You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Sedbergh
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.
Did you know?
Fun facts and tantaliaing trivia about Sedbergh. Click for more details
I do not know a place more naturally divine
Number of results: 88
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth
Welcome to our Glamping Pod Holidays. We have a selection of Glamping Pods available, some of which are dog friendly. Set in the beautiful River Lune valley between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District National Parks, Woodclose Park is a quiet…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
296 reviewsSEDBERGH
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from 1130, is a haven of peace.
Killington, Kirkby Lonsdale
Following a decade of restoration the 14th Century Pele Tower at Killington Hall is now ready to welcome guests to stay in 21st Century comfort, surrounded by the history of this very special place.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Kirkby Lonsdale:
81 Lancaster - Hornby - Kirkby Lonsdale.
567 Kendal - Kirkby Lonsdale.
567A Sedbergh - Kirkby Lonsdale (Thurs only).
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 10 is on the 2nd floor of our building and offers a split-level apartment with living, dining, and kitchen facilities downstairs and 2 bedrooms upstairs. Each bedroom has a wet room - which offers a shower, sink, and toilet.
Kirkby 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.
Sedbergh
Both cottages have been carefully modernised and tastefully furnished to a high standard. Fountain Cottage an early 18C cottage that has all the facilities for a cosy and comfortable visit. Middleton's Cottage an early 18C cottage skilfully brought…
SEDBERGH
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.
Kirkby Stephen
3 luxury wood and canvas glamping yurts, with electricity, full size king beds and log burning stoves. They have access to a shared eco toilet and hot woodland shower. The yurts are situated right on the banks of our river, in a riverside woodland…
Carnforth
Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights, none more than 2' high and suggesting perhaps the kerb of a destroyed cairn.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
365 reviewsKirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth
Treetops is a one bedroom self-catering apartment available for three, four or seven night stays. The apartment has a large open plan living area, fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. There is a sofa bed in lounge area. To the exterior is a private…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
296 reviewsKirkby 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.
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
296 reviewsSedbergh
Howgills House offers group accommodation with luxury touches. With 12 en-suite bedrooms sleeping up to 28 guests we're the perfect place for family celebrations and coprotate stays. Voted among the Times top 20 celebration houses, why not come and…
Cumbria
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…
Sedbergh
Family run 17th Century Coaching Inn with Restaurant and Public Bar. 18 individual rooms, inspired by the surrounding landscape and decorated with locally crafted materials.
Sedbergh
Contemporary Quilt Group is a specialist group within the Quilters' Guild. Its members are a diverse collection of quilters and textile artists, working at the cutting edge of our practice, creating innovative and dynamic art. Their mission is to…
Kirkby Stephen
Charming 16-bed, 4* AA Highly Commended Inn in gorgeous conservation village with separate restaurant, small private restaurant, bar and lounge. Beautifully restored/refurbished, our family run Inn offers a relaxed, informal home-from-home.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL