to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
The jewel of the Lune Valley is Kirkby Lonsdale, whose perfect location overlooking the River Lune on the edge of Yorkshire Dales National Park has made it a big hit with visitors going back to the 18th century. In the early years of the 19th century, Turner and Constable showed up with their easels and paintbrushes in an effort to capture the view of the valley – one of Turner’s paintings, from 1822, inspired John Ruskin to declare, “I do not know in all my country, still less in France or Italy, a place more naturally divine.”
The town is well known for the 13th century Devil’s Bridge, a three-arched structure that spans the river. Its name derives from an old tale about a woman whose cow had strayed across the river and the devil offered to build her a bridge in exchange for the soul of the first body to cross it. She agreed, and promptly threw a bun across the bridge for her dog to chase. The devil was not best pleased.
Tall tales aside, Kirkby Lonsdale is a handsome market town full of 17th and 18th century buildings that house a fine collection of independent shops, atmospheric pubs and some excellent accommodation. Salmon fishing is also a big deal here, while the natural, unspoiled, rural environment includes attractive byways and bridleways, along with footpaths and rights of way for those who favour outdoor pursuits.
Food & Drink
Kirkby Lonsdale has a serious food scene, with a host of award-winning cafes and restaurants that have earned plenty of national and international praise, including from the good people at Michelin.
There’s nothing nicer on a warm summer’s evening than sitting in an outdoor courtyard, enjoying drinks from an extensive wine and cocktail menu before tucking into some marvellous cuisine – whether local or international – all made with the very best of homegrown produce.
There’s a good choice of bistros in town, serving everything from tapas-style small plates to Middle Eastern feasts, or maybe you could be tempted to try duck cooked three ways, or creamy wild mushroom and kale bruschetta with sweet potato fries. Oh and don’t forget to try a Raspberry Godfather!
And it’s not just the restaurants and the pubs with all the awards here, the cafes take their fair share of the accolades. Sit in a sumptuous armchair by a cosy fire, enjoying delectable home-cooked food which has been prepared that day, using the freshest and tastiest of ingredients.
Or how about a super Cumbrian breakfast with piping hot tea or freshly brewed coffee and there’s afternoon tea with melt-in-the-mouth scones and freshly baked cakes to die for. Who can resist?
Outside of town, there’s a terrific choice of atmospheric pubs that do wonderful local dishes, washed down with your choice of local ales – plus most of these are dog-friendly so no need to leave the pooch at home or in the car!
Many of the cafes, restaurants and pubs here will cater for special diets, like Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan, so no one gets left out.
For more information on what Cumbria has to offer see Food and Drink
Surrounding Areas
Barbon - To the north is Barbon, a cluster of houses next to a tumbling beck and the venue for car and motorcycle hill climbs.
Casterton - Surrounding the town is a rolling landscape of winding lanes and verdant green fields bordered by high hedges and dry stone walls. The broad valley of the Lune contains Casterton, ‘the settlement by a Roman fort', dominated by a prestigious public school.
Middleton - Further up the Lune Valley is Middleton, a scattered community with an ancient hall in its midst.
Did you know?
St Mary's ChurchThe oldest parts of this Norman church are three columns in the nave, of which two are carved with unusual diamond motif patterns.- Ruskin's ViewChurch Brow, a promenade on the north side of the churchyard, opens up to a splendid vista over the Lune Valley
- Hutton Roof CragsSome of the best examples of limestone pavement in Britain can be found here.
- Andy Goldsworthy SheepfoldsThe highest concentration of restored sheepfolds in Cumbria can be seen in the Casterton area.
- Casterton Stone CircleCircle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform.
I do not know a place more naturally divine
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Towns & Villages
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Towns & Villages
Towns & Villages
Number of results: 17
Address
Chapel House Lane, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2SETelephone
015242 71597Kirkby Lonsdale
Set in the beautiful River Lune valley between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District National Parks, Woodclose Park is a quiet and serene place. It stands in a slight hollow leading down to the spectacular three ribbed medieval arches of Devil's…
Address
Chapel House Lane, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2SETelephone
015242 71597Kirkby Lonsdale
Treetops is a one bedroom self-catering apartment available for three, four or seven night stays. The apartment has a large open plan living area, fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. There is a sofa bed in lounge area. To the exterior is a private…
Fancy feeling the freedom of abseiling down a cliff or off a railway viaduct?
If you enjoy high level excitements then why not step boldly over the edge of a near-vertical rock face or abseil down the side of a railway viaduct?Address
6 Market Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2AUTelephone
015242 71965Kirkby Lonsdale
A warm hearted 17thC inn set in the heart of the beautiful market town of Kirkby Lonsdale overlooking St Mary's church. You can walk within minutes to Devils Bridge, Ruskins View and the Lune Valley.
Address
3-5 Market Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA6 2AUTelephone
015242 71714Carnforth
Old world type restaurant serving home-made food.
Address
Market Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, CARNFORTH, Lancashire, LA6 2AUTelephone
015242 72044CARNFORTH
Right in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale,the beautiful Norman church sits above the River Lune with commanding views from the churchyard.
Address
New Road, Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancs, LA6 2ABKirkby Lonsdale
Two 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom purpose built houses in Kirkby Lonsdale, offering spacious, contemporary welcoming luxury holiday accommodation. Both sleep up to 8 people and have hot tubs and private parking.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Kirkby Lonsdale:
81 Lancaster - Hornby - Kirkby Lonsdale.
567 Kendal - Kirkby Lonsdale.
567A Sedbergh - Kirkby Lonsdale (Thurs only).Address
Chapel House Lane, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2SETelephone
015242 71597Kirkby Lonsdale
Welcome to our Glamping Pod Holidays. We have a selection of Glamping Pods available, some of which are dog friendly. Set in the beautiful River Lune valley between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District National Parks, Woodclose Park is a quiet…
Address
4 Kings Court, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2BPTelephone
0191 478 3456Kirkby Lonsdale
This 4 star self catering cottage is situated in the heart of the historic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale, sleeping 5, with a private sunny courtyard garden and parking space.
Address
Chapel House Lane, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2SETelephone
015242 71597Kirkby Lonsdale
Pitch up, sit back, and relax - our dedicated touring area has top-notch facilities for caravans, motor-homes and their awnings. Set in the beautiful River Lune valley between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District National Parks, Woodclose Park…
Address
Dodgson Croft Road, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2HGTelephone
015242 73443Kirkby Lonsdale
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of quality food & drink retailing. We develop strong relationships with the best local suppliers and we are passionate about giving our customers a taste of…
A world hidden from the surface but full of adventure and challenge for all. From simple passageways to great labyrinths. Your journey feels like you’re reaching into the bowels of the earth on a true adventure. The experience is incredibly…
Address
3-5 Market Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2AUTelephone
015242 71714Kirkby Lonsdale
We have 3 of our own parking spaces.
Address
Sun Inn, 6 Market Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2AUTelephone
015242 71965Kirkby Lonsdale
The Sun Inn’s AA rosette rated restaurant is led by our experienced Head Chef, Joe Robinson, and his passion for local, seasonal produce from the Lake District, North Yorkshire and wider Kirkby Lonsdale area.
Address
Main Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancashire, LA6 2AEFree parking in two car parks at this popular beauty spot.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.Address
No 2 Mill Brow, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2ATTelephone
01524 274180Kirkby Lonsdale
Set in a picturesque market town of Kirkby Lonsdale, Plato's is a 5* boutique bar and restaurant with luxury bedrooms and a self-catering loft apartment.
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