While Dent is unquestionably a Yorkshire Dales village, it actually lies inside the county boundaries of Cumbria due to local government changes that took place during the 1970s.
The village is nestled between the Howgill Fells and the rugged Pennines and is a perfect place to unwind. With its delightful cobbled streets and historical architecture Dent is a real chocolate box village.
Evidence of settlements in the region can be traced all the way back to the tenth century and the way in which its paths and boulevards are set out today owes much to the Vikings that once inhabited it.
For an insight into how people have lived in the region over the centuries, pay a visit to the Dentdale Heritage Centre on the northern tip of the village. Here you will see a number of exhibits which show how people survived and worked as well as learn about some of the customs that are unique to the Dales.
On top of its rich history, Dent is famous for its superb walks and stunning scenery. The Dales Way, an 85 mile rambling route running up to Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District from Ilkley in West Yorkshire, cuts through the village and this brings many walkers to the area.
Arguably Dent’s most famous son is Adam Sedgwick, the University of Cambridge geologist who is credited as being one of the founders of modern geology. A trail was opened on the bicentenary of his birth which follows the banks of the River Clough and explores the Dent Fault.
One stunning piece of architecture visitors should check out is the Church of St Andrew close to the centre of the village. Designated as a Grade 1 listed building by English Heritage, it was opened in 1417 and has been restored several times over the centuries. Inside its chancel is paved with black and white chequered marble from local sites.
Because its diminutive size, getting around the village is very easy but you would be forgiven if you got lost while looking for the train station. That’s because Dent station is actually located in Cowgill, four miles away. It is on the Settle and Carlisle Railway connecting it to Leeds in the south and Carlisle to the north.
As well as being home to a number of guest houses and campsites, Dent also has its own brewery and hosts a music and beer festival every June.