5 ways to keep the ‘bounce in your step’ after visiting Bouncefest in Kirkby Lonsdale!

It’s always daunting taking your children out and not knowing the area. Will I have to take snacks? Will there be a child friendly place to eat lunch or dinner nearby? Is it worth the trip if it’s in the middle of nowhere? What else can we do in the area? Well, we thought we would put your mind at ease and tell you our top 5 things about the lovely market town of Kirkby Lonsdale. This town might be small but it certainly packs a punch and there really is something for everyone.

1.The food!
Hungry children are never a good thing, and finding a place to eat fast when you don’t know a town is a challenge. With pubs, restaurants, hotels and cafes galore it will be easy for you to find something to suit everyone. Here’s a quick rundown on some of the eateries!

The Royal is open from 8am for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in-between. Stone baked pizza, afternoon tea, soups, sandwiches, salads and of course a great children’s menu as well.

The Sun Inn – a dog friendly 17^th century inn situated to the far end of town beside the church is a bit more boutique serving sandwiches, nibbles, starters and mains from 12-5pm.

There is also the Kings Arms and The Snooty Fox both serving the traditional pub grub alongside great children’s options.

There is a fish and chip shop on Jingling Lane. We recommend buying some and then walking (about 4 mins!) up the hill out of town to the playground and skate park to enjoy them if the weather is fine. Or after lunch go to the Milking Parlour for an ice cream treat and head for a stroll to Ruskin’s View which is just the other side of the church yard. Fresh, homemade artisan ice-cream from their farm 3 miles outside of Kirkby Lonsdale straight to their shop. The phrase ‘Cow to Cone’ couldn’t be truer, as soon as the milk is cooled they are using it to produce all the delicious ice-creams for you to enjoy alongside waffles, milkshakes and drinks.

Need something to take back for dinner because you’ve been out all-day having fun? Then head to Booths and grab some shopping on the way home.

2. Shopping
Dotted among the restaurants and eateries are great independent shops selling a host of items from fishing nets for the adventurous, children’s clothing, women and men’s clothing boutiques as well as plants, toys, lighting, hardware, cakes, books, furniture and so much more.

Chocolat – the home of luxury handmade Belgian chocolates is a must for every chocolate lover. Cocoa dusted truffles, salted caramel domes, dark chocolate dipped orange slices…I mean it’s a chocoholics dream. Last time we were there we grabbed some of the hot chocolate stirrers and took them home – it was the perfect way to enjoy a rainy, sofa day the next week. Did I mention they have an enchanted chocolate mine?! You might have thought chocolate grew on trees but head for a visit to find out more!

The Sweet Shop which was established in 1902 is another way to keep the fun going! What better way for the children to keep the bounce in their steps than a bag of sweet treats. Jump straight into the pick and mix creating your perfect sweet collection. With options for bag, boxes and jars you can also stock up on gifts whilst you are there.

Pick up everything your little ones will need for your future Cumbrian walking adventures at Little Walkers along with toys and goodies from Parma Violet – and it really is an emporium with a full range of toys, gifts, books and more. Dotty and V has everything you need for your children’s wardrobe. Sunglasses, accessories, smart shirts, stunning and cute dresses as well as local child-friendly soaps and lotions.

Let’s not focus all of our attention on the children! The Bath House shop is a must for parents who want to look after themselves as well as the environment. Not only does the shop smell divine with bath salts, hand creams, candles, room diffusers, lip balms and shower oils BUT they are also working hard to reduce all unnecessary plastic waste by using reusable containers for their natural, eco-certified ingredients. Go on treat yourself…or your other half?!

Another amazing shop that is working hard to reduce plastic waste is The Zero Pantry. Alongside the eco-friendly local produce from soaps to teabags you can refill all your household cleaners and of course foodie treats as well. They are hugely knowledgeable so you can ask them for advice about how to reduce your plastic waste and you’ll get lots of other environmentally friendly hints and tips!

3. The Brewery
In such a quaint little place it’s a blessing to see the Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery right beside the carparks. Now this is no ordinary brewery as they have real ale through the top door but through the bottom door is Kircabi Roasters, the independent craft coffee roasters! They serve waffles and panuozzos and of course beer and coffee in a lovely street side courtyard. Plenty of opportunity to take a few bottles home with you too.

4. Keep bouncing!
If your little ones haven’t burnt off enough energy at BounceFest or have a second wind after lunch then head to the local play park and skate park which is beside the top car park in Kirkby Lonsdale (near the supermarket) OR just 13 minutes down the road is Ingleton pump track. The pump track offers a great opportunity for children to develop confidence as well as balance and cycling skills and the rollers, loops and banks are great fun but remember your helmet!

5. Walking
When in Cumbria there is always a walk on your doorstep and Kirkby Lonsdale is no different. Actually, it hosts 2 amazing sites for you to enjoy. One as I mentioned before is Ruskin’s view with the added addition of the Radical Steps. It’s a short walk through the quaint, cobbled street to the peaceful churchyard to Ruskin’s view then (if you have time) go down the steep staircase to the river and at the bottom turn right, this will lead you to Devil’s Bridge! It’s a lovely short walk down by the river, not too steep etc but if you have a pushchair in tow then walk back up to the village and onto Mill Brow where you can also get down to the path or indeed have a picnic!

Devil’s Bridge which spans the River Lune is normally filled with people enjoying the views and the flowing waters, families splashing or fishing in the river, it’s a haven for motorcycle enthusiasts and also there is a toilet waiting for you if you need! Along this delightful riverside walk you will find lovely places for paddling and attached to various benches The Vault Trail where you can use your phone to watch stories about the history of Kirkby Lonsdale – simply scan the QRcode or pop into the Tourist Information Centre in the centre of the village to find out more!

If you are looking for a longer walk then pop to Ingleton and check out the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail – a stunning walk and great for a family adventure.

Bouncefest is already a fun filled 90 minutes but it’s easy to make a full day of it with such an amazing village to explore. You could even stay over in one of the many nearby Hotels/B&Bs and make the most of some family time. Spring into action and book your place at Bouncefest today!

Information compiled and blog written by Sure to Surprise You.