7 Night Western Yorkshire Dales Discover More Tour
Discover the places and people that have helped shape the Western Yorkshire Dales through memorable sightseeing stops and unique experiences. Uncover the area's history at the Dales Countryside Museum and get a taste of the region with a trip to Wensleydale Creamery to try Yorkshire’s most famous cheese. There’ll also be a talk from an expert on Sedbergh’s status as England's official book town, and a stroll to Cotter Force waterfall – one of this landscape’s many natural wonders. You’ll even visit the historic Lake District market town of Kendal, plus a family-run farm in Ravenstondale to find out how local goat’s cheese is made.
What you’ll love
- The Cheesemaking Experience at Wensleydale Creamery
- Exploring Kirkby Stephen East Station with a talk by a local train enthusiast
- Visiting Piper Hole Goat Farm, Cumbria’s first “Coronation Meadow”
- Admiring Kendal Quaker tapestry's 77 embroidered panels
- Learning about the past at Sedbergh and Dent Heritage Museum
- Spending time in the manicured gardens of Winton Park
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked and continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided sightseeing with an experienced HF Holidays leader
- All transport included in the itinerary
- All entrance fees
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
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.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Start the day with a visit to the Dales Countryside Museum for a talk with one of the curators. It’s then on to Wensleydale creamery for the full cheese experience where guests will be given a cheesemaking demonstration and tour.
In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a short stroll to Cotter Force, a waterfall on Cotterdale Beck which is a minor tributary of the River Ure.
Our day begins with a trip to Kirkby Stephen East, a station which served the Kirkby Stephen community for over 100 years. There are historical carriages to view and we’ll enjoy a talk from a local train enthusiast who can paint a picture of what life was like when the station was open. Following on from our visit, we’ll have time to explore Kirkby Stephen before we head to Winton Park Gardens. Open for only a handful of days each year, Winton Park was created from scratch by Anthony and Janet Kilvington. Spread over five acres the varying aspects of the garden are linked by a series of paths which culminate with a bridge over the stream at the highest part, giving spectacular views of Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge.
In the evening, we will be joined by one of Sedbergh’s book shop owners who will talk to us about its status as England’s official book town.
Discover more about Thorns Hall and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free day.
We start the day with a trip to Piper Hole Goat Farm – the farm consists of SSSi meadow land, recognised as Cumbria’s first “Coronation Meadow”. It is also home to a herd of goats. Milked twice per day their milk is made into soap or pasteurised and made into a range of quality goat’s cheese.
After a morning with the goats, guests can walk to Smardale Gill Viaduct. Designed by Cumbrian Engineer Sir Thomas Bouch the viaduct was built wide enough for double track, but never carried more than a single line of rails. Your guide will introduce you to the area's unique geology, too.
On our way home, we’ll will stop by the Fat Lamb Inn for some refreshments. The pub boasts an award-winning restaurant and is as much famous for its food as it is its motoring memorabilia adorning the walls.
Today begins with a trip to the quaker meeting house at Brigflatts before heading to Kendal, where we’ll visit the Quaker Tapestry. This tells the story of quakers over 77 embroidered panels. Once in Kendal, there’ll be a tour of the town before free time to explore. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a farm in Garsdale to learn about regenerative farming and bogs, and have the option to stop by a neighbouring farm which focusses on sustainable livestock farming.
Our final day starts with a visit to the heritage museum in Dent, where we’ll learn about the terrible knitters and life in the village over the years. Following the museum, there will be a chance to walk part of the Sedgwick trail before we travel to Kirkby Lonsdale to visit Laura’s Loom, an independent supplier of beautiful blankets woven from fully traceable British wool sourced directly from farms in the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria. From here, we’ll visit Farfield Mill for an introductory talk about this art craft & heritage gallery set on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
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, sturdy footwear with a good grip. You’ll be on your feet for much of the day
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Sunhat
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- First aid kit, including plasters
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles,
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Waterproof rucksack liner
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 | ||||||||
|
23 May - 30 May 2025 7 nights |
Discover More Single from £1,429 £1,339 Double from £1,429 £1,339 pp |
from £1,429 £1,339 pp |
from £1,429 £1,339 |
Early Booking Offer Save £90 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
05 Sep - 12 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Discover More Single from £1,429 £1,339 Double from £1,429 £1,339 pp |
from £1,429 £1,339 pp |
from £1,429 £1,339 |
Early Booking Offer Save £90 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
7 nights
from
£1,429pp
£1,339pp
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182Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
