An attractive market town, Kirkby Lonsdale is situated in the heart of the Lune Valley, midway between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. The town was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and holds a 13th century Market Charter. Nowadays, Thursday is market day, a perfect opportunity for visitors to explore the variety of distinctive independent shops in the town, or the many 17th and 18th century buildings which still stand. The town was also a finalist for the High Street of the Year Award in 2016. This part of the Lune Valley was a favourite haunt of the artist Turner, and was made famous by Ruskin – his “view” of the valley is still spectacular. The medieval Devil’s Bridge spans the river, and the quiet country lanes are ideal for exploring by car, bike, or even horse. There are three golf courses nearby, as well as tennis, riding, fishing and a variety of riverside and country walks, making the area an ideal location for a break, whatever time of year. When voting Kirkby Lonsdale as the ‘Best Place to Live in The North West’ in 2019, The Sunday Times commented it is “An unbeatable Lake District location, bags of community spirit and one of the cleanest high streets in the country”.
