Let's Go Culture in Westmorland & Furness - Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale

On the border of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks lie the charming market towns of Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale. Each with their own unique charm, these vibrant towns are also hubs for arts and culture – with so much to discover. From arts and crafts to historic architecture, join us as we discover culture in these two fantastic locations.

Kirkby Lonsdale is accessible by road via the A65; or by bus with Stagecoach (the 567 bus serves the town).

Sedbergh is accessible by road via the A684 and A683; or by bus with Stagecoach (the 564 and 567A serve the town).

View of Sedbergh from the surrounding fells

Sedbergh

Our journey begins in Sedbergh: England’s official book town, with a fantastic collection of new, second hand and collector’s bookshops. It’s also home to Farfield Mill: an arts, crafts and heritage gallery on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

Find out more about Sedbergh

The Maker's Gallery at Farfield Mill. Photo: Farfield Mill

Farfield Mill

Set inside a restored Victorian woollen mill, Farfield Mill is just a riverside walk or a short drive from the town centre. Entry is free, with several beautiful gallery spaces to explore; alongside artists’ studios, power looms, and handlooms – all set over four floors. See artists at work and discover a changing programme of exhibitions; visitors can also learn more about the building’s history and heritage, and purchase a range of contemporary craft, art, and jewellery, all handcrafted and designed in the Mill and surrounding area.

Once you’ve finished exploring, head to the welcoming tearoom which serves light breakfasts, lunches, teas, coffees and cakes. Located next to the river, there’s an outdoor seating area with shelter offering beautiful views.

Open hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10:30am – 4pm

There is an on-site car park, as well as parking in Sedbergh which is a one-mile walk away.

Find out more about Farfield Mill

Kirkby Lonsdale town centre

Kirkby Lonsdale

Our next stop is the charming town of Kirkby Lonsdale, which is located in the Lune Valley, overlooking the River Lune. Popular with visitors for centuries, the town provided inspiration for paintings by Turner and Constable, while Victorian art critic John Ruskin once declared that “I do not know in all my country, still less in France or Italy, a place more naturally divine”. Climb the Radical Steps to enjoy the surrounding landscape from Ruskin’s View and then visit ‘The Vault: A Story Bank’ in the Tourist Information Centre to learn more about the history of the town.

Today, this historic market town also has a growing reputation for high-quality independent shops, as well as excellent restaurants, cafés, bars and accommodation.

Find out more about Kirkby Lonsdale

St. Mary's Church, Kirkby Lonsdale

St Mary's Church, Kirkby Lonsdale

Take a leisurely walk through town and stop to admire the impressive, Grade I listed St Mary’s Church. Featuring Norman architecture, including three columns in the nave – of which two are carved with unusual diamond motif patterns – it makes for a beautiful place to spend a moment.

Find out more about St. Mary's Church

There’s always something going on in Westmorland & Furness: a packed year-round programme of events, theatre, exhibitions and festivals awaits. 

---

Download a printable PDF of this Cultural Itinerary

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Westmorland and Furness Council.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus