BESPOKE STAYS and INSPIRED DAYS
Activities and Outdoor Adventures
Being in the perfect location of the county of Cumbria and also within the boundaries of The Yorkshire Dales National Park, you will have access to so much. The UNESCO World Heritage location of the Lake District is as close as a 20 minute drive and in the other direction, key locations in The Yorkshire Dales National Park can be reached in 30 minutes. There are endless activities for you to do when you stay here.
Download The Activity Guide, or Local Walking Routes Guide, or or take a read of our blog section on activities to start getting inspired to push that comfort zone and get some activities and outdoor adventure inspiration.
Think of Damian and Joanne as your new favourite travel agents. Life gets pretty busy, so simply tell us what your group is in to and we can suggest activities in the area and even link you with local suppliers.
We have hiked Wainwrights and completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks, taken on the Honister Via Ferrata and do open water swimming. Joanne has previously tried rope climbing at the Kendal Climbing Wall and Damian previously started his Mountain Leadership training so has a whole pile of maps and routes he can show you.
We have an ice bath in our section of the garden because cold exposure is a luxury we love and if this is not your thing, there is a wood fired sauna that can be booked and paid for in advance of your stay.
Multi Purpose Studio for yoga, creative and wellbeing retreats and activities
Planning a residential workshop, creative course, or health and wellbeing retreat, then our studio is the perfect place to feel calm and also generate that spark of inspiration.
Suitable for activities such as coaching, team building, creative workshops, yoga, sound baths, pilates, meditation and as far as your imagination can take you. See our blog for more photos of activities taking place in the studio for inspiration.
We do ask that it is not used as a playroom, bunkroom, or party place though please.
The studio measures 6.7 x 5.1mtrs and can fit 9-13 yoga mats in. We have yoga equipment for 16, because you can squeeze 16 yoga mats on to the outdoor garden decking. We have 12 tables and 10-12 chairs that can be moved in and out. There is a projector, Bluetooth speaker and WiFi available.
See our blog for mats laid out to give you an idea of space.
Retreat Photography
Why not take advantage of having a resident retreat and lifestyle photographer during your stay at St Marks Stays. Book Joanne to capture your retreat photography. You can view her style of the retreats captured here at St Marks Stays on our blog and see her portfolio and prices on her website.
Visit Joanne Withers Photography Website
If you need stock photography to promote your retreat here at St Marks Stays, Joanne can also provide images if you are booked in with us.
Retreat Facilitators
Want to share your expertise with a group of like minded people?
We are often asked for experts, instructors, artists, chefs, theapists and guides to take sessions for retreats, or to make stays more special and bespoke for groups. If you would like to go on our recommended lists, please do get in touch.
If there is something you are looking for and you can’t find it, then do message us and we can look for the experts in the area.
View The Retreats Booked In Here
Would you like our tips for planning a retreat?
Sedbergh
,Pronounced “Said – bear”, Sedbergh is home to Sedbergh School and is actually a Book Town with the largest book store being Westwood Books. Many of the shops have books for sale and there is even a Book Shelter where you can pick up a donated book.
Visit the heritage textile and art mill, Farfield Mill.
Walk the path to Cautley Spout waterfall and take a wild plunge in one of the water pools.
Dine at the award winning Black Bull, Sedbergh and sample fine dining from Chef Nina Matsunaga, who appeared on Great British Menu 2024.
Cycle the fells, or roads and even hire an E-Bike to take in the countryside.
Hike up Winder, the hill you can see as the the backdrop to the town, or continue further to The Calf at a height of 676 metres. Take in the rolling hills of the Howgill Fells that Alfred Wainwright described as “often likened to a huddle of squatting elephants”, but it was A. Harry Griffin who said, “… we used to think they look like sleeping elephants.”
Take a look inside Brigflatts, one of the most famous Quaker houses.
Sedbergh is positioned by the four rivers of the River Rawthey, River Dee, River Clough and River Lune, so there are ample opportunities for some wild swimming.
Take in a round of golf, or book for a Sunday dinner roast at Sedbergh Golf Club.
Located between the two National Parks of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, Sedbergh is the perfect location for a holiday.
