Kirkby Lonsdale: History on the River Lune

The weekly Charter Market adds to these historical and scenic themes.

Bridge and Norman architecture

Devil’s Bridge spans the River Lune south and east of Kirkby Lonsdale. The three-arch bridge probably dates from the 12th or 13th century and is now designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is also a Grade I listed building.

St Mary’s Church also has Norman origins and was probably built between 1093 and 1130. The nave contains three Norman columns; two of them feature unusual diamond-pattern decorations. The date range and column decorations give you two specific clues for understanding the church’s architecture.

Ruskin’s View and the River Lune

Ruskin’s View is on a promenade high above the River Lune. From there, the view stretches across the Lune Valley to Underley Hall. JMW Turner painted the view from Ruskin’s View, connecting the landscape here with an art-historical reference. From the viewpoint, you can descend to the river via the Radical Steps: the views across the valley and the descent to the water offer different ways to spend time on the Lune.

Local stories at The Vault

The Vault is in the original strongroom of a former bank and preserves the memories and stories of Kirkby Lonsdale. The free, immersive film experience is about the history of the town and includes seven filmed stories about tragedy, love, triumph and local history. Check The Vault’s current opening arrangements before your visit.

The guided Vault Walks offer a different way to discover local history: with a trained local guide, visitors explore Kirkby Lonsdale’s cobbled streets and hidden alleyways. The walks take place on the first and third Friday and the first and third Saturday of each month at 11:30 am, and last about 50 minutes. Check the specific date before your trip.

Market and street history

Kirkby Lonsdale has held a market charter since 1227; the Charter Market takes place weekly. Its stalls offer local produce, plants and jewellery. If you would like to plan the market as a set part of your itinerary, check the dates before your visit, as the schedule may change.

The history of Salt Pie Lane also tells a story of trade. The street was formerly called Cattle Market Yard; by 1911, the name Salt Pie Lane had become established. Livestock was sold at the adjacent Horse Market. A woman who lived in this area sold hot, salted mutton pies to the traders.

Getting here and finding your way around

Kirkby Lonsdale is on the A65 and can be reached by car. The nearest motorway junction is J36. From Kirkby Lonsdale, the route follows the A65; the distance is about 6 miles and the journey takes approximately 11 minutes.

At the Kirkby Lonsdale Town Information & Gift Shop, you can get information about attractions, accommodation, restaurants and nightlife. Check opening times before visiting, as opening arrangements may change.

Discover more destinations: Storth, Cartmel, Torpenhow, Crosthwaite, Ambleside, Elterwater, Carlisle, Uldale.

Back to the regional travel overview: Cumbria.