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Description
A real draw for tourists, Kirkby Lonsdale is a wonderful chocolate box town, which benefits from being relatively traffic free in the centre, giving it a delightful olde worlde feel.
Right at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Kirkby Lonsdale is in Cumbria, very close to the Lancashire border, meaning it just makes it into this website for it’s accommodation and things to do which fall within the National Park.
The town is on the A65 which runs from Leeds to the Lake District, and it’s within easy reach along this busy road of the M6 motorway, which provides access to airports in Carlisle, Glasgow and Manchester.
Kirkby Lonsdale Accommodation
Studio 95
95 Fairgarth Drive, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2FB, United KingdomSnooty Fox
33 Main street Kirby Lonsdale Cumbria, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AH, United KingdomChapel Cottage
Chapel Cottage Queens Square, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AZ, United KingdomThe Royal Hotel
26 Main Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AE, United KingdomUllathorns Farm
ULLATHORNS MIDDLETON, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2LZ, United KingdomPlato’s
No 2 Mill Brow, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AT, United KingdomThe Landings
Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AH, United KingdomThe Granary, Kirkby Lonsdale
Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2EW, United KingdomCosy Cottage
Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2BE, United KingdomBack Cottage
Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AP, United KingdomWoodclose Park
Woodclose Park Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2SE, United KingdomThe Old Hay Loft
Apartment 3 34 Main Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AE, United KingdomCharming 3 Bedroom Townhouse – Kirkby Lonsdale
LA6 2BP, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2BP, United KingdomThe Cottage on Fairbank – Kirkby Lonsdale
13 Fairbank, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2BD, United KingdomWisteria Apartment
40 Main Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AJ, United KingdomWhoop Hall Hotel and Leisure
Skipton Road, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2HP, United KingdomSun Inn
Market Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AU, United KingdomRed Dragon Inn
59-61 Main Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AH, United KingdomOuthouse Bothy
Chapel Lane, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AU, United KingdomNo 1 Fairbank
1 Fairbank, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2BD, United KingdomHorse Market Cottage Kirkby Lonsdale
3 Horse Market, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AS, United KingdomCosy 2 Bed Apartment in central Kirkby Lonsdale
13 Market Square, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AN, United KingdomContemporary Barn Conversion in Stunning Setting
Middleton, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2LY, United KingdomChurchGate Apartment
4 Church Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AU, United KingdomAbsoluxe Suites
4 main street, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AE, United KingdomFell View Park Escape Pods with hot tubs
Fell View Park,, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2HP, United KingdomCosy, Boutique Central Kirkby Lonsdale Apartment
Apartment 1, 13 Market Square, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AN, United Kingdom10 Facts about Kirkby Lonsdale
Historical Significance
- Devil’s Bridge: The town is famous for the Devil’s Bridge, which is an exquisite medieval bridge spanning the River Lune. According to local legend, the Devil himself built the bridge, and it has become a popular tourist attraction.
- History of Settlement: Kirkby Lonsdale has a rich history of settlement dating back to the Roman and Norman eras, making it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. The name “Kirkby” means ‘church town’ in Old Norse, indicating Viking influence in its history.
Architectural & Natural Beauty
- Ruskin’s View: The picturesque scene from the churchyard over the River Lune, famously known as Ruskin’s View, was painted by J.M.W. Turner and praised by the Victorian art critic John Ruskin. It’s hailed as one of the loveliest views in England.
- Historic Buildings: The town boasts numerous historic buildings, including St. Mary’s Church, which dates back to the Norman era and showcases intricate Norman architecture.
Economic Aspects
- Market Town: Kirkby Lonsdale is known for its bustling market, which has been a central part of life in the town since 1227 when it was granted its market charter by King Henry III.
- Thriving Local Businesses: The town boasts a variety of independent shops, boutiques, cafes, and pubs, showcasing the vitality of its local economy.
Social & Cultural Aspects
- Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery: The local brewery, known for producing a range of craft beers, is an integral part of the community and reflects the town’s dedication to preserving traditional industries.
- Cultural Events: The town hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as the Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair and the Arts and Crafts Festival, reflecting a vibrant cultural scene.
Geographical Context
- Proximity to National Parks: Kirkby Lonsdale serves as a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is also near the Lake District, offering ample opportunities for exploring the natural beauty of Northern England.
- River Lune: The town is located on the banks of the River Lune, which provides stunning landscapes and various recreational activities such as walking and fishing.
Kirkby Lonsdale on the Map
Kirkby Lonsdale FAQ’s
Is Kirby Lonsdale worth visiting?
The town boasts independent shops, charming restaurants, and a programme of interesting festivals throughout the year. A weekly market takes place in the picturesque square, and local Ruskin’s View was immortalised in a Turner painting. Visitors come from miles around on sunny weekends.
Why is Kirkby Lonsdale famous?
The Town is notably home to the 14th century Devil’s Bridge, as well as Ruskin’s View, which inspired a painting by artist JMW Turner in 1822, and poet John Ruskin to declare ‘I do not know in all my country, still less in France or Italy, a place more naturally divine. ‘
Why is Devil’s bridge Kirkby Lonsdale called Devil’s bridge?
Local legend has it that the Devil appeared to a local woman who could not retrieve her cow from across the river. The Devil appeared offering to build a bridge in exchange for the soul of the first to cross it, and the woman agreed. Once the bridge was completed, the woman threw some food over the bridge, which her dog chased, thus outwitting the devil.
Where Next
Obviously, head into Yorkshire, and specifically, explore the Yorkshire Dales – the next town along the A65 is Ingleton, from where you can base a walking tour of the Three Peaks.