Western Yorkshire Dales Discover More Tour 2025

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. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Thorns Hall

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. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Thorns Hall

A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Thorns Hall

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. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Thorns Hall

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. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Thorns Hall

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. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Thorns Hall

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)