shifting form creating…
Address
High Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA6 2SETelephone
015242 71597Kirkby 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…
Address
Sun Inn, 6 Market Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2AUTelephone
015242 71965Kirkby Lonsdale
The Sun Inn’s AA rosette rated restaurant is led by our experienced Head Chef, Joe Robinson, and his passion for local, seasonal produce from the Lake District, North Yorkshire and wider Kirkby Lonsdale area.
Address
The Green Cumbria, Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4NWTelephone
07483 323738Kirkby Stephen
The Haystore is one of three luxurious cottages at The Green Cumbria. Super stylish barn conversion, idyllic rural location, dogs welcome, enclosed garden, wood-burner, pubs nearby and great walks from the door.
Tourism For All
Address
Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539621958Sedbergh
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…
Address
St. Andrew's Church, Sedbergh, Finkle St, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5BZTelephone
07717066498Sedbergh
A wonderful selection of eco stallholders providing information on protecting the environment and selling natural and sustainable products, recycled and upcycled arts & crafts and delicious eco-friendly foods!
Cumbria
The old Drove Roads and Green Roads of the Yorkshire Dales offer excellent off road challenges for mountain bikers. One such route is Green Lane, a track which contours around the north eastern side of Great Coum high above the lovely valley of…
Address
Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539621958Sedbergh
Make Your Own Ceramic Tea Light House Workshop with Lydia Crampton
Thursday 27 February 10am - 4pm
£65 plus £5 on the day for materials and firing
Ever fancied having a go at making your own piece of work out of clay?
This pottery workshop will be…Address
The Coast to Coast Packhorse Ltd, 20 St Lukes Rd, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4HTTelephone
017683 71777Kirkby Stephen
Package Holidays and Support Services for Wainwright's Coast to Coast Path plus bespoke Coast to Coast Cycle Routes and Packages from St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay.
Address
7-12 Bainbridge Court, Bainbridge Road, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5ABTelephone
0800 8321632Sedbergh
Howgills Apartment 7 is a dog-friendly ground-floor apartment with outside terraced area with seating. The apartment offers an open-plan living space, with dining area and kitchen. This apartment has 2 bedrooms (double and a bunk room) and sleeps up…
Tourism For All
Address
Laning, Dent, SEDBERGH, Cumbria, LA10 5QJTelephone
01539 620329SEDBERGH
Situated in the beautiful valley of Dentdale, Cumbria yet within the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this Grade II building was originally built as a meeting house by the Society of Friends in 1701.
Address
Casterton Golf Course, Sedbergh Rd, Casterton, Cumbria, LA6 2LATelephone
1524271592Casterton
Casterton Golf Course activities: Golf, Short Course Golf, Footgolf, Rugby Golf, Golf Driving Range, Café and Golf Shop. Activities suitable for all beginners and experienced players, family groups welcome.
Tourism For All
Address
Westwood Books, Long Lane, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5AHTelephone
01539621533Sedbergh
Join us for an evening with Polly Atkin talking about her new book The Company of Owls.
Doors open at 7pm and the event starts at 7:30pm.
Free hot drinks will be available on arrival.
There will be an opportunity to buy books and get them…
Sedbergh
Family-run for four decades in a stylishly converted 16th century coaching inn. Our seasonal menu and drinks selection champions the best of local produce, with provenance and sustainability central to our approach to food.
Tourism For All
Cumbria
The course of the River Rawthey is followed closely by two routes. The A683 crosses it from Sedbergh then follows its eastern side over its watershed to head northeast to Kirkby Stephen. On its western side is an old bridleway which links the farms…
Address
Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539621958Sedbergh
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…Address
High Greenside bed and breakfast & Pop-Up Camping, High Greenside, Greenside Ln, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4LUTelephone
07487 882040Greenside Ln, Kirkby Stephen
High Greenside Bed and Breakfast is in a beautiful location situated on the fringe of the picturesque village of Ravenstonedale in the Upper Eden Valley. We offer very comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation, each room has comfy beds, tea and…
Tourism For All
You may also like
Follow The Lake District, Cumbria on Social Media
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
