The charming town of Kirkby Lonsdale sits on the cusp of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is just a stone’s throw from both the Lake District National Park and the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. With a location like this, it’s no wonder that Kirkby or KL, as it is affectionately known locally, is a haven for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. The town is small enough to walk around in a day, nestled in a scenic location around a bend in the River Lune and overlooked by the picturesque Howgills, making it a great place to visit with friends, family and pets.
Whether you stay one day or a few, Kirkby Lonsdale is known for its quaint scenery, beautiful location and peaceful tranquillity. Amongst the independent shops and winding cobbled streets, you’ll find a plethora of gastronomical delights, including everything from a local bakery and butcher to fine dining restaurants, country pubs and chic bars, cafés and ice cream parlours. In Kirkby Lonsdale, places to eat abound and with so many to try it can be tricky to know where to start.
We’d highly recommend staying in Kirkby Lonsdale for a few nights simply to sample your way around the many eateries. In between walks through the hills and promenading along the river, you’ll find gorgeous cafés for a spot of lunch, a choice of restaurants and cuisines for dinner and plenty of places to stock up on snacks during the day.
Below is our locals guide to foodie destinations in Kirkby Lonsdale. We must reiterate that there are so many to choose from that this list is not exhaustive, we’ve just picked the highlights. Bon appetite!
Best Place to Take Kids – The Milking Parlour
Occasionally an incentive is needed to persuade little legs to keep on walking. What better way to encourage young people to do what you ask than luring them in with possibility of an ice cream. The Milking Parlour Kirkby Lonsdale is a treasure trove of gelato made from the milk of cows just 3 miles down the road. Not only do they sell delicious ice cream, but they also offer waffles, brownies, milkshakes and hot drinks. A little taste of heaven can be found here where this delightful family business advocates their ‘cow to cone’ approach to dairy farming. A must-stop place for those with children of all ages – and their adults!
Best for Fine Dining – The Sun Inn
Recommended by the Michelin Guide, The Sun Inn Kirkby Lonsdale is one of the best places to find fine dining in Kirkby Lonsdale. Their menu features British classics with a modern twist, boasting local, seasonal ingredients served within the cosy setting of a 17th century inn. The restaurant here serves food most evenings for residents and non-residents and also has 11 boutique bedrooms. The Sun is dog friendly and has a dedicated section for those visiting with their pets. Families with children are welcomed too. For an excellent evening meal, lots of choice and wonderful service, check out The Sun Inn Kirkby Lonsdale.
Best Café – Wildflower Coffee
The friendly feel and bijoux setting make Wildflower Coffee one of the best cafés in town. With cosy seating inside and takeaway options too, this cute Kirkby Lonsdale café offers breakfast, lunch, snacks and cakes that appeal to locals and visitors alike. The menu includes sandwiches, soup, cakes, breakfast and brunch, and has a wide choice of items that are available as vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free, which can often be hard to find.
Dogs are welcome whenever space allows!
Best Dog-friendly – The Royal Barn
For dog friendly pubs, Kirkby Lonsdale, like so many Cumbrian towns, welcomes your four-legged friends. Many of the eateries in town are pet friendly – look out for the doggy bowl of water on the front stoop or the telltale sight of small muddy pawprints heading inside. The Royal Barn Kirkby Lonsdale is no exception. Affectionately known as ‘The Barn’, this fantastic tap house is run by the Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery. Though fairly new in town, this venue has become a firm favourite with a wide selection of handpulls, keg taps and locally made spirits. There’s also a jar of treats for your pooch on the bar!
Best Pub – The Orange Tree
Tucked away in the centre of town, The Orange Tree Kirkby Lonsdale is a family-run pub and hotel with a relaxed atmosphere. For a traditional pint served across a well-stocked bar, don’t look any further than here. The Orange Tree menu features pub classics such as burgers and fish and chips, and your four-legged friends are welcome here too. There’s often a game on the screen and a local or two propping up the bar. We’d recommend The Orange Tree as a popular pub for locals and visitors alike.
Best Bar – Plato’s
Much more than a bar, Kirkby Lonsdale Plato’s has luxurious rooms and a lively dining area too. We particularly rate the drinks selection here – Plato’s is a wonderful place to spend an evening with a cocktail or a glass of red in hand. Sit inside or out, eat or don’t, Plato’s is one of our favourite places in Kirkby Lonsdale to hang out with friends or family. There is live music on regularly and a calendar of special events such as charity coffee mornings and special offers at weekends. Dogs are welcomed here too, with treats and water bowls offered by friendly staff.
Best Restaurant – Number Nine
For the best all-round dining experience, restaurants in Kirkby Lonsdale don’t get much better than Number Nine. Our small, intimate eatery serves coffee and cake, tasty lunches and Sunday roasts, fine dining dishes and traditional pub fare. We welcome dogs and families, offering options for both, and host special offer menus alongside delicious cocktails and fine wines.
The food served at Number Nine Kirkby Lonsdale is sourced from local produce and adapted seasonally to champion the best local ingredients available. Special dietary needs are catered for on request and we have a lovely outdoor seating area so those who prefer dining al fresco can.
Whether popping in for an aperitif after a walk in the hills or a hot drink on a cold day, Number Nine are welcoming hosts offering excellent service and delightful food and drink. Our restaurant should definitely be top of your list when you visit Kirkby Lonsdale.
