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
An anniversary exhibition celebrating British wool, craftsmanship, collaboration, and twenty-five…
Misty Wood Watercolour Painting Workshop with Ruth Clayton £70 plus £7 for materials and a frame on…
Innovative contemporary quilts exploring pathways, journeys, and connections through cutting-edge…
Where the Wall Leads Acrylic Painting Workshop with Stuart Gray £70 + £7 for materials and framing…
Relax into Weaving (Workshop) with Denise Bryan £70 Plus £10 for Materials Come and enjoy a mindful…
A wonderful selection of eco stallholders providing information on protecting the environment and…
Textile artworks inspired by the Cumbrian landscape, blending felting techniques with recycled,…
Fibre Art Lampshade Workshop with Wendy Ann Stanger £70 + £10 materials (payable on the day) Join…
On sunday 4th october 2026 a large team of 78 male/female volunteers will attempt to pull a 11.5…
Playing with Pattern Weaving Workshop with Jan Beadle £75 plus £5 for materials on the day Enjoy a…
Handwoven Bracelet Workshop – Isobelle Stothert £70 plus £5 for materials Treat yourself to a…
Painted explorations of Dales vernacular buildings, archaeology, and the passage of time through…
Stained Glass Workshop with Annette McMillan £70 plus £15 on the day for materials Learn the…


I do not know a place more naturally divine

Number of results: 50
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Kirkby Lonsdale
A warm hearted 17thC inn set in the heart of the beautiful market town of Kirkby Lonsdale overlooking St Mary's church. You can walk within minutes to Devils Bridge, Ruskins View and the Lune Valley.
Kirkby Stephen
Dog-friendly apartment in Kirkby Stephen with wood-burning fire and fell views. Two bedrooms, parking for two cars. On the Coast to Coast route, gateway to the Yorkshire Dales & Lake District.
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.
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 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.
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.
Penrith
Westmorland Hotel is a welcoming, contemporary hotel located just behind Tebay Services on the M6, perfectly positioned between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. Despite its motorway proximity, the hotel enjoys a peaceful setting surrounded…
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 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.
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…
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.
3-5 Market Street, Kirkby Lonsdale
Old world type restaurant serving home-made food.
Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
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.
Kirkby Stephen
Charming 14-bed 4* AA Highly Commended Inn in gorgeous conservation village with separate restaurant, small private restaurant, bar and lounge.
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…
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,…
Ravenstonedale
The King's Head is a stunning Bar/ Restaurant/ Hotel based in Ravenstonedale in the Eden Valley. Built in the 16th Century, The King's Head is a Grade II listed building has been a landmark in this area for 5 Centuries.
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.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL