The town, famous for its independent school and for being one of Britain's leading 'Book Towns', enjoys an enviable position under the massive backdrop of the Howgill Fells, a magnificent area of rolling hills and open common land which is a walker's paradise.
History and heritage
The stone-built market town of Sedbergh (pronounced 'Sed-ber') has a twelfth century Norman church to explore, as well as Castlehaw, the site of an early motte and bailey castle. East of the town, former woollen mill Farfield Mill built in 1837 now houses an Arts and Heritage Centre with craft studios, Weaver's Café and shop, exhibitions and demonstrations of cloth weaving.
Sedbergh School was founded in 1525 and has left its mark on the town in the shape of some wonderful buildings, such as the eighteenth century School Library.
Places to eat
In the town itself, there is a good choice of places to eat from tea rooms to traditional pubs. Smatt's Duo Café is recommended by visitors for its delicious breakfasts, while for evening meals, the Indian food at Aamilah's gets rave reviews and the wonderfully named Haddock Paddock chip shop isn't far behind. Then there is the Three Hares for its home baked bread and superb meals. Find information on these and other places to eat on the Visit Sedbergh website.
Traditional pubs
For those wanting traditional pubs, Sedbergh has two right in the centre of the town. The Dalesman Country Inn is the town's only free house and prides itself on its ever changing range of cask ales. The Red Lion offers beers from the Cockermouth-based Jennings brewery amongst others and is famous for its steak pies made from meat bought at the butcher's right next door.
Book shops and more
As well as the various book shops, there is also a range of vibrant independent shops which are worth a look and there's history around every corner.
Walking
Walks include following the Dales Way downstream along the riverside towards Brigflatts, a seventeenth century pioneering Quaker Meeting House. You could cross the river Rawthey into Dentdale. Or why not make an ascent of one or more of the Howgill Fells for wonderful views and quiet solitude?
Getting here
The town can be reached by bus from Kendal and there are connecting services from here to the pretty village of Dent. There are several small car parks, and free roadside parking around the outskirts of the town. The public toilets are on the Main Street near the Tourist Information Centre
