to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Kirkby Stephen Parish ChurchOne of the finest churches in the county and known as the ‘Cathedral of the Dales’. Home to a display of Saxon artefacts and the famous 10th century Norse Loki Stone, one of only two examples in the world.- Pendragon CastleThis picturesque ruin lies at the centre of the Mallerstang Valley, said to be once the largest keep in Northern England. Legend associates this castle with Uther Pendragon, father of King Arthur who allegedly died with 100 of his men when the castle well was poisoned by Saxons. The property was at one time owned by Hugh de Morville, one of those responsible for murdering Thomas à Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. The castle and environs were last restored by Lady Anne Clifford in the seventeenth century. Look out for ghosts including a black hen who guards the treasure.
- Brough CastleThis castle is believed to have been built by William Rufus in 1092 as a wooden mott and bailey over the Roman fort, Verteris in this strategic position needed to defend Stainmore Pass and the Eden Valley. Improvements by the Clifford family over the years have made this a large site. It was restored by Lady Anne Clifford in the seventeenth century but soon destroyed by fire.
- Lammerside CastleThis intriguing ruin is all that remains of an unusually designed 14th century pele tower and larger complex. Said to be only occupied for 100 years by the Warcop family who moved to Smardale Hall. In Arthurian legend, the property is known as Castle Dolorous, where the giant Tarquin ate little boys. The castle can only be accessed via the footpath.
- The nationally acclaimed Kirkby Stephen Poetry Path was created to introduce an interpretive experience into the landscape and celebrates a year in the life of a hill farmer. Twelve short poems, written by the poet Meg Peacocke, have been carved by lettering artist Pip Hall into blocks of stone installed at intervals along a circular route, either side of the river Eden. Decorative motifs depict some of the associated activities and rubbings can be taken from these carvings using sheets of paper and a crayon.
- Town TrailThe informative Kirkby Stephen Town Trail will guide you around the historical streets within the Conservation Area. The leaflet tells of legends and historical sites illustrating some of the intriguing history. Blue Plaques with QR code links are also being added to the town to explain in more detail some of the more unusual building histories.
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