Kirkby Lonsdale is a picturesque and ancient town, located in south east Cumbria. It’s a relaxing place to shop, eat and stay, and a great base from which to explore southern and central Cumbria, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and Lancashire, with lots to do locally and plenty of excellent days out.

There is evidence of Neolithic, Celtic and Roman settlements in the area, but the town truly developed as a market town and thrived around the milling industries in the 19th century. Today it provides a gateway to the charming and popular Lake District National Park, and continues to prosper thanks to tourism.

Kirkby Lonsdale is famous for its photogenic charm; the view from the foot of Colliers Lane in High Casterton being particularly good. Rivalling this view is one of the yard of the Norman St. Mary’s Church across the River Lune, which runs through the town and has been described as one of the loveliest views in England. The town has an enchanting network of pretty stone buildings, narrow cobbled courtyards and lanes set amid a pastoral landscape of outstanding beauty.

The historic buildings, many of them hundreds of years old, that line the town’s streets and squares include a range of cafes, pubs, and independent shops, which combine to provide a traditional shopping experience that’s hard to find on the modern British high street.

The town, and its immediate surroundings, provides a range of cycling and walking routes. The clear waters and deep rock pools beneath Devil’s Bridge are popular among scuba divers who make use of the easy access.

Visitors will find a weekly market, a range of cultural, sporting and arts events throughout the year, and seasonal fairs and festivals.

See our collection of beautiful Kirkby Lonsdale holiday cottages and explore this picturesque town, and the nearby Lake District National Park and Dales National Park for yourself.