Kirkby Lonsdale is a small, and wonderfully unspoiled market town, triangle-d in by three incredible natural landscapes: the Forest of Bowland, the Lake District, and the Yorkshire Dales. Part of the magic of Kirkby Lonsdale must be fuelled by visitors, because its high street is just too much of a pleasure to be just for the locals — it offers the opportunity to browse beautiful independent boutiques and craft shops, and enjoy an excellent choice of cafes, tea rooms, bars and restaurants. The best places to stay in Kirkby Lonsdale will be well known to walkers, but we also think they're worth considering by anyone looking for a pretty, and possibly romantic, getaway.

As well as its charming High Street, Kirkby Lonsdale is known for its 13th century bridge, called the Devil’s Bridge, which is now open only to pedestrians, and is a picturesque spot for a picnic. And “Ruskin’s View”, which is a view from just above the town, overlooking the Lune Valley and Underley Hall, famously painted by JMW Turner.

Kirkby Lonsdale is also only around 20 minutes from White Scar Cave, which is one of the longest show caves in Britain. Ingleborough Cave is just a bit further. There’s also a good local smattering of National Trust properties, and a steam train heritage centre at Carnforth Station.

Due to its proximity to top notch walking country, the best places to stay in Kirkby Lonsdale can be busy year round. To avoid disappointment, we advise you book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Kirkby Lonsdale

For Walkers

• Equidistant between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, the Hipping Hall Hotel makes an ideal base for walkers. This is a well-done restaurant with rooms, newly made over in pale colours, with rooms a mix of traditional and contemporary styles. The restaurant takes over the Great Hall, where an inspired, memorable menu is offered. We recommend the tasting menu, with accompanying wines, which reflects the standard expected from a 3AA Rosette establishment.

For Romantics

• The Royal Hotel Kirkby Lonsdale is a beautiful old property with a rather grand bearing, in the perfect spot: right on the main square. This hotel has been running for a very long time, but still has just 14 rooms and suites — all individually decorated with plenty of romantic, and historic, touches. Expect Provencal-style furniture, exposed beams and luxurious fabrics. The bar and restaurant are known for their award-winning ales and hearty British cuisine.

Best Pubs-with-Rooms

• The Sun Inn is a wonderfully traditional, 17th century country pub, complete with whitewashed exterior, with exposed beams, and a friendly, wooden-beamed bar too. The 11 rooms and suites are all quite contemporary. The most rustic feature exposed stone walls — and wonderfully irregular walls at that — and the rooms are cosy, well lit and well furnished. Some welcome dogs too. You can have meals in the pub, or the restaurant, which is a more formal affair.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Manchester Airport and Liverpool Airport are probably the most convenient airports for the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the Forest of Bowland. Manchester Airport is about an hour and twenty minute away by car or taxi, or an hour and a half by public transport. Liverpool is very similar by car, but a bit longer by public transport — it takes about two and a half hours. If you’re coming via London, it’s three hours by rail, though with a taxi ride required from Kendal.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Kirkby Lonsdale and the Yorkshire Dales National Park are warmest and driest in the spring and summer, from about March until September, but it’s very easy to argue that this region is beautiful in all seasons.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for the best hotels in the Yorkshire Dales National Park or the best hotels in the Lake District
• Refine by the kind of hotels you’re looking for and consider just the best country house hotels in the Lake District, the best family hotels in the Lake District, the best country house hotels in the Yorkshire Dales or the best B&Bs in the Yorkshire Dales
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.