Milnthorpe

Milnthorpe is a small, thriving market village on the banks of the River Bela, with a diverse range of industries. Its former port at Sandside was a busy commercial centre until the building of the viaduct silted up the estuary.

Food & Drink

Milnthorpe is largely based around a busy market square, offering a number of excellent takeaways - from fish and chips to Chinese and Indian delicacies, and a butcher who is a British Champion piemaker. The town also boasts some great restaurant food with a contemporary style of eating and several pubs in the centre of Milnthorpe offer wholesome family food.

Warm and friendly cafes offer scrumptious, home-baked cakes and light meals - and some of the cafes are able to offer a full gluten free menu too.

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Culture & Heritage

Milnthorpe – or ‘the village by the mill’ – was where all the trading action took place. Receiving its charter in 1280 enabled it to hold a weekly market and annual fair, which led to the construction of several inns and hostelries. The village thrived on coastal trade well into the 19th century.

Still a popular stop-off point on the A6, this medieval market town is a hidden gem with intricate lanes, historic limestone buildings and a rich industrial heritage. Standing proud on a hill above the Milnthorpe, St Antony’s Tower is visible from some considerable distance all around.

Meanwhile the 18^th century Dallam Tower has a historic deer park running down to the River Bela. The 75-hectare site includes 10 hectares of woodland and is a popular spot for walkers to stroll and spot the resident herd of fallow deer en-route to the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Beauty.

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Shopping

Milnthorpe’s weekly street market takes place every Friday in the main market square, run by Milnthorpe Parish Council. There is a Farmers Market on the second Friday of each month.

The village is also home to a small section of local, independent retailers, from kitchen interiors and a sofa specialist to cake decorating, picture framing and embroidery.

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Surrounding Areas

Heversham - To the north of Milnthorpe is Heversham, an ancient ecclesiastical centre associated with an Anglian monastery and an early grammar school.

Brigsteer - This delightful little village sits within the Lake District National Park. Much of Brigsteer is built either under - or into - the limestone escarpment known as Scout Scar, offering spectacular views across the Lyth valley.

Holme – Historically, life in nearby Holme revolved around a large flax mill. It’s now home to a thriving complex of craft workshops and small enterprises.

Burton-in-Kendal – South-east of Milnthorpe is Burton-in-Kendal, an 18th-century village that was on the stagecoach run between Kendal and Lancaster. Its former importance is reflected by its market cross and a wealth of Georgian architecture.

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Did you know?

ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGEL’S CHURCH

An ancient church with a fascinating history. Originally dedicated to St Lioba, the Normans rebuilt and changed this dedication to St Michael.

LEVENS HALL

One of the finest Elizabethan mansions in the north of England, built around a 13th century pele tower and housing a fine collection of Jacobean furniture, ornate plasterwork and oak panelling.

EPHRAIM CHAMBERS

Ephraim Chambers compiled Chambers’ Cyclopaedia of 1728 (the forerunner of modern encyclopedias), went to school at Heversham.

DALLOM HERONRY

First mentioned in 1778 when a ‘classic battle’ between the herons and a neighbouring rookery was recorded.