Local Towns to Visit

Kirkby Lonsdale
The picturesque market town of Kirkby Lonsdale on the banks of the River Lune is ideally located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and within easy reach of the Lake District.  It is a very ancient settlement - Romans Saxons, Normans and Danes all carved an impression, and the town was included in the Domesday Book of 1086. The centre is a pleasing mix of elegant 18th-century buildings and stone cottages huddled around cobbled courtyards and narrow alleyways with evocative names such as Salt Pie Lane and Jingling Lane.  Traditional butchers, bakers and ‘the best independent cheese shop in the UK' (2007) jostle alongside designer jewellery, fashion and home décor outlets.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin is Norman, probably built between 1093 and 1130, although there was an old Saxon Church on the site before. Spanning the River Lune is a three arched bridge, called Devil's Bridge, which is probably 12th or 13th Century, and is now a scheduled ancient monument.

Turner (1775-1851) painted the River Lune, now called 'Ruskin's View'. John Ruskin (1819-1900), a lover of Turner's work, influential English critic, social theorist, painter and poet, was so impressed by the picture, that he was inspired to write 'I do not know in all my own country, still less in France or Italy, a place more naturally divine'.
During the first weekend in September, the town hosts its Victorian Fair, now a major event in the North of England. A lively Victorian street atmosphere is achieved with entertainment, demonstrations and street vendors.

Salt Pie Lane - formerly known as 'Cattle Market Yard'. Cattle used to be sold in the adjoining Horse Market, and an enterprising lady living in the yard made hot salted mutton pies for sale to the traders. After consumption of the pies it was necessary to adjourn to the nearby 'Green Dragon' to slake their thirst - the landlord of which just happened to be a relation!

www.golakes.co.uk

Hawes
A thriving market town and the unoffical capitol of the Yorkshire Dales, Hawes is home to Wensleydale Creameries, makers of Wensleydale Cheese, Hawes Ropemakers and the renowned Dales Countryside Museum – all of which welcome visitors.  There are also many antique and speciality shops and restaurants on offer, and the pretty dales of Swaledale, Cotterdale, Dentdale, Garsdale, Wharfedale and Chapel-le-Dale to explore nearby..
 
www.yorkshire.com
 
Settle
Framed by stunning countryside and iconic landmarks, the quaint town of Settle in Ribblesdale is an ideal stop for walkers, outdoor lovers and those looking for peace and quiet. Nestled in the shadow of the striking Castleberg Crag, this sleepy town is famous for its lively outdoor Tuesday market, breathtaking railway line and Victoria Hall.
 
www.yorkshire.com
www.yorkshiredales.org
 
Settle to Carlisle Railway
 
Jump onto the Settle-Carlisle Railway which offically starts from Settle and explore the beauty of the southern and western Dales with over 70 miles of stunning scenery in just a few hours. Glide over Victorian viaducts, past colourful stations and through narrow tunnels on England's most scenic railway.
 
www.settle-carlisle.co.uk