Top Family Friendly things to do in Kirkby Lonsdale

The Lake District is a great place for families and children, and Kirkby Lonsdale is no exception. From summer camping nights, waterfall walks and historic castles, here are some of the best things to do in around Kirkby Lonsdale as a family…

  • Camping

Kirkby Lonsdale offers a small selection of nearby family friendly campsites with plenty of space for kids to enjoy ball games and a night under the stars…

  • Woodclose Caravan Park 

Prices vary depending on season and chosen accommodation

Woodclose Caravan Park is a family friendly site located just a small, 10-minute walk away from Kirkby Lonsdale town centre. The site offers self-catering accommodation, touring pitches and ‘glamping’ options. The park is surrounded by acres of countryside, perfect for stretching little legs and field games!

  • Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC Campsite 

Prices vary during seasons and pitch sizes but range from £17-£22 per night per pitch 

Underley Park, the home of Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club, is the perfect camping venue complete with 30 acres of parkland and outstanding views. The site offers pitches for tents and a few hard standing pitches with electric hook-up for tourers and campers. For families who like convenience, the site also offers pitches with their own private toilet and shower. The site is only 5 minutes walk away from Kirkby Lonsdale town centre, ideal for a night-time meal or daytime lunch. Money from the campsite supports the rugby club and its work in the community. 

  • Little Walks for Little Legs

When hiking with kids, you want to choose an easy, accessible walk with lots of exciting features. Here are a few family walks in and around Kirkby Lonsdale to start with…

  • Ingleton Waterfall Trail

Kids love waterfalls, and the nearby Ingleton Waterfalls Trail has five to explore!  The route is around 4.3 miles and follows a footpath running beside the edge of the two rivers, to provide excellent, close up views of the waterfalls. The trail visits the stunning falls of Pecca Falls, Hollybush Spout, Thornton Force, Beezley Falls, Snow Falls and Baxenghyll Gorge. Children’s activity packs are available to buy from the ticket office and include an activity sheet and a pencil. There are 10 wooden marker posts around the trail, which can be found on the children’s map to scratch off as they pass them. Make sure you hand your little ones pack into the office at the end of the trail; they’ll get a little prize!

  • Devil’s Bridge and Ruskin’s View

The riverside walk exploring Devil’s Bridge, Ruskin’s View and the River Lune is a short, 1.5 mile hike which takes around an hour. Pack your kids wellies, as there are plenty of shallow spots along the riverbank for a fun splash about!  The route has free, nearby parking and there is an ice cream van to treat your little ones with after the walk! There is a viewing platform at Ruskin’s Views enclosed by a fence so kids can look out onto the famous countryside from a safe spot.

  • Kirkby Lonsdale Family Trail

Local woman Rachel Wilkinson designed a Kirkby Lonsdale Family Trail during lockdown to share local walks with families and keep her twin girls occupied during lockdown. The trail explores the town and riverbanks and is an easy hike taking less than hour. Have a look online for her downloadable family pack, which includes a map and a fun quiz, enabling children to learn about the history of the town in an interactive way!