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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.
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I do not know a place more naturally divine

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Kirkby Stephen
The Carthouse 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
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…
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.
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 Lonsdale
The Red Dragon is a charming, recently refurbished coaching inn in Kirkby Lonsdale, offering cosy en-suite rooms and a relaxing stay in the heart of a beautiful market town and walking area.
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.
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,…
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
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…
Maulds Meaburn, Penrith
Brackenslack Shepherds Huts offers luxury glamping in the beautiful Eden Valley, Cumbria. Each Shepherd’s hut are individually styled with a cosy log burner, private outdoor copper bathtub, fire pit BBQ and seating to enjoy the stunning views.
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.
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.
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.
Sedbergh
The Tea Room at Farfield Mill serves a delicious range of food from soups, paninis, jacket potatoes, salads, and sandwiches for lunches to tasty cakes and traybakes for naughty treats. There is a 10% discount in the Tea Room for Art Pass Holders.
Kirkby 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…
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
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.
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…
Kirkby Lonsdale
Set in a picturesque market town of Kirkby Lonsdale, Plato's is a 5* boutique bar and restaurant with luxury bedrooms and a self-catering loft apartment.
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL