Although these days part of Cumbria, the small market town of Kirkby Stephen was once in Westmoreland, and perhaps in feel belongs most to the Yorkshire Dales close by. Indeed St Stephen’s church that gives the town its name (Kirk = Church, By = Town) is known as the Cathedral of the Dales. The lovely building dates from the 12th century, with many later additions and renovations, but the most fascinating thing about it is the 9th century Viking stone incorporated in the building. This depicts the suitably horned Norse god Loki, chained after he killed Odin’s son. The town retains the feel of a place that regularly defended itself against the Scottish raiders who plagued the area between the 13th century and the start of Elizabeth I’s reign. There is even a tunnel beneath an alley off the market square, used to shelter non-combatants during attacks. The market square is notable for the remnants of a bull baiting ring – an activity that only ended in 1820 here. The town was granted a market charter in 1361, and still holds markets to this day. Kirkby Stephen is a good base for walking tours in the surrounding fells. It is also the centre point of the 190 mile coast to coast walk, but gentler forays are available too: Swaledale is a short drive away along the B6270. Sights nearby include Pendragon Castle, the ruins of a 12th century castle on the site of Uther Pendragon’s original fortification. In myth Uther was King Arthur’s father. The town, though out of the way, is well served by roads. But perhaps the best way to travel there is by train. Its station, sited outside the town to avoid the line dropping into the Eden Valley, is on the rightly famed Settle-Carlisle line.
Attraction
Brough Castle
Cumbria Classic Coaches
Cottage
Belah Barn
Dales Holiday Cottages
Hazel Cottage at Augill Beck Park
High Sprintgill
Holly's Lodge
Sally End
Sycamore View at Augill Beck Park
Dentist
Doctor
The Upper Eden Medical Practice
The Upper Eden Medical Practice Brough
Inn
Bay Horse Inn
Black Bull Inn
Black Swan Hotel
Castle Hotel
Fat Lamb Country Inn and Restaurant
Pub and Bar
Bay Horse Inn
Slip Inn
White Lion
Restaurant
Horseshoe Restaurant
Old Forge Restaurant
Self-Catering
Sycamore View at Augill Beck Park
The Elms at Augill Beck Park
Solicitor
Taxi
B D Taxis
Prima Taxis
Steady Eddies
Venue
Vet
Sports Clubs
Kirkby Stephen (Men's Hockey)
Kirkby Stephen (Women's Hockey)
Kirkby Stephen LTC (Tennis)
Upper Eden R.U.F.C (Rugby Union)
Shops
Weasdale Nurseries Ltd
The Aroma Shop
Pet Stop
The Green Tree Pharmacy Ltd
The Bollam Gallery
The Pack Horse Stores
Haigh Butchers
Chofh's Florist
Stephensons
Lune Spring Garden Centre
Activities
Sunsoar Paragliding Ltd(Airsports)
Places to Stay near Kirkby Stephen
Black Bull Inn (1.28 miles)
Situated in the village of Nateby just a mile south of Kirkby Stephen, the Black Bull Inn can be found in the centre of the Village, directly opposite the road ... More
Bay Horse Inn (1.33 miles)
Under new owners and recently re-opened the Bay Horse Inn as returned to a busy village pub. Just a stones throw from the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks ... More
Castle Hotel (3.89 miles)
This family hotel with excellent food enjoys the quiet seclusion and charm of a traditional Westmorland village, with magnificent views of the Norman castle and the surrounding Pennines. Set in rural Cumbria, ... More
Swanson House (3.89 miles)
Kings Head (4.16 miles)
The Elms at Augill Beck Park (4.28 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
In the beautiful upper Eden Valley, nestling between Appleby and Kirkby Stephen at the foot of the Cumbrian Pennines, these newly built detached timber lodges provide holiday ... More
The Black Swan Hotel (4.42 miles)
The Black Swan Hotel is a beautiful victorian hotel in the tranquil conservation village of Ravenstonedale in the stunning Eden valley. Our family run hotel offers a relaxed informal home from ... More | visit website
Brownber Hall Country House (4.66 miles)
Fat Lamb Country Inn and Restaurant (4.73 miles)
Click for special and substantially discounted rates from Laterooms
deal base for walking or touring - midway between Lakes and Dales. Private nature reserve to rear. Quiet and relaxing with exceptionally good food.
... MoreAsh Pot Barn (7.00 miles)
Ravenstonedale 4 miles. An outstanding, stone-built, semi-detached barn conversion, beautifully situated on the side of Wild Boar Fell, overlooking the Howgills, 4 miles from the village of Ravenstonedale. Lovingly renovated, Ash Pot Barn combines original ... More
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