Kirkby Lonsdale

Why come to Kirkby Lonsdale?

We love The Lakes - they are our neighbours after all - but the trouble with them is that you generally have to make a choice between great walks or a spot of shopping.  In Kirkby Lonsdale we have it all, with The Lake District, The Yorkshire Dales, The Lune Valley and The Forest of Bowland all on our doorstep. Historic Lancaster and seaside Morecambe with the spectacularly restored Midland Hotel are just half an hour away.  You will find a full guide to the local area and beyond with a map in your room, but here are some highlights.

Art and literature

We have culture too.  Turner painted here, and John Ruskin said  "'I do not know, in all my own country, still less in France or Italy, a place more naturally divine."  Well at Plato's we're especially lucky because Ruskin's view is right behind us, a two minute walk away. 

Walking

The river Lune meanders through Kirkby Lonsdale and is just the place for an afternoon amble.  If you would like something little more strenuous, just ask us and we'll give you some routes.  To whet your tastebuds, here's one that appeared in The Guardian

Devil's Bridge

There are numerous legends surrounding Kirkby Lonsdale's Devil's Bridge - ask any local and they'll tell you their version.  The most popular tells that the Devil appeared to an old woman, promising to build a bridge in exchange for the first soul to cross over it. When the bridge was finished the woman threw bread over the bridge and her dog chased after it, thereby outwitting the Devil. Several large stones in the surrounding area, including the Great Stone of Fourstones, are ascribed to the Devil's purse-strings bursting open as he ferried masonry to build it.

On a hot summer's day, why not take a gorgeous Plato's picnic hamper down to the bank of the river and paddle in the river.

Shopping

You can't come to Kirkby Lonsdale without enjoying the shops.  They cater for discerning locals rather than tourists - no tat here.  So as well as a butcher, a baker an ironmonger and an award winning cheese shop, you will find beautiful lingerie, stunning shoes, eclectic boutiques selling country chic, a proper toyshop, locally crafted beauty products and a chocolaterie.  Blessed - we truly are!!