Kirkby Stephen is a market town, lying at the head of the beautiful Eden Valley. This historic town is easily accessible from the east-west A66 cross Pennine route, once used by the Romans, Danes and Saxons, and from the north-south by the M6.
Kirkby Stephen was granted its market charter in 1361 and continues to hold a lively market every Monday. The town has a good selection of shops and local services, including a tourist information centre and many fascinating antique and curio shops.
The town itself has some interesting historic buildings, including the Cloisters in the Market Square and the parish church, known as "The Cathedral of the Dales." The church houses an ancient relic, the Loki stone, one of only two in Europe to represent the Norse God Loki.
The River Eden is just two minutes from the Market Square so a riverside stroll is an easy option with spectacular rock formations to be seen at Stenkrith Park. |