The Market Square in Kirkby Lonsdale is the central heart of this busy town. Not only is it lined with restaurants and shops, it displays the various options of Kirkby right there in front of you. On a Thursday, there is the Charter Market (hyperlink), which has been running since 1227.

Facing the Royal Hotel, the Main Street runs to the left and the right. Turning right, you’ll find the majority of Kirkby’s independent shops and unique restaurants. For example, Parma Violet sells beautiful clothing, special gifts and a range of classic children’s toys. Further along, Number Nine is a tapas restaurant with dishes from all over the world. Across the road, you can wander through St. Mary’s churchyard and down to the river.

Turning left from the Market Square is quieter, but not without treasures such as a second-hand bookshop, and The Milking Parlour, which sells ice cream made from milk from local dairy cows, as well as freshly made waffles.

Straight up the hill from the Square you’ll find the Royal Barn – a bar selling beers and ales made at the Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery. Jingling Lane disappears down the back-right corner of the Square and leads down to the river, but not before tempting you with a chippy tea from Jingling Lane Chippy, or a fresh salad from the deli.

The Market Square is the perfect place to begin your day in Kirkby Lonsdale!