Kirkby Lonsdale Tourist Information

Occupying a charming easily accessible position on the Lancashire/ Lake District/Yorkshire Dales border, stands the historic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale.

Mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086, it is a town of many 17th and 18th C buildings, some of whose frontages are Listed. Ruskin wrote of the area that he knew of no other place in England and parts of Europe which displayed such natural beauty. You are urged to go and experience “Ruskins View” from the churchyard of St. Mary’s Church.

Take a stroll to Devils Bridge on the outskirts of the town. One legend has the bridge built by the Devil, and tells of an old lady who wished to cross the bridge to tend her cow on the other side of the river. The Devil demanded a payment in the form of the soul of the first person to cross the bridge. The old lady cleverly foiled his plan by sending her dog across first.

On weekends (especially Sundays), Devils bridge is a popular venue for motorcycle enthusiasts. Bikers and visitors can share views on paint jobs, helmets, carbon pipes and featherbed frames over a mug of of tea from the butty bar.

Close to Kirkby Lonsdale are the South Lakes of the Cumbrian National Park, the West Coast Estuaries, the limestone cliffs and caves of the Yorkshire Dales, the beautiful Forest of Bowland and the scenic Carlisle to Settle Railway.

Browse the town's shops, sample the well-prepared local fare in the pubs, inns, restaurants and cafes and relax in the sensibly priced accommodation of all types. And, golfers, do not forget the well tended 18 hole course 3 miles north of the town.

Kirkby Lonsdale has something for everyone. Pay us a visit and be warmly welcomed and pleasantly surprised by what is on offer. We are only a few miles from J36 of the M6 along the A65. Call our Information Centre on +44 (0)1524 297177.
We look forward to seeing you!!

Tune in to Kirkby Lonsdale's recently launched community radio station, Indigo 106.6FM.

For more information on Kirkby Lonsdale and the Lune Valley, visit Love the Lune

How to get there:

By rail: The nearest railway stations are Oxenholme (Nr. Kendal) and Lancaster. National Express coaches and local bus services run regularly from Kendal and Lancaster to Kirkby Lonsdale.

By road: Take Junction 36 from the M6 motorway and follow the signs for Skipton and the A65. Kirkby Lonsdale is approximately
6 miles.

 

Kirkby Lonsdale

St. Mary's Church

Devils Bridge

Bikes at Devils Bridge

Kirkby Lonsdale

 

Attractions in Kirkby Lonsdale

There are many riverside and country walks in the area, and historic buildings to see in the town itself, including the 11th century Norman parish church. Whilst many old market towns and their settings have suffered over the years, unspoilt Kirkby Lonsdale and its surrounding area of outstanding landscape still offer the same beauty appreciated by Constable, Turner, and Ruskin. In 1997 the town was awarded a National Tourism Award by the English Tourist Board.

Parkwood National Nature Reserve
Home to many rare plant, fly and bird species. An ideal time to visit is the spring and early summer for views of woodland birds, invertebrates and flora.

Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve
Situated close to the village of Silverdale. The Reserve is part of the Arnside and Silverdale area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and contains the most important pavement flora in Britain. Please note that access is by permit only.

Leighton Moss RSPB Nature Reserve
North West England’s largest reed bed and home to many species of bird life. Carnforth is the nearest town.

White Scars Cave
The longest show cave in Britain set deep below the Ingleborough Hill in the Yorkshire Dales.

Ribblehead Viaduct
This imposing structure of 24 arches, 104 feet high and 440 yards long is on the nearby Settle – Carlisle Railway. Visit Saint Mary’s Church, Outhgill and Saint Leonards sited along the line and Force Gill Aqueduct.

Walks from the town to Whittington via Biggins and Sellet Mill and return.

Walks from Hutton Roof around the Rakes, Balsterfoot Gap and Trig Point..

Strolls, mountain biking and horse riding in the area of Farleton Fell.

 

Food and Drink in Kirkby Lonsdale

Chocolat in Kirkby Lonsdale
Welcome to Chocolat in Kirkby Lonsdale. We offer a wide selection of hand made speciality chocolates and truffles in the shop in Kirkby Lonsdale. Alternatively you can order through our mail order service, or become a member of Chocolat Direct.
3 New Road, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA6 2AB
Phone: +44 (0)15242 72830
Website: www.chocolatinkl.co.uk

Sublime Café
Delicious home cooked snacks and light meals from local produce.
1, Market Square.

 

Transportation in Kirkby Lonsdale

 

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