7 Night Western Yorkshire Dales Christmas & New Year Self-Guided Walking Holiday
Spend the festive season in the Yorkshire Dales and head out on winter walks in the part of the national park that dips its toe into both Cumbria and Lancashire. And when you’re not busy exploring the wintry scenery of the dales, cosy up in Thorns Hall – our charming country house in Sedbergh. We pull out all the stops at this time of year and our houses welcome you with a sprinkling of festive cheer, seasonal food, and plenty of yuletide treats. So wrap up warm and step into Christmas with HF Holidays.
What you’ll love
- Getting into the festive spirit with a self-guided walking holiday
- Staying in our country house in the market town of Sedbergh
- Heading out on your choice of winter walks
- The easy-to-follow routes and maps available in our Discovery Point
- Discovering the stunning landscapes of Western Yorkshire Dales on foot
- A celebration dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve
What’s included
- 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
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available 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.
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.
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
Our easiest selection means walking at a relaxed pace, often stopping and spending time at places of interest along the way. Some are circular walks that start and end on the doorstep of our country house; others make use of local transport whilst remaining close to the property. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Sedbergh range from 2 to 4 miles and visit popular areas such as Wensleydale and the Smardale Viaduct, and follow the River Rawthey.
These are a selection of longer walks on well-graded paths that allow you to discover local highlights and viewpoints. These routes are often further from the house but still offer walks that start and end on the doorstep of the property, plus options for guests travelling by public transport or car. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Sedbergh range from 7 to 8 miles and visit popular areas such as Smardale Gill and Aysgarth Falls, as well as following sections of the Dales Way.
These walks are ideal for those with more stamina who can push themselves to go that extra mile. Some routes will start from the house, but some may require the use of a car. Public transport may not be possible for every route in this category due to remote locations. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Sedbergh range from 8 to 11 miles and visit popular fells such as The Calf, Ingleborough, and Whernside.
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
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
23 Dec - 30 Dec 2024 7 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £1,429 Double from £1,289 pp |
from £1,289 pp |
from £1,429 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
27 Dec 2024 - 03 Jan 2025 7 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £994 Double from £1,169 pp |
from £1,169 pp |
from £994 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
27 Dec 2025 - 03 Jan 2026 7 nights |
Self-Guided Single from £1,219 Double from £1,219 pp |
from £1,219 pp |
from £1,219 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
155Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More