4 Night Western Yorkshire Dales Walking with Sightseeing Holiday
Enjoy a short break in the Western Yorkshire Dales for a perfect mix of short, guided walks (3-5 miles) combined with time spent sightseeing. The break includes walks in the sweeping Wensleydale Valley and along the pretty course of the River Dee with its many waterfalls. There are visits to both Bolton Castle and Sizergh Castle with time to wander their lovely gardens. A walk along the Scout Scar escarpment rewards with far-reaching views while a ride on the Settle-Carlisle railway provides a different way of enjoying the landscape.
What you’ll love
- Take a ride on the Settle-Carlisle rail line & walk along the River Dee
- Visit the medieval Sizergh Castle
- Explore the 14th century Bolton Castle
- Walk through Wensleydale to the Aysgarth falls
- A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people)
What’s included
- Train journey from Ribblehead to Dent
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walks and sightseeing visits with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
- All transport to and from walks and sites of interest
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Please note - Entrance fees are not included. See Essential Info tab for details.
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 250 feet (80m)
In summary: Our first stop is the impressive feat of engineering - the Ribblehead Viaduct. We've time to explore the area, the station and its museum before hopping aboard the Settle-Carlisle line, taking the train to Dent Head. From here we join the Dales Way and follow waterfall after waterfall along the River Dee to the cobbled streets and whitewashed houses of Dent. Plenty of time to explore the heritage centre and learn of Dent's 'Terrible knitters' or to take a well-earned break in the Sun Inn.
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 150 feet (45m)
In summary: We begin at Bolton Castle, a massive fortress built in 1397. This impressive setting has pleasant gardens, falconry and a tearoom. We walk from the castle through the broad valley of Wensleydale to Aysgarth Falls, which we can view by a short walk alongside a deeply wooded section of the River Ure.
Distance: 3½ miles (6km)
Ascent: 200 feet (60m)
In summary: We follow the dis-used aqueduct from Sedgwick following the route of the old Lancaster to Kendal canal before descending to the River Kent. We will see the remains of an old gunpowder factory in Low Park Wood before continuing along the river, through Levens Deer Park and onto the impressive Levens Hall. There will be plenty of time to explore both the Elizabethan house and the spectacular gardens, which are home to the world's oldest topiary display.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 250 feet (80m)
In summary: Our first stop is the impressive feat of engineering - the Ribblehead Viaduct. We've time to explore the area, the station and its museum before hopping aboard the Settle-Carlisle line, taking the train to Dent Head. From here we join the Dales Way and follow waterfall after waterfall along the River Dee to the cobbled streets and whitewashed houses of Dent. Plenty of time to explore the heritage centre and learn of Dent's 'Terrible knitters' or to take a well-earned break in the Sun Inn.
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 150 feet (45m)
In summary: We begin at Bolton Castle, a massive fortress built in 1397. This impressive setting has pleasant gardens, falconry and a tearoom. We walk from the castle through the broad valley of Wensleydale to Aysgarth Falls, which we can view by a short walk alongside a deeply wooded section of the River Ure.
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Ascent: 100 feet (30m)
In summary: Our walk today provides some spectacular scenery, including far-reaching views south to Arnside and Morecambe Bay. We ascend gently above the beautiful Lyth Valley and walk along the broad escarpment of Scout Scar and on to the medieval stately home of Sizergh Castle, with its gorgeous gardens.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Thorns Hall
Delivering on all fronts for countryside lovers, this cosy Grade II-listed manor house is just a skip away from Sedbergh – the Cumbrian market town treasured for its cobbled streets, public school, artisan shops, and bookshops (it’s known as England’s official book town for good reason). You’ll also have the Yorkshire Dales National Park on your doorstep as well as the Howgill Fells - the small group of hills adored by legendary fellwalker, illustrator, and guidebook author Alfred Wainwright. The walking opportunities here are outstanding, but if you fancy travelling further afield there’s Kendal (home of the mint cake), Hawes, Wensleydale, Appleby-in-Westmorland, and Lake Windemere all within easy driving distance.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Thorns Hall has 25 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: The spacious Room 25 for its ground floor setting, brick fireplace, comfy seating, large bed, and gorgeous views of the gardens. Room 4 is large and airy while the cosier Room 13 has an exposed wood ceiling and courtyard view.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Thorns Hall
Getting to Thorns Hall
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
Thorns Hall
Cautley Road
Sedbergh
Cumbria LA10 5LE
Tel: +44 (0)1539 620973
By train
The nearest station is Oxenholme, Lake District, on the main line between London and Glasgow.
Check National Rail for routes and journey times.
By shared transfer
If you’re travelling to or from Thorns Hall on Mondays or Fridays or over the festive period, you can join our group transfer from Oxenholme Railway Station.
2024 prices are £40 per person for a return transfer or £20 per person for a single transfer. 2025 prices are £50 per person for a return transfer or £25 per person for a single transfer.
Outward journey: Depart Oxenholme Railway Station at 16:30; arrive at Thorns Hall at 17:10.
Return journey: Depart Thorns Hall at 09:30; arrive at Oxenholme Railway Station at 10:10.
Places are limited so booking is essential. We recommend booking at least 14 days in advance by contacting:
HF Holidays Sales and Support Team
Tel: +44 (0)203 974 8865
Email: reservations@hfholidays.co.uk
By taxi
The journey from Oxenholme station to Thorns Hall is 10 miles and will take about 20 minutes.
For pricing, please contact Woofs of Sedbergh directly.
Woofs of Sedbergh
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Woofs of Sedbergh*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1539 620414
Email: woofs.sedbergh@outlook.com
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Thorns Hall.
*Woofs of Sedbergh is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
By car
There’s a car park available at Thorns Hall if you decide to drive.
Leave the M6 at junction 37 and follow the A684 eastbound for five miles to Sedbergh. At Sedbergh follow the road into Finkle Street (avoiding the main street), then almost immediately turn left at a small roundabout into Back Lane. At the next mini roundabout turn onto the A683 following signs to Kirkby Stephen. Thorns Hall is 100 yards on the left.
By air
The nearest airport is Manchester International Airport.
There are direct trains every hour to Oxenholme with the journey taking around 90 minutes. From Oxenholme station you can complete the journey to Sedbergh by taxi.
National Rail have up-to-date information on train times and routes.
Flying to London Heathrow airport is another option, but it'll take you at least four hours to reach Oxenholme. Catch the train to London Paddington station, then the London Underground to London Euston where you can connect to the main line train to Oxenholme. The journey from here is 2.5 hours.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- First-aid kit
Please note
Admission fees are payable locally and aren’t included in your holiday price, apart from what is stated in the what’s included section. This gives you greater choice, freedom, and flexibility to only pay the entrance fees for the attractions that interest you most. Should you choose to visit all the highlighted attractions during your holiday please see the table below for the approximate totals. If you have National Trust (NT) or Historic Houses (HH) membership, please be sure to bring your membership identification with you. We recommend bringing some cash with you for any entrance fees to sites you wish to visit.
2024 prices
|
Approx. cost of entrance fees |
3 night holiday |
4 night holiday |
7 night holiday |
|
HH members |
£6 |
£15.50 |
£21.50 |
|
No memberships |
£6 |
£30.50 |
£36.50 |
September only
|
Approx. cost of entrance fees |
3 night holiday |
4 night holiday |
7 night holiday |
|
HH members |
£6 |
£13 |
£19 |
|
NT members |
£6 |
£15 |
£21 |
|
No memberships |
£6 |
£28 |
£34 |
Thorns Hall Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
01 Sep - 05 Sep 2025 4 nights |
Sightseeing Walk 2 Single from £735 Double from £735 pp |
from £735 pp |
from £735 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
113Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
