Sedbergh between book culture and the Howgill Fells

Sedbergh combines book culture and a townscape shaped by history with the landscape of the Howgill Fells. The town lies against a backdrop of rolling hills and open common land; the River Rawthey flows through Sedbergh. A Town Trail leads through the centre, while other walking routes take you to destinations such as Farfield Mill. This lets you choose different areas of focus when planning your trip: town history, crafts or riverside paths.

Book culture and the historic town centre

In 2003, Sedbergh became England’s official Book Town. Numerous shops and book cafés give visitors the chance to browse for second-hand books. The narrow Main Street runs through the oldest part of town, with its courtyards and lanes; most of this area lies within a Conservation Area.

St Andrew’s Parish Church and Sedbergh School are also part of the town’s history. The church is partly of Norman origin, particularly around the entrance. It has hosted the Sedbergh Music Festival since the festival was founded in 2000. Sedbergh School was originally founded in 1525.

Town walks and riverside routes

The Sedbergh Town Trail runs through the town centre and part of the grounds of Sedbergh School. You can allow about an hour for the walk. Another route follows the River Rawthey to Farfield Mill Arts & Heritage Centre, with several routes to choose from for the return journey. The walks therefore differ in two specific ways: the Town Trail has an approximate duration, while the riverside route names a destination and offers different return options.

Farfield Mill and crafts

Farfield Mill, a former wool mill dating from 1837, lies east of Sedbergh. Today it is an arts and heritage centre with craft studios, a café, a shop, exhibitions and weaving demonstrations. A 300-year-old Witney blanket loom is also on display there.

In the workshops, visitors can see craftspeople and designers at work and talk to them. Farfield Mill thus brings together the building’s former use as a wool mill with craftwork and cultural activities. If you would like to plan your route around it, the riverside walk along the River Rawthey leads to the centre; the choice of several return routes gives you different options for the journey back.

Walk 7 and Brigflatts Quaker Meeting House

Walk 7: Brigflatts Quaker Meeting House starts at the Sedbergh Information Centre, 72 Main Street. One section of this walk follows the river along the Dales Way. The Grade I listed Brigflatts Quaker Meeting House, built in 1674, is also near Sedbergh. The Meeting House has wheelchair access, an accessible toilet, a car park and an induction loop in the main room. If you rely on any of these features, check again before your visit.

Getting around Sedbergh

Sedbergh is 5 miles from Junction 37 of the M6. Another leisure option, the golf course near Sedbergh has a distinctive connection with the rivers: its fairways cross or run alongside the River Dee and the River Rawthey.

Discover more destinations: Elterwater, Crook, Burneside, Gamblesby, Newby Bridge, Wigton, Great Asby, Coniston.

For the wider travel overview: Cumbria.