Can’t Decide Between Yorkshire or Cumbria? Try Kirkby Lonsdale! Kirkby Lonsdale has the answer to the debate about whether to holiday in the Lake District or the Yorkshire Dales. With easy access to both national parks together with a wide choice of holiday cottages to rent, the friendly market town is the solution for everyone from solo travellers in search of tranquillity to huge groups of extended families and friends gathering to celebrate a special occasion like a wedding or Christmas. Kirkby Lonsdale offers something for everyone, regardless of their interests or budget. There are so many reasons to visit Kirkby Lonsdale; take a look at our top five below. Read more
A delightful dog friendly holiday cottage with wonderful views perfectly placed near to the historic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale where the stunning Lake District meets the rolling Yorkshire Dales. Ideal for walkers or anyone wanting to discover the many attractions of Lancashire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
Escape to the beautiful Lune Valley with a stay in this rural holiday cottage. Sleeping two adults and two children with room for an infant, Hawkrigg Cottage is on a family-run dairy farm in Old Town, three miles from Kirkby Lonsdale. It's a popular place for a holiday in all seasons as the variety of footpaths and cycling routes are so extensive. You're right on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and only a short drive or scenic cycle from the southern half of the Lake District, Silverdale and Arnside AONB, and the Forest of Bowland.
Guests rave about the charm of The Landings. The two-bedroom self-catering property sleeps two adults, one child and one toddler. The first-floor holiday rental has a private entrance via external stairs and is tucked away in a quiet courtyard in Kirkby Lonsdale. It's so peaceful that you'd never know you're only a stone's throw from independent shops, cafes, bars, pubs, and a busy Thursday market. Stroll through town to the famed Ruskin's View and 13th-Century Devil's Bridge over the River Lune, and make the most of the plentiful walking and cycling opportunities in the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District and Forest of Bowland.
Kirkby Lonsdale is a fantastic place for a holiday. It is right on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and only half an hour from the Lake District National Park and the Arnside and Silverdale AONB. The busy market town is full of wonderful independent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, all virtually on the doorstep of this stylish apartment overlooking the historic Market Square. The Georgian House Apartment No.1 is a beautifully renovated one-bedroom apartment on the first floor of a Georgian building, with a private entrance through a cobbled lane. It's perfect for couples or independent visitors in the area for walking, cycling and sightseeing, or who want a welcoming home-away-from-home while working.
Affording a quiet position sitting on a country lane, Tosca Farmhouse offers the perfect blend of luxury and country living and is a fabulous retreat for the discerning guest. Close to the The Lake District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales and also the Trough of Bowland, this stunning property offers glorious scenery, outdoor pursuits on the doorstep and an abundance of attractions within easy reach. A popular choice for a family holiday, few nights away with friends or celebrating a special occasion in a wonderfully relaxing setting. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
You certainly won't be in the 'Dog House' when you book a romantic break in this gorgeous country cottage on the Underley Estate in Cumbria. Escape away from it all and enjoy walking through breathtaking scenery, fly fishing (when in season), golf or getting out and about and exploring the many attractions of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. A true gem of a cottage, packed full of character. Close to the The Lake District National Park, North Yorkshire Dales and The Trough of Bowland, this romantic retreat is set amongst breath taking countryside and a perfect hideaway for couples wanting to explore this beautiful area. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Tucked away on a peaceful lane a short walk from the centre of High Casterton (with pub) and just 1.5 miles (20 minute walk) from cosmopolitan Kirkby Lonsdale with a great choice of pubs and shops, Norwood Cottage is a fantastic holiday home for couples or families who love spectacular scenery, great food and plenty of variety. There is good access to both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, with fantastic sights like Cragg Hill, Dentdale and Levens Hall all nearby. The flexible layout accommodates four people in two bedrooms, with the second bedroom being able to be configured as either a double or a twin, depending on your needs.
Kirkby Lonsdale is close to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the South Lakeland Fells, making this smart period townhouse a wonderful choice for visitors who want to easily explore the region. 7 Queen's Square sleeps up to six people in three bedrooms and is within walking distance of two pubs and favourite sights including Ruskin's View and Devil's Bridge. The pretty market town has a great array of amenities and a fun calendar of events that include an annual Victorian Fair.
Kirkby Lonsdale is a favourite market town with superb amenities and what John Ruskin called "...one of the loveliest views in England, therefore the world". No. 6 Rowan Garth is a spacious townhouse accommodating six people in three bedrooms with a layout that suits families and friends. It's a short stroll from shops, cafes, pubs, and the beautiful River Lune with its medieval Devil's Bridge. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a stone's throw from Kirkby Lonsdale, while the Lake District, Forest of Bowland, and Arnside and Silverdale AONB are all within a 20-minute drive. It's a fantastic location for a holiday in all seasons as there is always somewhere beautiful to see and fun things to do.
If you are looking for a large venue to celebrate a special occasion then take a look at this impressive country house. Underley Grange exudes classic charm and is just perfect for a milestone event, wedding or simply spending time with special people. The flagship of the Underley Estate, guests can enjoy a true taste of country life when they stay at Underley Grange with miles of wonderful walks, fly fishing and clay pigeon shooting on the doorstep, as well as golf and a host of attractions in the nearby Lake District National and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Close to the The Lake District and Yorkshire Dales national parks, as well as The Trough of Bowland, Deansbiggin Barn is a stylish holiday retreat located amongst stunning countryside on the Underley Estate. Ideal for friends or family who want to holiday together in style with excellent outdoor activities on the doorstep including wonderful walks and the chance for fishing when in season. Experience Cumbria at its best! Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Sandwiched inbetween the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Forest Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, No 12 Mount Pleasant Terrace is the perfect self-catering cottage for couples looking to combine a holiday in an unspoilt and tranquil landscape, whilst still having all the amentities of a small market town on your doorstep. Embrace a range of outdoor activities including walking, cycling and climbing, enjoy a round of golf, visit one of the many local attractions, or simply relax and unwind amoungst beautiful scenery. Dogs are welcome too.
Close to the The Lake District National Park, North Yorkshire Dales and The Trough of Bowland, this self-catering holiday cottage is located in stunning countryside and ideal for exploring this beautiful area. Sleeping four guests, Bluebell Cottage is perfect for families and couples. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Close to the The Lake District National Park, North Yorkshire Dales and The Trough of Bowland, this holiday cottage is located in breathtaking countryside and ideal for exploring this beautiful area. Sitting on the Underley Estate in Cumbria, The Old Laundry is perfect for those who enjoy being outdoors with lovely walks on the doorstep as well as a host of other outdoor activities including fishing and clay pigeon shooting. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Tosca Cottage sits on the Underley Estate in Cumbria and is perfectly located with the The Lake District National Park to one side and the Yorkshire Dales to the other. This welcoming holiday cottage is also within easy reach of The Trough of Bowland and offers an abundance of outdoor activities amongst the surrounding breathtaking countryside. A great base for enjoying all the best bits of Cumbria and North Yorkshire. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
A pretty well presented stone cottage sitting in an idyllic peaceful position in a little hamlet close to Kirkby Lonsdale on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The Lake District's many attractions are within easy driving distance, making this perfect for touring, walking, cycling or simply relaxing amongst stunning scenery.
Escape to the country with a stay in this gorgeous cottage just outside of Kirkby Lonsdale. The new one-bedroom holiday cottage has a traditional charm coupled with modern construction techniques that make it good for guests and for the environment. It is ideal for couples or individuals who love being close to fantastic walks, bike rides and bridleways, with the convenience of the historic market town with its shops, cafes, pubs and weekly market. The self-catering cottage is available for short breaks and long stays all year round.
Conveniently placed within easy reach of The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and The Trough of Bowland, this unique elegant holiday retreat nestles amongst breathtaking Cumbrian countryside and is an excellent base for exploring the areas many attractions or simply relaxing on the Underley Estate. Sandwiched between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, there are no end of great days out to enjoy. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Hilltop is an idyllic cottage in a picturesque location in the Yorkshire Dales National Park with fantastic views. The owners have sympathetically updated the period cottage to make it comfortable for modern visitors while still retaining original features and character. It sleeps four people in two bedrooms, and there are lots of lovely walks and bike rides in the area. The cottage is within walking distance of the friendly village pub and just a few miles from Kirkby Lonsdale. The Lake District National Park and Bowland Forest are also easy to reach.
Mallard Lodge is a welcoming holiday home with views of the lake and an outdoor hot tub. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms (one which is ensuite), it is perfect for friends, families and couples. The lodge is in a fantastic location near Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancaster and Morecambe Bay. The Forest of Bowland AONB is within walking distance, while the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks are within easy reach by car. The site has five acres of fishing lakes. Guests can enjoy wonderful walks, breathtaking bike rides, climbing, caving, golf, sailing and scuba diving.
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
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Places and People that Inspire Artists and Writers - Some of Britain’s best-loved authors have taken inspiration from Kirkby Lonsdale and the surrounding area. Charlotte Bronte and her sisters went to school nearby and Kirkby Lonsdale is immortalised in “Jane Ayre” as Lowton. JM Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, was friends with the vicar at Kirkby Lonsdale in the late 1800s, whose grandchildren became the base for Peter and the Lost Boys. Although named “Ruskin’s View” after the poet and writer who described the view as “naturally divine”, it was the artist Turner who captured the breathtaking panorama from Church Brow in 1822. The viewpoint is signposted from the churchyard at St Mary’s and is a must-see while you are in Kirkby Lonsdale.
Shopping and Eating - A self-catering holiday in Kirkby Lonsdale is a treat with such fantastic local produce to buy. In addition to a weekly market every Thursday, the town has a supermarket and a variety of independent retailers, cafes and pubs. Stop by the Lunesdale Bakery for fresh bread and pies for a picnic or pull up a chair in their popular tea rooms. The leather chairs and open fire at The Sun Inn has been providing a warm welcome to guests since the 17th Century with current visitors able to enjoy beer brewed locally at the Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery. Kirkby Lonsdale’s businesses attract keen shoppers from around the area. 99% of the shops are independently owned and run and it is a pleasure walking along streets lined with buildings dating from the 17th and 18th Century.
Exciting Events - Wherever your interests lie, you are bound to find a festival or event celebrating it in Kirkby Lonsdale. Regular events in the calendar include a food festival in April, a beer and music festival in May, a Victorian Fair in September and a Christmas Fair at the end of November to kick off the festive season.
Spectacular Countryside - The landscape is one of the main reasons visitors stay in Kirkby Lonsdale. The town is close to the borders of three counties: Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire, and has easy access to the Lake District National Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Windermere is only half an hour by car with the rest of the Lake District not much further. The Yorkshire Three Peaks (Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside) provide a challenge for keen walkers and cyclists, while the national parks provide plenty of play-time for climbers, cavers, hikers and mountain bikers.
Days Out - There is no end to the fun you can have on a day out. Visit country properties and homes like Leighton Hall, Levens Hall or Sizergh Castle, wander around Kendal, sail on Windermere, or visit Cowan Bridge where four of the Bronte sisters (Charlotte, Emily, Elizabeth and Maria) attended school for a short time. Malham Cove and Aysgarth Falls are always lovely, as is Skipton.
With so much to see and do, it is no wonder that Kirkby Lonsdale is an enduring favourite holiday destination.
