A Family Friendly Guide to Kirkby Lonsdale

Posted 15 September 2025 by Alexandra Mackintosh

Immerse yourself in history at The Vault

Learn more about Kirkby Lonsdale’s history at this free, interactive cinema located in the Town Information & Gift Shop. Kids will love hearing tales of the town told by authentic characters from throughout the town’s past. Learn more here.

Save the date

Look out for family friendly events, including those geared towards children, taking place in Kirkby Lonsdale throughout the year. From kids’ cinema at Lunesdale Hall to pop-up Bouncefest sessions during school holidays, as well as lots of seasonal fun, keep an eye on what’s on here.

Explore Kirkby Lonsdale’s secret Chocolate Mine

Hidden away beneath Chocolat in Kirkby Lonsdale lies the Enchanted Chocolate Mine: a charming and magical place where chocolate is mined by faeries hard at work. To visit this free, mini attraction, simply pop in to Chocolat and head downstairs. Here, don your own hard hat before heading down to this small but perfectly formed mine. A visit will only take a few minutes – but the memories will stay with you forever!

There’s plenty for grown ups, too, with a fantastic selection of handmade chocolates alongside locally made spirits and liqueurs.

Discover family friendly food & drink

Kirkby Lonsdale is home to a vibrant range of family-friendly places to eat and drink. Whether you’re looking for a sit down meal or a snack on the go, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Dedicated kids’ menus offer something for everyone – even the most discerning of diners. Don’t miss an ice cream from the Milking Parlour – there are lots of flavours to choose from, and it’s ideally located for enjoying on a walk along the River Lune.

Enjoy a gentle walk

 Kirkby Lonsdale is a fantastic base from which to enjoy a wide variety of scenic countryside walks to suit a range of abilities and age ranges. Want a gentle stroll? Walk from the town centre to Devil’s Bridge along the banks of the River Lune. Stop to admire this popular local landmark and enjoy a bite to eat from Devil’s Bridge Snacks. Nearby, the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail makes for a great day out; while just a short distance south, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape is home to several fantastic walking routes.

Meet the animals at a farm park

Blow off some steam at the Lakeland Maze Farm Park, just a short 20-minute drive from Kirby Lonsdale. The star attraction is the popular Maize Maze (open between July – October, check ahead for dates), with a Mini Maze for those who want to spend a little less time on their feet. 

As a working family farm, it’s also home to petting areas, all-weather mazes, a cafe, soft play area and more. Plus, in October you’ll find a seasonal pumpkin patch!

Visit a country hall

Kirkby Lonsdale is ideally placed for several country halls and castles, with extensive grounds where kids can enjoy exploring. Sizergh (15 minute drive) is a National Trust run medieval house with impressive gardens, woodland walks, and seasonal events like Winter at Sizergh. Leighton Hall (25 minute drive) offers family friendly tours, craft activities, adventure playgrounds and activity packs for kids. Meanwhile, Levens Hall (15 minute drive) is home to a playground, costumes, extensive grounds and parkland to run around in and more. Check ahead for seasonal opening times.

Go caving in the Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is home to a vast network of caves, and there’s plenty to enjoy near Kirkby Lonsdale. Just a 20 minute drive away, White Scar Cave is Britain’s longest show cave. Children will love exploring, with tours offering the chance to see everything from waterfalls and geological formations to a stalactite adorned cavern. Want to get active? GoCave offers family caving trips near Kirkby Lonsdale for the chance to explore further. 

Are you planning a trip to Kirkby Lonsdale with your family? Follow along on our social media (Instagram and Facebook) for more ideas and inspiration.