The little-known market town named one of the best places to live in the UK
Located on the cusp of the Yorkshire Dales, for centuries Kirkby Lonsdale has gone almost unnoticed by those who pass by the picturesque market town every year
Over the course of a year millions make the trek up north past an unassuming road sign. But, for those in the know, the quiet, unassuming market town listed on the sign has become somewhere they return to over and over again.
In fact, Cumbria's Kirkby Lonsdale has now been named one of the best places to live in the country. Sitting on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and 13 miles from the "gateway to the Lake District" of Kendal, it's no wonder it's garnered such a reputation. With a population of just under 2,000 people the tiny market town punches well above its weight when it comes to looking for things to do.
I've visited the town countless times over the years and can attest to it truly being a beautiful place. While average house prices of £663,500 may bar many from moving there, there is still plenty of reason to visit. Many tourists access the town via Main Street and could be easily forgiven for spending a day browsing the number of quaint eateries and pubs that are neatly nestled side by side almost everywhere you look.
But, the first thing to do during any visit to Kirkby Lonsdale is to take a trip to Ruskin's View. Just a leisurely six minute walk from the town centre, this picturesque view never fails to take the breath away of those on their first visit to the town.
With views of the River Lune, Howgills mountains and the famous Devil's Bridge in front of you, it is just a glimpse of the delights the town has on offer.
For those looking for something more challenging, locals always recommend taking the Devil's Bridge walk, or the Devil's Bridge River Loop, as it's sometimes known.
The loop, which spans roughly eight kilometres, takes you through Kirkby's old cobbled streets, past the woodland and riverbank before bringing you to the iconic Devil's Bridge.
While it's name comes from an old tale that says it was the devil himself who built the bridge, it continues to be one of the must-visit locations for anyone paying a visit to the area. It is believed to have been built in the 12th or 13th century and the bridge's three arches span across the River Lune, providing a stunning view at every juncture.
After spending most of the day on their feet walking, most visitors should take the opportunity to explore the town's almost never-ending selection of independent pubs and quaint eateries that seem to line almost every inch of the town centre's streets.
Like many others who have made Kirkby Lonsdale a frequent jaunt over the years, I first heard about the market town through word of mouth after a family friend had decided to relocate there. But, it might not be long before people sit up and start taking notice of Kirkby Lonsdale after the Sunday Times recently named the Cumbrian town in their annual best places to live this year.
In an interview with the outlet earlier this year, one local, Polly Robinson, simply explained what it was like to live in the town: "It’s beautiful, but you don’t feel completely isolated. You can pop out to dinner or you can pop out for a hike, you can be out in the countryside within a couple of minutes."
And, it's not just the locals who have fallen in love with the town, Kirkby has also received glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, with one user writing: "Lovely shops and a great choice of pubs and bars to eat and drink in. A walk to devils bridge to see all the motorbikes then a stroll along the river and back up through the church to the village is a must."
While another said: "Some delightful scenery and gorgeous local architecture, and all within a short distance of some of the best nature walking in England."