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April 2024

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Adult

Child

Infant

Vital for some visitors

Mobility Friendly

Pet Friendly

Age group

Babies

Toddlers

Older Kids

Teens

Features

Swimming pool

Hot tubs

Play room

Babysitting

Spa

Golf

Wifi

Outdoor play equipment

Farm animals

Kids club / creche

Bar

Restaurant

Electric vehicle charging

Baby listening

Facilities and services

Howgills Barn

Lake District & Cumbria

Self-catering relaxed bunk group accommodation, nestled between the Yorkshire Dales and South Lakes.

Units 1
Sleeps 2 - 35
Bedrooms 1 - 8
Pets Yes
Mobility Yes

Ideal for

Babies
Toddlers
Older Kids
Teens

From £1800/night

Check Availability

Whether you're planning a multi-generational reunion, a special celebration, or a much-needed family holiday, Howgills Barn in Seburgh, Cumbria, provides the ideal backdrop for creating lasting connections. Surrounded by panoramic views of Howgill Fells, boasting five acres of private land perfect for country pursuits, and sleeping up to 35 guests, you'll find a hot tub, games room and games field, along with bounds of space at this unassuming countryside barn retreat.

About this place

Best bits

The barn is situated on five acres of land so there’s bags of outdoor space to enjoy from a games field to a sun terrace and an undercover hot tub.
Nestled at the bottom of the magnificent Howgill Fells, you’ll enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside with miles of walking and biking opportunities right at your doorstep.
Nestled at the bottom of the magnificent Howgill Fells, you’ll enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside with miles of walking and biking opportunities right at your doorstep.

Top tips

No need to pack your slippers - there is underfloor heating throughout!
Bring your flip flops or sliders for the outside terrace before jumping in the hot tub.
Walking boots at the ready! You won’t want to miss out on the abundance of opportunities to see the natural wonders of the Lakes.

Plan your stay

What are the facilities like? Where can you eat? What can you do?

Hot tubs

Play room

Wifi

Outdoor play equipment

Rooms

Howgills Barn's location, in the picturesque area of Sedbergh is the perfect place for walking, cycling, open-water swimming, and exploring this hidden corner of Cumbria. When you return from a day of adventure, you’ll be welcomed by the charms of this converted stone barn so you can share some special moments with friends and family.

This expansive barn is brimming with opportunities for a fun-filled retreat with friends and family. Gather in the large open-plan lounge and dining space, cosy down in the upstairs snug with Sky TV and games, or be seated for a feast in the large main dining room - the barn is filled with comforting pockets of space to enjoy. For some post-dinner competition, there’s a games room with a dart board, table tennis, and pool table so your day of fun doesn’t have to end when you return to the barn. Underfloor heating sweeps across the whole downstairs, creating the warmest feel even on the coldest of winter days and wooden beams and country-style interior add to the cosy feel. The barn is also soaked in natural light from the large picture windows in the living and dining rooms which frame stunning views over the rural surroundings and across your own private outdoor space. For a leisurely evening, why not go for a dip in the undercover hot tub and watch a celestial show unfold with a glass of wine? With five acres of land to enjoy there’s space for the kids to play outside on the terrace with the outside games and toys provided or enjoy a game of rounders, cricket or footie on the games field with all the family.

There are eight en-suite bunk bedrooms providing accommodation for 8 to 35 guests. Six of the bedrooms have two bunk beds sleeping up to four people. Room A has one double bed with a single bunk above and plus another bunk and Room H also has a double bed, a double bed with a single bunk above, and one single bed. This room is on the first floor with disabled access. So bunk up and enjoy the jovial feeling of sharing a sleepover with friends and family…not only the kids will love it!

Eat

You can opt for self-catering during your stay as the two commercial kitchens on offer at Howgills Barn are fitted with range cookers, commercial dishwashers, and multiple fridge-freezers plus a drinks fridge so you can impress the group with your culinary prowess. If you’re in search of a more relaxing retreat or want to celebrate a special occasion, there is a fantastic local chef available for hire to cater to the culinary side of your visit. If you’re planning a get-together at the barn in summer, be sure to make use of the outdoor dining area. Fully equipped with barbecues, picnic benches, and a fire pit, it’s a great place to fuel up on a picnic before your daytime excursions or gather for an evening barbecue as you watch the sunset. For your supplies, there is a Spar supermarket just a ten-minute walk into Sedbergh alongside an award-winning local butcher, The Meat Hook that will add an extra touch of quality to your burgers and hot dogs. You can also shop locally for your salads at the greengrocers in Sedbergh’s town centre and why not finish up with some real dairy ice cream made locally on Lockbank Farm with milk from a herd of Fresian cows in the fells? Call in at the farm itself or pick up a small tub to try from Duo Cafe, Powells greengrocers or Spar.

If you’re looking to venture out of the barn for food, Sedbergh has some lovely cafes and restaurants to pick from. Why not stop at Smatts Duo, The Gundog or Farfield Mill for a hearty breakfast or light lunch? Pubs and restaurants like The Black Bull, The Dalesman, The Red Lion, and Sedbergh Golf Club will make for the perfect evening meal. Be sure to book in advance for larger parties! If the whole house is tired after a long day of fun, The Haddock Paddock takeaway is perfect for a minimum effort, maximum satisfaction fish supper.

Activities

Howgills Barn works with activity providers who can come onsite and deliver activities to personalise your trip. Offering something for everyone, you can create unforgettable moments for all the family. Try your hand at archery, get involved in orienteering, or have a go at a unique activity like duck herding. For a more sophisticated take, book a gin-tasting experience or treat all of the guests to a cocktail night to let off some steam after a tiresome day of adventure. There are even murder mystery packages on offer to inject some more excitement into your stay.

There’s lots to explore in the local area too including the heritage textile centre, Fairfield Mill, the Artisan Markets, and a host of bookshops that give Sedbergh its Book Tow crown. If you take a stroll down the lane from the barn, within ten minutes you’ll be in the heart of Sedbergh and can enjoy the quirky Main High Street with artisan shops, cafes, and pubs with local ales and gins. There are some equally charming neighboring towns to Sedbergh. The nearby town of Kirkby Lonsdale is well worth a visit and with 20 parking spaces at Howgills Barn, jumping in the car to visit is no trouble. Take a trip to the magical market town of Hawes, just a 30-minute drive away, or sample some eponymous cheeses in Wensleydale.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, there are walking trails and glorious natural sights to visit during your holiday. Ascend Firbank Fell and visit the historic Fox’s Pulpit to see where the founder of the Quakers preached or embark on a trail to see the Brigflatts Quaker Meeting House. There are plenty of walks that don’t involve taking on the hilly topography of the Lakes, enjoy a riverside walk along Rawthy or take a group trip to Killington Lake and see what water activities are on offer.

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Location & local area

Where is it and how do you get there?

By Road

Sedbergh is conveniently situated just a 15-minute drive away from Junction 37 off the M6. Upon exiting the M6, follow the A684 which will lead you to the Main High Street. At the junction at the end of Main Street (with the shops and cafes) , turn left and then immediately left again down the side of a large bookshop called Westwood Books. Please note that the lane up to Howgills Barn is a winding track. Though it is accessible to all cars and 4x4s, do take care when driving up to the barn.

By Air

Manchester Airport (1hr 34 min drive) and Liverpool John Lennon Airport (1hr 42 min drive) are the closest.

By Rail

You can take the Lakes Line train that runs from Oxenholme to Windermere. Jump off at Kendal (the nearest town to Sedbergh) and finish your journey in a taxi which will take approx 20-24 minutes to Sedbergh.

By Sea

You can access the Lake District by ferries to Newcastle (North Shields), Lancaster (Heysham), and Liverpool. Sedbergh is easily reached from any of these ports either by car (all less than 2hrs) or by public transport.

About the owners

Nigel and Liz Close

Listed since January 2024

Over the years we have developed and renovated holiday properties in Sedbergh and are the proud owners of Howgills House, Howgills Barn and Howgills Apartments. We grew up and live in Sedbergh and look forward to sharing its charms with you.

Owner recommendations

Fox’s Pulpit
Between Kendal and Sedbergh - on the unassuming Firbank Fell - is the site revered as Fox’s Pulpit. Embark on a walk to the pulpit and immerse yourself in the place of pilgrimage where George Fox delivered his address in 1652, conceiving the Quaker movement.
Killington Lake
Highly popular with water sports enthusiasts, there are opportunities for canoeing, windsurfing, dinghy sailing and paddle boarding at this scenic spot. Book a session or package at ComeKayaking for some expert guidance, stunning views, and family fun.
Farfield Mill
Home to artisan craft workshops, exhibition spaces, working looms, a mill shop, pre-loved book shop and tea room, this restored Victorian woolen mill is a hub for creative enterprises. Take a riverside walk and discover its textile heritage.
Brigflatts Quaker Meeting House
One of the most famous Quaker meeting houses in the country, Brigflatts makes for quite an interesting visit. Discover the birthplace of Quakerism and enjoy its quaint interior and inviting gardens.
Cautley Spout
Visit the magnificent waterfall at Cautley Spout on the outskirts of Sedbergh and enjoy a well deserved cuppa at the end at the Cross Keys which is a 400 year old National Trust Temperance Inn.