Kirkby Lonsdale – The Lake District Village Guide

The beautiful market town of Kirkby Lonsdale sits right on the border of Cumbria, Lancashire & Yorkshire.

Set on the idyllic River Lune, among rolling hills, it is an elegant spot, full of cobbled streets, independent shops, great pubs, and cafes.

The town centre on the ancient church, is full of interesting buildings and pretty cottages and is a delight at any time, but especially around Christmas.

Read on to find out more about Kirkby Lonsdale…

Where to walk

Devil’s Bridge

Head down to Devil’s Bridge further down on the River Lune this very high ancient bridge with 3 arches, is a real landmark for the town.

Here you’ll find a legendary food van serving bacon butties and popular with motorcyclists, walkers and cyclists who congregate there after a trip around the area. There are riverside paths all along the Lune from here.

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

Just 7 miles from Kirkby Lonsdale you’ll find the 4 1/2 mile Ingleton Waterfalls Trail that boasts some of the most spectacular waterfall and oak woodland scenery in the UK. 

With rare and interesting plants and wildlife its importance as a geological site, much of the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England. 

There are a number of steps, making this walk unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

What not to miss

Ruskin’s View

Ruskin’s View is a place to sit and take in the panorama of the Lune Valley, with rolling meadows and lush green hills.

Ruskin enjoyed the view so much he pronounced in 1875 that it was one of the loveliest views in England. You can easily wander through the churchyard to get there, or clamber from the River Lune up the 86 ‘radical’ steps.

Street Market and Shop Independent

Kirkby Lonsdale street market takes place every Thursday on Market Square car park. There are lots of independent shops here, from artisan chocolate, to locally made shower and bath products, unusual gifts, cards, books and accessories, homeware, ornaments, children’s toys and clothing, second-hand books and outdoor wear. You can spend a happy afternoon browsing from one shop to another.

Salt Pie Lane

Salt Pie Lane used to be called Cattle Market Yard as cattle used to be sold in the adjoining lane which is confusingly called Horse Market.

A lady living in the yard made hot salted mutton pies to sell to the traders. After eating said pies, they headed to the nearby ‘Green Dragon’ (now The Snooty Fox) to quench their thirst – the landlord of which just happened to be a relation!

St. Mary’s Church

Also known as Kirkby Lonsdale Parish Church, St. Mary’s was built somewhere between 1093 and 1130, although there was an old Saxon Church on the site before.

The church displays a range of architectural styles, some dating from the early 12th century. In the churchyard are ten monuments that have been listed at Grade II, including a monument to the Burrow family, dating from the middle of the 18th century.

Food and Drink

Kirkby Lonsdale is full of great pubs, restaurants and cafés.  The Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery is popular throughout the pubs in the town, and has its own taproom bar, The Royal Barn.

It’s a converted barn with cosy interior and you can taste some of the 20 cask/keg or numerous bottled options. They also create their own gins and serve nibbles and snacks too.

The Orange Tree is a cosy pub with friendly atmosphere and great fish and chips. Another great pub is The Sun Inn, with open fires, beams, oak floors and a superb locally sourced menu, changing with the seasons. 

If you want a central café, the Crossing Point Café has some excellent lunch options all homemade with great cakes and they are an independent wine shop too. On warm days sit outside and do some people watching.

Our Top Pick near Kirkby Lonsdale

High Fellside Hall

Sedbergh | 7 Bedrooms | 7 Bathrooms | Sleeps 18

This luxurious detached farmhouse truly defines a sensational holiday home. Set within five acres of its own grounds and boasting its own private leisure centre, it’s easy to see why High Fellside Hall is so popular.

The location of the house is remarkable, with direct access to the dramatic moorland including Barbon Fell and offering panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales.

The market towns of Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale are an easy drive away, offering restaurants, pubs and independent shops, while you are also within reach of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park.

For more inspiration on where to go in the Lake District, read some of our other guides:

• Ambleside Village Guide
• Grange-over-Sands Village Guide