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From market town to Book Town - Explore the Eastern edge of Cumbria, where the Lakes meet the Dales

On its eastern edge, South Lakeland merges with the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is often said this is where the Lakes meet the Dales, and it certainly could be argued that you get the best of both worlds. As with the Lakes the unspoilt scenery is spectacular, with a flavour of the Yorkshire Dales created by the Pennine hills and beautiful valley views.

Morning – Kirkby Lonsdale

Located just off the A65, approximately 20 minutes from J36 on the M6, Kirkby Lonsdale is an idyllic market town. South Lakeland District Council have installed EV charging points on their New Road car park, which is just across the road from Booths Supermarket. Whilst the car is charging you can walk into the town and step back in time – it is easy to see why the town is used for filming period dramas like the BBC’s Jamaica Inn!

Take a moment to visit the market square and enjoy the olde worlde shop fronts. A visit to the sweet shop is a must for those who enjoy a traditional treat. Kirkby Lonsdale still hosts a street market every Thursday.

If you are looking for help planning a walk whilst you are in the area, pop into the Tourist Information Centre, which is helpfully located just off the square on Main Street.

Walk along Main Street to see the beautiful 17th and 18th century buildings that house an array of independent shops and boutiques. Stop for a moment to admire the wonderfully quaint alleys that run off the main street into courtyards, and why not pause for coffee in one of the cosy cafes or atmospheric pubs.

At this point you could take a stroll around the churchyard to visit the parish church of St Mary’s or return to your car. You might want to pick up a picnic at the bakery.

Re-join the A65 and turn left at Devil’s Bridge, which is worth a stop in its own right, onto the A684 towards Sedbergh.

Afternoon Sedbergh

The A683 journeys through the peaceful Lune Valley. Stop for a while to enjoy the views of the Pennines before continuing on to the charming market town of Sedbergh. In April and May look out for the bluebells – they magically turn the woodland floors into a sea of blue.

Nestled at the foot of the Howgill fells, Sedbergh became England’s official Book Town in 2003. New and second-hand books are on sale all throughout the town in shops and cafes. Look out for the book shelter, a converted bus shelter, where you can take a book for free so long as you replace it with another one.

You will be spoilt for choice for places to stop and enjoy lunch or afternoon tea. Pubs, such as the award-winning Black Bull, specialise in serving in-season local produce. And whilst we are on the subject of eating, Sedbergh’s Artisan Markets offer an incredible range of local and regional food, and are held one Saturday a month during the summer. 

A short drive from Sedbergh, the historic Farfield Mill is a must visit for those who enjoy traditional crafts such as weaving. Alongside heritage displays and working looms are workshops for local artists and crafts producers, many of whom are selling their wares – the perfect opportunity to buy a souvenir made in the region.

From Sedbergh you can return to the M6 via the A684 and join the motorway at J37, or extend your visit and continue to the picturesque market town of Kendal.

Both Kirkby Lonsdale and Sedbergh offer a wide range of accommodation, with everything from stunning 17th century coaching inns to cosy cottages or why not sleep under the stars in a glamping pod and admire the Yorkshire Dales’ inky dark skies.

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Our advice is to plan and book ahead wherever possible. Be assured our businesses are making every effort to make your stay safe and enjoyable. 

Please follow HM Government COVID-19 safety guidelines when you visit. Support our local shops and businesses by being mindful of social distancing and wearing a mask in enclosed spaces. Wash your hands often using soap and water and dry them thoroughly, and where available, use hand-sanitiser as you enter and leave shops. Enjoy your visit and stay safe!

The Welcome Back to High Streets Project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and HM Government as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding