You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Areas of Cumbria > Where The Lakes Meets The Dales
What’s more, this lush patchwork of green valleys and high heather moorland dotted with traditional villages boasts some of the best cycling and walking trails in all of England. The area is home to the idyllic market towns of Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale, Kirkby Stephen and Sedbergh. You’ll also find the charming villages of Dent and Casterton. Set amongst green hills in the magnificent Yorkshire Dales National Park, but also close to the rugged eastern fells of the Lake District, this is a walker’s paradise.
The Medieval market town of Kendal is a great place to start your journey from the Lakes to the Dales. Take in the epic views from the ruins of Kendal Castle; sample the food scene in quirky bistros and local bars; and take in the vibrant theatre, music, art and events at The Brewery Arts Centre.
Then head east into the Dales. Finding the perfect place to reflect and recharge your senses isn’t hard in this unspoilt corner of Cumbria.
Hunt down Cautley Spout - England's highest waterfall above ground – or tackle Cumbria’s newest mountain, Calf Top (which was only officially designated in 2016). Cyclists can join the Lakes & Dales Loop and get off the beaten track on two wheels.
The historic market town of Sedbergh sits at the foot of the Howgill Fells, with hidden layers of Norman, Viking and Saxon heritage. Officially designated as ‘England’s Book Town’, it’s a centre for independent book shops as well a haven for locally sourced food and drink. For a true field to fork dining experience, the Black Bull is not to be missed.
For arts and crafts both old and new, Farfield Mill is the place to be. Set over four floors of a restored Victorian woollen mill, this unique heritage centre is home to artists’ studios, galleries, workshops, and demonstrations.
Visit Kirkby Lonsdale for a fantastic selection of cosy, atmospheric pubs and eateries; and quirky independent shops bursting with handmade crafts and gifts. After some serious retail therapy, head to the famous ‘Ruskin’s View’ – so named after poet and artist John Ruskin, who declared it to be ‘one of the loveliest views in England’.
If you’re still looking for some moments of unspoilt tranquillity, head to Cumbria’s secluded Dentdale Valley. Dent train station is England’s highest mainline station and sits on the spectacular Settle to Carlisle railway line.
Explore
I grew up in Huddersfield, in the heart of the textile industry, and spent many childhood days…
Your chance to make something beautiful for Christmas. Would you like to learn how to make a…
Date: Wednesday 14 January 2026 Investment: £300 Refresh your business with beautiful,…
This new body of work explores the ever-changing Lakeland landscape. The work is abstract, painted…
Tapestry of the North: Our Textile Heritage is an open, non-juried exhibition, hosted by the…
I do not know a place more naturally divine

Number of results: 43
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Kirkby Lonsdale
Jasmine Cottage is beautifully presented and ideally situated in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale with the bonus of private parking. Sleeping up to 5 plus a cot, with a double room, spacious twin/super king, and single room.
20 St Lukes Rd, Kirkby Stephen
Ride the legendary Coast to Coast cycling route, a 280km+ journey from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay, through some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes. With customizable itineraries, you choose your pace—whether a fast-paced 3-day challenge or a…
Sedbergh
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…
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…
Kirkby Stephen
The Byre is one of three luxurious cottages sitting within a large converted Victorian barn at the foot of the Howgill Fells at The Green Cumbria. Super stylish barn conversion, idyllic rural location, dogs welcome, enclosed garden, wood-burner,…
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.
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…
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
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…
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
Caving is an adventure activity full of challenges and a real opportunity for a feeling of exploration. From simple passageways to great labyrinths. Your journey feels like you’re reaching into the bowels of the earth on a true adventure.
20 St Lukes Rd, Kirkby Stephen
Expertly Crafted Running Holidays – As specialists in the Alfred Wainwright Coast to Coast, we use our expertise to create seamless running itineraries.
Kirkby 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.
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.
Kirkby Stephen
Charming 14-bed 4* AA Highly Commended Inn in gorgeous conservation village with separate restaurant, small private restaurant, bar and lounge.
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.
Kirkby Lonsdale
The Red Dragon is a beautifully refurbished coaching inn in Kirkby Lonsdale, offering warm hospitality, local charm, and delicious dishes crafted with care for every taste and dietary need.
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.
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.
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.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL