1. Stunning location
The idyllic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale sits on the border between Cumbria and North Yorkshire, right on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and a short drive away from both the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and the Lake District National Park. Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Howgills, and with a skyline offering glimpses of the southern Lake District fells too, Kirkby Lonsdale enjoys a particularly beautiful aspect. You can choose to do a little or a lot here but whatever you decide, you’ll be overlooked by some of the prettiest views in Cumbria.
2. Like the Lakes but not the Lakes
The Lake District National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited destinations in the UK. The area sees millions of visitors each year who flock here to admire the natural beauty of the landscapes and revel in the many outdoor pursuits available to those who dare. The town of Kirkby Lonsdale boasts all the appeal of a traditional Lake District town, with winding narrow streets flanked by stone cottages and terraces, a stunning location (as mentioned above!) and plenty of shops, eateries and history dotted throughout the centre. More importantly, it attracts just a fraction of the visitors of Ambleside, Grasmere, Keswick and Bowness, whilst offering a very similar visitor experience.
We believe Kirkby Lonsdale is a hidden gem outside of the Lake District that has plenty of places to stay with none of the hustle and bustle of its more famous neighbours. Well worth a visit for those wanting to avoid the masses.
3. Walks from Kirkby Lonsdale
With so much outdoor space to play in, walks from Kirkby Lonsdale vary from short strolls along the River Lune to longer rambles in the Howgills and Yorkshire Dales. There is also a Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge which starts just a short drive from Kirkby at Horton-in-Ribblesdale and takes in the three highest peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. For those fancying the challenge, this route is 24 miles long, or 38.6km, and involves 1,600m/5,000ft of ascent.
At the other end of the scale, mosey on down to the river from the town and find Devil’s Bridge, a popular landmark for visitors. You can walk along the river from here past Ruskin’s View and up the Radical Steps to complete a loop of the town which takes an hour or two depending on how long and fast your legs are. With plenty of other Kirkby Lonsdale walks to choose from there really is something for all ages and abilities here.
4. Car free travel
Whilst there is no train station in Kirkby Lonsdale itself, you can very easily arrive by train into Lancaster or Kendal Oxenholme and jump on a bus to Kirkby Lonsdale. From the town it is possible to enjoy loads of different walks or use the buses to bumble around the area. Car free holidays aren’t possible everywhere, but exploring Kirkby Lonsdale doesn’t require a vehicle. You can find your way here on two feet or two wheels and public transport links are good enough to rely on for longer journeys. With limited parking anyway, especially during warmer weather, leaving your car behind will offer glimpses into the hidden sights of this region that you wouldn’t necessarily find from the confines of a car.
5. Pet-friendly town
Cumbria as a whole is a county that welcomes dogs. Many pubs, guesthouses, restaurants and shops here will allow your dog inside, often with the promise of a treat or a fresh bowl of water and Kirkby Lonsdale is no exception. If you’re looking for dog friendly holidays, then look no further than here. The town has a choice of dog friendly cottages, dog friendly pubs and dog friendly cafés so you don’t have to leave your pets behind. Let them wander from business to business, accepting attention and sniffing the smells of this charming town as you peruse the shops and eateries before heading off into the hills for a good run. Bliss.
You can read more about dog friendly places to eat in our blog, best places to eat in Kirkby Lonsdale.
6. History and heritage
Kirkby Lonsdale is one of the few places in Cumbria noted in the Doomsday Book of 1086. This ancient settlement began life as a river crossing over the River Lune which loops around the town. St Mary’s Church in Kirkby Lonsdale is one of the oldest structures here and signs of the town’s heritage can be spotted scattered amongst the buildings. After gaining a market charter in 1227, Kirkby Lonsdale grew in popularity and expanded along the river accordingly.
A famous highlight of the town is Ruskin’s View, a high promenade overlooking the River Lune outside of the town, reached via the Radical Steps, another local landmark. In 1875 the art critic, writer and historian John Ruskin proclaimed here that it was, ‘one of the loveliest views in England, therefore in the world’, confirming what we all knew already and that is what a remarkable place Kirkby Lonsdale is.
7. Weekly outdoor market
As already mentioned, there is a weekly outdoor market in Kirkby Lonsdale which attracts local makers, producers and artisans every Thursday to Market Square, the beautiful Georgian square in the centre of the town. Despite there being a number of chartered market towns in Cumbria, there are relatively few weekly markets you can still visit, the Kirkby Lonsdale market being one of them. Here you’ll find local, seasonal produce, delicious bakes, handmade crafts, jewellery, plants and lots more besides.
8. Shopping
Shortlisted as one of the country’s best high streets, Kirkby Lonsdale is teeming with independent shops offering all sorts of goodies from clothing to accessories, cards and stationery, to meat and produce, baked goods and footwear. There are galleries and gift shops, antiques and homeware, even a good ole sweet shop. You won’t find many national chains here, just a couple of high street fashion chains, a SPAR shop and Booths. Instead, local businesses abound with so many different shops in Kirkby Lonsdale, you can spend days exploring the town and the local area stocking up on gifts for loved ones and locally made treasures for yourself.
9. Gelato
An unlikely reason to visit a place, but there is an exceptional little Kirkby Lonsdale shop that is family owned and run, and has been for generations, that uses fresh milk from their dairy three miles away to produce some of the best ice cream we’ve tasted. The Milking Parlour is an unassuming little shop that offers gelato in all sorts of flavours. Their motto, from cow to cone, is a fitting one and you can enjoy their wares not only in cones, but also on waffles, in tubs, alongside a brownie or in a milkshake. A real treat for kids of all ages and the perfect treat after a long walk on a summer’s day.
10. Eateries in Kirkby Lonsdale
Kirkby Lonsdale is a paradise for foodies. The cobbled streets contain hidden nooks and crannies where you’ll find cute cafés and welcoming gastropubs, a choice of international cuisine and the option to dine-in or takeaway. We’re probably biased, but we believe the restaurants in Kirkby Lonsdale are second to none and of those, Number Nine is a particular gem.
Our small, intimate restaurant welcomes visitors and locals alike with a seasonal menu bursting with choice, a wide variety of hot and cold drinks and service with a smile, always. We are both dog and family friendly and have a wonderful outdoor seating area, making our Kirkby Lonsdale restaurant a firm favourite all year round.
