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Amidst the rolling green hills and staggeringly beautiful landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll find some charming towns and villages which give the countryside a run for its money!
Kirkby Lonsdale is a gem in the area, with its picturesque location; cobblestone streets; and abundance of quirky shops and independent eateries. As well as a stroll through town, make sure to visit the beautiful Ruskin’s View, overlooking the Lune Valley.
A little further north, Sedbergh is England’s official book town, and the perfect place to pick up something to read from one of its independent shops. There are also great places to eat and drink, and monthly artisan markets throughout the warmer season.
In Kendal, you’ll find a rich cultural and artistic scene, with live music and theatre a regular occurrence in the town’s events calendar. There are also festivals and markets throughout the year, as well as lively bars and pubs, local shops and cafes, and a 12th century castle overlooking the town.
Explore the towns and villages where the Lakes meets the Dales, including Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale and Sedbergh.
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I do not know a place more naturally divine

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Kirkby Lonsdale
The Sun Inn’s AA rosette rated restaurant is led by our experienced Head Chef, Joe Robinson, and his passion for local, seasonal produce from the Lake District, North Yorkshire and wider Kirkby Lonsdale area.
CARNFORTH
Right in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale,the beautiful Norman church sits above the River Lune with commanding views from the churchyard.
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
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.
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
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…
Kirkby Lonsdale
Kirkby Lonsdale is set to sparkle once again as its much-loved Christmas Fair returns for a weekend of festive fun from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th December 2025.
Expect plenty of festive activities, shopping, and celebration – plus delicious seasonal…
Carnforth
Built in 1833 by William Carus Wilson, Founder of the Clergy Daughters School, as school chapel and parish church with a strong connection with local heritage and Bronte sisters.
Penrith
Date: Wednesday 14 January 2026
Investment: £300
Refresh your business with beautiful, professional imagery captured in a relaxed, supportive setting. This session brings together a full creative team to help you feel confident, prepared, and truly…
Sedbergh
I grew up in Huddersfield, in the heart of the textile industry, and spent many childhood days playing amongst the derelict mills that are our industrial heritage. After travelling extensively, I returned to my hometown and the rugged and remote…
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…
Penrith
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.
KIRKBY 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.
Kirkby Stephen
Look out for wildlife as darkness descends at Bowber Head. It is late in the season for a lot of wildlife but there may be a chance to see barn owl, tawny owl, late season bats, hares and anything else that might surprise us. Then we will look…
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.
Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh
Festive Farfield, running on the 8th/9th of November; an opportunity to see 15 different artists in their studios. Talk to the artists and watch how they make a wide range of exquisitely crafted works. This is a celebration of creativity. Enjoy the…
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
Smardale is a gem of a nature reserve away from the hustle and bustle of the Lake District. Dogs on leads are welcome. Native cattle graze here.
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
Mount Zion Chapel was opened in 1876, the same year in which the Midland Railway Company opened the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, serving the local community of railway employees and farmers.
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