Kirkby Lonsdale: A hidden gem between two of the UK’s best National Parks.
Nestled between the two national parks of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, Kirkby Lonsdale is the ultimate slice of English countryside charm. With its breathtaking views, rich history, and a good dose of class and indulgence, this market town is an absolute dream for an upmarket staycation.
We can’t quite believe it’s taken us this long to discover Kirkby Lonsdale! Guilty as charged, we’ve spent years zooming west off the M6 straight to the Lake District, completely oblivious to the charm and beauty of this stunning market town right under our noses. Well, it’s well and truly on our staycation map now and it should be on yours too.
We had a stunning late January, family weekend staycation there, and here’s everything we got up to.
Home Sweet Home – No. 3 Beck Head
We worked with Birch Stays for our home-away-from-home, the gorgeous Beck Head Cottage, a charming, stylish and character-filled cottage that’s right in the heart of the town centre. This cosy bolthole has everything you could need – think exposed beams, a roaring fireplace, and heaps of rustic charm. Perfect for curling up after a day of exploring or stepping straight out of your front door to one of the cocktail bars or pubs, it’s the ideal base for your Kirkby Lonsdale adventures.
🛏️ Sleeps 8
🐾 Dog friendly
📍Central location
⭐️ Private courtyard
Ruskin’s View and the Radical Steps
The famous Ruskin’s View, this spectacular panorama over the River Lune that Victorian art critic John Ruskin called “one of the loveliest views in England” and who are we to disagree, it’s a stunner. To get there, you’ll climb the quirky Radical Steps, a steep stone staircase that adds a bit of adventure to your sightseeing. It’s worth the effort, the view is nothing short of breathtaking. Don’t forget your camera for this one or just take a quiet moment to yourself to enjoy this beautiful vista.
Stroll to Devil’s Bridge
Take a peaceful walk along the River Lune, where you’ll follow a scenic path all the way to Devil’s Bridge. This stunning three-arched bridge is steeped in legend (yes, the devil himself apparently helped build it and even left his handprint on the downstream wall of the bridge as evidence), it’s a great spot to pause and soak up the beauty. The walk itself is gentle and lovely, perfect for a gentle stroll or if you have children with you.
St Mary’s Church
No beautiful historic market town is complete without a quaint church. History fans, this one’s for you. The beautiful St Mary’s Church is right in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale and is brimming with stories from the past. From its Norman architecture to its intricate stained glass windows, this peaceful spot is the perfect place to take a moment and appreciate the town’s rich heritage and with the doors left open you’re free to pop in.
Mitchelgate
Mitchelgate is one of Kirkby Lonsdale’s most picturesque streets, lined with charming stone buildings and historic architecture that perfectly captures the essence of this delightful market town. Wander down to admire.
Sweet Treats at The Chocolate Shop
Make your way to The Chocolate Shop, the magic of their handmade creations will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Don’t miss the chance to explore their unique chocolate cave – it’s a quirky little delight. Then, settle in with one of their decadent hot chocolates, which my little boy declared ‘the best hot chocolates he’s ever had’ and I’m inclined to agree.
A Quick Tipple – Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery
The Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery at The Royal Barn is where craft beer meets cool vibes in the heart of the town. You’re greeted by industrial-chic interiors with exposed beams, quirky beer barrels, and walls adorned with nods to brewing history, it’s the perfect mix of rustic and modern. The lively yet laid-back atmosphere, made it the type of place you could quite easily lose track of time and was welcoming to everyone, families included. Their ales are the real stars here and we enjoyed a 6 beer tasting paddle. The Royal Barn also serves pizzas—wood-fired, loaded with fresh toppings, and just the thing to pair with a cold brew.
Lunesdale bakery & Tea Rooms
Lunesdale Tea Rooms is the perfect choice for a cosy, fireside breakfast or lunch. A charming little tea room that offers freshly made lunches that are as delicious as they are hearty. Whether you opt for a bowl of soup, an artisan sandwich, or one of their irresistible, and generously sized cakes (they’re actually enormous), you’ll leave feeling more than happily satisfied. Grab a seat by the roaring fire if you can!
The Vault
For a dose of local history, pay a visit to The Vault. Tucked away in the centre of town, this free miniature, interactive museum is packed with fascinating stories about Kirkby Lonsdale’s past. It’s a hidden gem that will leave you feeling like you’ve unlocked the secrets of the town, perfect for curious minds and history buffs like us and fun and interactive for kids.
Cocktails
Wrap up your day with a well-earned cocktail in one of Kirkby Lonsdale’s cosy bars. Whether you fancy a classic or something a bit more experimental, this town has you covered.
Number Nine Bar & Kitchen
Plato’s Bar
The Royal Hotel & Restaurant
Head to the National Parks
With the Lake District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park on your doorstep, just choose what direction you wand to head in to explore these beautiful areas further.
Read our blogs 10 Unmissable Lake District Hikes for some walking inspiration.
