About
Mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086, Kirkby Lonsdale is a market town of 17th and 18th century buildings. It has a 13th century charter for fairs and a school dating back to Queen Elizabeth I. Dignified ivy clad Georgian buildings and quaint cottages are all around the narrow alleys and cobbled courtyards which have interesting names such as Salt Pie Lane and Jingling Lane. Shops and hotels mingle in a main street, which in Spring and Summer is festooned with colourful flower baskets. Thursday is market day and the original medieval market cross can be seen in Horsemarket. Shopping in Kirkby Lonsdale is a unique experience. Where else is there an old market town with a population of round 2,000, yet with nearly sixty shops? The shops in Kirkby Lonsdale blend well with the architectural heritage. Many shop fronts are Listed, protecting their individuality and charm. The range of shops and the variety of merchandise available is very comprehensive and impressive.
The lovely Norman Parish Church of St Mary’s has a fine archway and magnificent stained glass windows. From the churchyard you an follow the signs to Ruskin’s View, a wonderful panorama of the Lune Valley and Underley Hall.
History
The ancient market town of Kirkby Lonsdale is just inside the south east boundary of Cumbria. Here the pretty River Lune passes through a rocky channel leading to the famous old Devil’s Bridge. Mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086, Kirkby Lonsdale holds a 13th century market charter, and possesses many 17th and 18th century buildings.
Local Attractions
Kirkby Lonsdale’s superb location has attracted many notable visitors. The Vale of Lune was greatly admired by the painter Constable, and Turner painted landscapes in and around the town. Ruskin was so impressed that he wrote, “I do not know in all my own country, still less in France or Italy, a place more naturally divine.” ‘Ruskin’s View’ over the River Lune is a famous local attraction. The medieval Devil’s Bridge spans the river, and is a scheduled ancient monument.
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, un spoilt 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.
The town is famous as a motorbike enthusiast’s meeting place; this happens every Sunday at Devil’s Bridge.
Nearby Attractions
Within a short drive of Kirkby Lonsdale is Windermere and the southern Lake District. Close by is Yorkshire Dales limestone country with its natural features of caves and waterfalls, the ‘Three Peaks’ of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent, and the spectacular Settle-Carlisle railway. Kirkby Lonsdale is convenient for the Cumbrian coast at Morecambe, and the Leighton Moss Nature Reserve. There are historic buildings nearby at Levens Hall, world famous for its topiary garden, and Sizergh Castle. The Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is south of Kirkby Lonsdale.
Shopping
Shopping in Kirkby Lonsdale is a unique experience. Where else is there an old market town with a population of around 2000, yet with nearly sixty shops! The shops in Kirkby Lonsdale blend well with the architectural heritage. Many shop fronts are Listed, protecting their individuality and charm. The range of shops and the variety of merchandise available is very comprehensive and impressive. People travel long distances to shop in Kirkby Lonsdale - the ‘Keep Loyal to Kirkby Lonsdale’ scheme offering discounts and promotions for regular shoppers has an active nationwide membership.