Kirkby Lonsdale

The market town of Kirkby Lonsdale offers plenty to explore, from independent shops to fantastic food and drink. Located in the Yorkshire Dales in Cumbria, just a stone’s throw from the Lake District National Park, it boasts a beautiful location on the River Lune within easy reach of countryside walks, cycling routes, interesting attractions and some stunning landscapes.

History & Heritage

Kirkby Lonsdale can trace its history back centuries: it’s one of just a few Cumbrian towns to be mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book! Its streets are lined with 17th and 18th century buildings, with historic landmarks too.

The town’s parish church, St Mary’s Church, was most likely built between 1093 - 113 and remains a place of worship today, as well as hosting a variety of events.

The impressive three-arched Devil’s Bridge, today a popular landmark, was built around the 12th - 13th centuries. Wondering how it got it’s name? Legend has it that an old woman once lived on the banks of the River Lune. One night, her cow strayed across the river and wouldn't return. The Devil appeared and offered to build a bridge in exchange for the soul of the first body to cross it. Once built, the old woman met the Devil at the bridge - and threw a bread bun across. Her small dog went to retrieve it, outwitting the devil who vanished forever.

Kirkby Lonsdale was awarded a market charter in 1227, and to this day the popular Charter Market is held in the Market Square every Thursday. 

The town’s cobblestone streets offer tales of times gone by. Salt Pie Lane, just around the corner from the Market Square, was once known as ‘Cattle Market Yard’ as cattle were sold in the adjoining Horse Market. However, after an enterprising resident began to make hot salted mutton pies to sell to the traders, it gained its current name of Salt Pie Lane - which it's held since 1911.

Things to do in Kirkby Lonsdale

There’s plenty to see and do in Kirkby Lonsdale. Whether you’re looking to relax and enjoy the area’s natural landscapes, indulge in delicious food and drink, pick up gifts on the independent high street, or want to explore nearby attractions, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Be sure to visit Ruskin’s View: a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the River Lune at the top of the Radical Steps and also accessible via the churchyard of St Mary’s Church. It was once painted by Turner, and inspired Victorian art critic John Ruskin to declare “I do not know in all my country, still less in France or Italy, a place more naturally divine.” A short walk away along the banks of the river, Devil’s Bridge is a beautiful place to spend some time with a nearby park, picnic area, popular butty van, and beautiful views.

If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Kirkby Lonsdale’s location in the Yorkshire Dales means it is surrounded by beautiful countryside with plenty of walking and cycling opportunities. You can even go caving with Go Cave! 

Pick up local food and drink from places like Booths supermarket and the award-winning Dales Butchers to enjoy in your accommodation or al-fresco - there are lots of great picnic spots around the town. Prefer to let someone else do the cooking? You’ll find AA-rosette awarded pubs and restaurants like The Sun Inn, stylish eateries like Plato’s, cosy cafes, and locally brewed beers at The Royal Barn. Get cosy by the fire in winter, or wine and dine al fresco in sunny courtyards during the summer months.

There’s fantastic shopping on the town’s independent high street, lined with shops offering everything from homewares and gifts to pet supplies, books and handmade jewellery. Don’t miss the weekly Charter Market, held every Thursday.

Learn more about Kirkby Lonsdale’s history at The Vault - a free storytelling experience with short videos highlighting the town’s rich heritage, located in the Information Centre & Gift Shop - where you can also pick up locally made gifts. 

Plus, with some great places to stay, why not use Kirkby Lonsdale as your base for exploring the nearby Lake District National Park.

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FAQs

Where is Kirkby Lonsdale located?

Kirkby Lonsdale is located in the Yorkshire Dales within Cumbria, on the southern fringes of the Lake District National Park and on the border with Lancashire.

How to get to Kirkby Lonsdale?

Located on the A65, just a few miles from the M6 motorway (J36), Kirkby Lonsdale is easily reached by car with several car parks in the town centre. The nearest train stations are Oxenholme Lake District and Lancaster. From here, taxis are available. Kirkby Lonsdale is also served by bus, via buses like the Stagecoach 567 (Kendal - Kirkby Lonsdale) and Bus 81 operated by Kirkby Lonsdale Coaches (Lancaster to Kirkby Lonsdale).

Where is there to stay in Kirkby Lonsdale?

Kirkby Lonsdale offers plenty of accommodation options, from boutique B&Bs to hotels, cosy pubs and inns to self catering properties, as well as camping and glamping.

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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. 

Middleton - Further up the Lune Valley is Middleton, a scattered community with an ancient hall in its midst.

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Did you know?

ST MARY'S CHURCH

The oldest parts of this Norman church are three columns in the nave, of which two are carved with unusual diamond motif patterns. The plain-looking font was rescued from a neighbouring farm where it had fulfilled a secular function as a cattle trough. Outside in the churchyard is a memorial to five maids who were ‘hurried into eternity' after a disastrous fire at the Rose and Crown Hotel (now the Royal Hotel) in 1820.

RUSKIN'S VIEW

Church Brow, a promenade on the north side of the churchyard, opens up to a splendid vista over the Lune Valley; a view that was painted by JMW Turner and much admired by John Ruskin, who described it as ‘one of the loveliest scenes in England'. A flight of steps descend to the Lune and a pleasant riverside walk to Devil's Bridge.

HUTTON ROOF CRAGS

Some of the best examples of limestone pavement in Britain can be found here. The habitat mosaic of limestone pavement, woodland, scrub, grassland and heath supports a wealth of unusual plants and animals, in particular fritillary butterflies. Access from Hutton Roof village or via footpaths on the Clawthorpe road, with two waymarked trails. The site includes Park Wood National Nature Reserve - a rare example of northern calcareous ash woodland with hazel, wych elm and field maple.

ANDY GOLDSWORTHY SHEEPFOLDS

The highest concentration of restored sheepfolds in Cumbria can be seen in the Casterton area. Along a rough track (Fellfoot Road) are 16 small square folds, each containing a large boulder. Another restored sheepfold, Jack's Fold, can be seen beside the fell road in Barbondale.

CASTERTON STONE CIRCLE

Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights, none more than 2' high and suggesting perhaps the kerb of a destroyed cairn.

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