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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.
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.
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Number of results: 100
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Address
Vicarage Lane, KIRKBY STEPHEN, Cumbria, CA17 4QXTelephone
01768 371279KIRKBY STEPHEN
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands on the site of a Saxon church and contains many ancient relics.
Address
Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539621958Sedbergh
The Graduation Show of the ArtyBird Carnforth Fellowship group who are intertwined through strong, supportive bonds of friendship and shared creativity. The exhibition reflects individuality within the cohesive group.
Farfield Mill is open Wednesday…
Kirkby Lonsdale
Abseiling is a classic outdoor adventure challenge, which anyone can enjoy. You don’t need experience to enter this vertical world, just a desire to overcome a natural fear of heights and a “give it a go” attitude. The feeling of achievement when…
Address
Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539621958Sedbergh
Sue Bibby designs and makes with fabric, stitch and her trusty Bernina sewing machine. Her first love is drawing, and her work begins with first-hand observation and sketches. She never ventures far without a sketch book and find gardens and…
Address
Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539621958Sedbergh
A collection of mixed media pieces aimed to inspire and initiate thought provoking conversation that may lead to action and ultimately, positive change.
If you had no access to pharmaceutical medicine, would you know what to forage for in…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.
Cumbria
Travelling north towards Shap along the Lune Valley, you can't but help notice the attractive group of hills to the east. These are the Howgills, situated between the Lake District and the Dales (but directly linked to neither), a distinct range…
Address
Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539621958Sedbergh
know her textile art, but also, she still designs and creates jewellery, likewise clothes, restores furniture, photographs, draws, and paints, even on walls. She is a very versatile artist.
Her academic training was in Russia, since she is of…Address
Castlehaw Farm, Castlehaw Lane, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5BATelephone
0800 832 1632Sedbergh
Set in 5 acres, nestled at the bottom of the Howgills fells, our Barn provides group accommodation for up to 35 guests.
Enjoy the spacious open plan lounge with views on to the terrace with hot tub. Cook up a feast in one of the two self catering…Tourism For All
Address
Sedbergh, CumbriaCumbria
Sat in an isolated position at the junction of Garsdale and Uldale the high moorland peak of Baugh Fell commands outstanding unrestricted views. In terms of sheer good looks it’s not the most outstanding peak in the area and for this reason doesn’t…
Address
Waitby School Holiday Cottage, School Ln, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4HHTelephone
01306 740743Kirkby Stephen
Waitby School is an extended and renovated 17thC schoolhouse standing proud on a breathtaking fell in the Eden Valley. The building has been fitted with 21stC luxuries for the ultimate retreat, including jacuzzi bath & under-floor heating.
Tourism For All
Address
Sedbergh, CumbriaCumbria
This figure of eight mountain bike route is the perfect introduction to Sedbergh and its surrounding fells and dales. It weaves in and out of the village edge and then ducks over to the neighbouring valley of Dentdale. It involves some road riding…
Address
Woodclose Caravan Park, A65, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Cumbria, LA6 2SETelephone
015242 71597Kirkby 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…
Tourism For All
Address
Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4NGTelephone
015396 23204Kirkby Stephen
Charming 14-bed 4* AA Highly Commended Inn in gorgeous conservation village with separate restaurant, small private restaurant, bar and lounge.
Tourism For All
Sedbergh
The Dalesman is a lovingly renovated 16th Century coaching inn, situated in the heart of pretty Sedbergh. Family-run for almost four decades. The Dalesman offers a range of stylishly designed guestrooms and two rosette standard food.
Tourism For All
Address
Farfield Mill, Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539621958Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh
Spring Fibre Art Workshop with Wendy Ann Stanger
Saturday 29 March 10am- 4pm
£65 plus £5 for materials on the day
Join Studio Artist Wendy Ann for a fun day creating spring inspired fibre art. Using a range of plant fibres such as linen, cotton,…
Address
Bland Ho, Orton, Penrith, CumbriaPenrith
One mile east of Orton is the ancient Gamelands stone circle. One of the largest in Cumbria, all of its stones have fallen over so none are higher than one yard but they are 100 yards in circumference.
Address
Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539621958Sedbergh
Hook a Hen Workshop with Jane Cook
Saturday 22 March 2025 10am - 4pm
£65
Create your very own Trivet or wall hanging, choose your own colour palette, traditional hues or avant-garde, make a wider border to create a pad or seat cushion.
Recycle your…Address
Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539621958Sedbergh
Free Drop-in Wet Felting Taster Session with Wendy Ann Stanger. Learn how to make your own felt using the wet felting method. Take home your own piece of handmade felt made from sheep's fleece. No need to book just turn up on the day. Suitable for…
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…
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