The small market town of Sedbergh (pronounced Sedberr) has moved administratively over the years. It was at one time part of The West Riding of Yorkshire. Then it was drawn into Cumbria where it is today, but it lies in the Westmorland and Lonsdale Parliamentary constituency, and is also within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

No wonder the town pops up regularly in pub quizzes!

If history’s your thing, Sedbergh’s mentioned in the Doomsday book, and the name’s a derivative from the Norse ‘Set Berg’ meaning ‘flat-topped hill’. The town was granted a market charter by Henry III in 1251.

Sedbergh School is one of the most prestigious in the country. It dates back to 1525. In the early days of the Quaker movement, George Fox, founder of the Quakers, preached to a congregation of a thousand from a large rock on the fell side just outside Sedbergh. It’s known today as Fox’s Pulpit.

If you prefer the here and now, simply enjoy the 21st century pleasures of an elegant town, dubbed England’s Book Town because of the number of book shops to be found along its narrow streets. There’s space to breathe, and potter among a good range of quality shops, family-run pubs and eateries offering local food and drink: and comfortable places to stay to suit all tastes and budgets.

If you like sheep you’ll love Sedbergh – the wool industry thrived here and there’s lots to see about its heritage today, Don’t miss Farfield Mill with its exhibition of industrial artifacts and its variety of craft outlets.

And don’t forget your camera. Sedbergh is one of the most photogenic places you’re likely to visit.