Summer in Kirkby Lonsdale
There are many ways to enjoy Kirkby Lonsdale this summer, starting with the face-to-face Phoenix Rising programme which started in May. Kirkby Lonsdale has felt a real buzz recently, especially since the sun came out on the bank holiday weekend and there was much to do for both visitors and locals alike. Now that indoor hospitality and hotels are open the town is really starting to come alive, read on to see how you can make the most of it!
Phoenix Rising
We have had a fabulous month working with Green Close Studio, an arts organisation from Melling, in delivering the first face-to-face Phoenix Rising art & wellbeing workshops at Lunesdale Hall. We are looking forward to continuing our work with them throughout June and over the next year as the Phoenix Rising project expands.
The final Phoenix Rising Art Tasters will be taking place this month, with booking closing on the 20th June, so grab your chance to recharge, relax and try something new:
Tree of Life:
Be inspired by the beautiful world around you with local artist and director of Green Close Sue Flowers. During the workshops you will learn how to make your own ceramic candlestick inspired by the local environment and the things that make you who you are. Sue will share her knowledge of working with Mexican ceramic artist Tiburcio Soteno exploring how he creates this unique form of Mexican folk art. Why not try the Tree of Life one-day workshop or you can still join in for the remaining two weeks of the Tree of Life three-week series.
Kirkby Towntastic:
Make the most of the gorgeous weather at the moment during the Krikby Towntastic indoor & outdoor workshop. This is a livelier way to de-stress with artist Danielle Chappell-Aspinwall, taking inspiration from our beautiful town Kirkby Lonsdale. Let the historic tales and natural awesomeness of the Lune Valley inspire you as you make bunting to display around town. This is your chance to try the Kirkby Towntastic two-week workshop series starting this Sunday 6th June – also a fantastic idea for a father’s day present!
Summer and beyond:
These taster sessions will lead onto the wider Phoenix Rising programme, funded by the Thriving Communities grant from the National Academy for Social Prescribing, Arts Council England, Natural England and Historic England which has been offered to help communities across North and Central Lancashire and South Cumbria recover from coronavirus and rise out of Lockdown together.
Bank Holiday Weekend
In town we were happy to see smiling faces as couples and families strolled through the streets with their #cowtocone ice creams from The Milking Parlour, who are now settled into their new location on Jingling Lane and kept busy by both visitors and locals. Many also enjoyed brunch or an afternoon tipple sitting in front of The Royal Hotel and looking onto the sunny market square, people watching as the Kirkby Lonsdale hustle and bustle returned. It really was glorious…
Guided Vault Walks
Two groups joined us on bonus bank holiday Guided Vault Walks. Our trained local guides led them through the secret ginnels around town and brought the characters of Kirkby Lonsdale’s history to life: the perfect opportunity to learn about Kirkby Lonsdale’s hidden gems, starting at the monument in the market square and including Salt Pie Lane, Mill Brow, St Mary’s Churchyard and Ruskin’s View. Whether you’re a passing visitor or a local who’s lived here for 20 years or more, book onto a Guided Vault Walk – there’s always more to learn about Kirkby Lonsdale!
Beer Gardens and Dining In
Once you’ve finished your walk, you’ll find there are many wonderful beer gardens hidden behind Kirkby’s alley ways and cobbled streets, The Snooty Fox, Plato’s and Number Nine to name a few. The Kings Arms, The Orange Tree and The Sun Inn offer a hearty and delicious Sunday Roast with indoor ambience and a break from the sweltering sun. Browse through all the places to Eat & Sleep on our website so you can plan your next long weekend.
Devil’s Bridge
The bikers were out in full force while many enjoyed a burger from Devil’s Bridge Snacks and a sweet treat from the ice cream van. It was warming to see the summer crowds at Devil’s Bridge this weekend, sunbathing by the rocks and swimming in the river as passers-by watched the jubilant scenes from the top of Devil’s Bridge; the perfect way to end the bank holiday weekend.
Jubilee Field
We were particularly impressed with the clean & tidy aftermath in Jubilee Field and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took their rubbish home and helped clear up.
Kirkby Lonsdale Heroes
With Summer is on its way, we would like to take the opportunity once again to thank our Kirkby Lonsdale heroes for keeping the town going during Lockdown. In particular, we want to shine a light on the shops and community groups who have worked so hard over the last year to provide for everyone around them and to continue supporting them now as they keep going during what will be one of the UK’s busiest Summers to date. You can watch the thank you video here – we know our list is not exhaustive so please tell us who your Kirkby Lonsdale hero is!