Surrounded by spectacular scenery, the ancient market town of Kirkby Stephen in the Upper Eden Valley enjoys an enviable position between the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks, both of which are within easy reach by car.
Kirkby Stephen is a ‘Walkers are Welcome’ Town, meaning we have an abundance of footpaths for all levels. We sit directly on the Coast to Coast walking route and are close to the Pennine Way.
The town is also close to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The whole area is steeped in history with castles and legends…and don’t forget to watch out for the parrots!
In Kirkby Stephen and the surrounding area there is an excellent choice of places to eat and drink. We have plenty of great eating establishments,choices include restaurants, bistros, cafes, tea shops, pubs, hotels, fish and chip shops and takeaways. Whether you live locally, are staying in the area or just passing through, you will find something to appeal to all tastes and budgets.
Places of interest…
Pubs & Restaurants
The Black Bull
A traditional pub in the centre of Kirkby Stephen serving home cooked meals in bar and restaurant
The Pennine Hotel
Recently refurbished, the Pennine Hotel sits in the Market Square of Kirkby Stephen, serving lunch and dinner with an Italian menu.
The Kings Arms
Currently closed
The Black Bull at Nateby
Less than 1 mile away from Pennine View Park in the neighbouring village of Nateby, beautiful village pub serving lunch and dinner
The Taggy Man
Newly refurbished pub in the centre of Kirkby Stephen – bar snacks available.
The La’l Nook
Micro pub in centre of Kirkby Stephen – specialising in local ales, beers and Gins.
The Old Forge
New Micro pub towards the end of Kirkby Stephen – specialising in craft beers and Gins.
The Bay Horse Inn
Situated in Winton (2.5miles from us) is a lovely traditional village pub serving great food, large beer garden.
The Kings Head
Friendly village pub with great food in village of Ravenstonedale (4 miles)
The Black Swan
Award winning hotel, pub and restaurant in Ravenstonedale (4 miles)
The Fat Lamb
Country pub on outskirts of Ravenstonedale, serves food, nature reserve attached
The Mango Tree
Fantastic Indian restaurant and takeaway in centre of Kirkby Stephen
Century Chinese
Chinese restaurant and takeaway just off the market square
Cafes / Coffee Shops
The Mulberry Bush
Café/Bistro serving breakfast, lunch and coffee, open 10am – 4.30pm
The White Hare
Café/tearoom serving breakfast and lunch – dog friendly
The Church Gallery
Coffee & Cake & gift shop
The Bothy
Café and Coffee shop with homemade pizzas & Ice Cream – located in centre of town – in ‘Mad about Mountains’ shop. Newly re-opened in 2023.
Berry, Grape and Grain
Deli, wine and spirits specialist. Indoor and outdoor seating available, light lunches, platters and deli plates available. Served a range of coffees, teas, wines and spirits.
Buttercup
Coffee & Cake and gift shop
Owen’s Farm Shop
New for 2023 farm shop and cafe on outskirts of Kirkby Stephen. Local produce on sale, cafe serving breakfast, lunch and treats, indoor and outdoor seating and small children’s play area.
Brough Castle Ice Cream Parlour
Ice cream parlour made with cream from their own cows and café. Sits at the entrance to Brough castle with great outside seating area and kids play toys.
Local Activities
Kirkby Stephen East – Stainmore Railway Company
Stainmore Railway Company volunteers have worked over the years to develop this disused station into a Heritage Centre and an operational railway which welcomes visitors at weekends.
www.kirkbystepheneast.co.uk
Platform 3 Play
Children’s play barn and café, directly over the road from us, great for wet day play
www.p3play.co.uk
Eden E-motion – Electric bicycle hire
Only a short walk away, you can hire electric bicycles to explore the area (with a little help)
www.eden-e-motion.co.uk
Coast 2 Coast Cycles
Bicycle hire, shop and repairs in the centre of Kirkby Stephen
http://coasttocoastcycles.co.uk/
Coast to Coast Packhorse
Packhorse take customers and/or their bags to starting points along the coast to coast walk
https://www.c2cpackhorse.co.uk/
Walking
Poetry Path, Viaduct Round, Smardale Gill, Nine Standards
http://www.kirkby-stephen.com/index.php/things-to-see-and-do/outdoor-activities/item/walking
Horse Riding – Stone Trail riding centre
Riding centre approx. 4 miles away, offers trekking rides from 2 hours to multiday trips.
www.stonetrailridingcentre.com
Paragliding
Provided the weather plays along our local fells are renowned as paragliding heaven
www.sunsoar-paragliding.com
Cumbria Classic coaches
Vintage buses operating timetables services to Kendal, Hawes and Barnard Castle
www.cumbriaclassiccoaches.co.uk
Castles
We have lots of castles and ruins in the area for you to explore including Brough Castle, Pendragon Castle, Appleby Castle, Lammerside Castle and Brougham Castle. Visit cumbria has information on all plus lots more
http://www.visitcumbria.com/castle/
Walking / Cycling
Kirkby Stephen has an abundance of walks and cycle rides setting off in every direction. There are numerous walks directly out of Pennine View which are perfect to get some fresh air without exerting yourself to much, along with miles and miles of scenic fell walks for the more adventurous.
We would highly recommend taking a stroll at some point in your stay, the following websites have plenty of information on the walks available including the Poetry Path, Northern Viaducts Round, Smardale Gill and Nine Standards Rigg –
Visit Cumbria Kirkby Stephen
Kirkby Stephen Area
http://www.walkeden.org/Walking.aspx
Some great cycling routes can be found at http://www.visiteden.co.uk/outdoor-adventures/cycling-in-eden
Further Information on the area can be found at Kirkby Stephen Tourist Centre in the centre of town/
