The Lune Valley Area Guide

The Lune Valley is one of the English countryside’s unspoilt gems. Starting near Sedbergh and the Howgill Fells, it leads to Kirkby Lonsdale and on along the northeastern edge of Bowland, ending at the Lancaster Estuary. Bordering the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Yorkshire Dales, this beautiful valley is home to not only landscapes that have inspired the many but also to some fantastic and highly sought after traditional English villages.

Attractions

A popular spot for walkers and cyclers alike there is an abundance of trails to enjoy including the Lune Valley Ramble, a 16.5-mile walk that traces the course of the River Lune’s lower reaches through some of the North West’s finest lowland countryside.

Wray Scarecrow Festival- An annual and popular event held in this quirky village that attracts visitors from far and wide. Residents of the village all club together to create a fantastic themed display of handmade scarecrows and you can enjoy the fair on the village green.

Crook-O-Lune - A popular picnic site where you can enjoy stunning views over the river and valley.

Hornby Castle – Whilst this historic castle is privately owned, on selected days of the year, they open their gardens to the public. You can explore the beautiful gardens and river walk and visit the walled garden nursery.

Kirkby Lonsdale – The historic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale is an extremely popular hotspot for tourists and a desirable area for the local residents too. You can enjoy a host of independent shops, cafes, restaurants and bars along the high street and there are some wonderful scenic walks nearby including a stop-off point at Devil’s Bridge.

Top Villages

Kirkby Lonsdale – The highly sought-after market town that demands higher average sale prices than other villages of the Lune Valley. A great spot just on the outskirts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is also a great spot for those looking to enjoy The Lake District as it is located just off the A65 leading onto the A591, meaning The Lakes is just 20 minutes away. Great schools in the area with a lovely primary school and the highly regarding Queen Elizabeth School for those of secondary age. There is also the Sedbergh Casterton Private School within driving distance.

Halton – A growing village located on the outskirts of Lancaster City with great road links to the surrounding areas and M6 thanks to the Bay Gateway. There is a great choice of properties in this village suited to all price ranges, from historic stone-built detached properties set along the river banks, to the growing collections of new build properties. Good amenities with a village shop, post office and selection of pubs, primary school and within the catchment for the variety of Lancaster Secondary Schools including the Royal Lancaster Grammar.

Caton – Also located on the outskirts of Lancaster City, Caton again is a great choice for families looking to be close to the City and M6 access yet still wanting to enjoy a more peaceful, countryside upbringing. There is a primary school within the village and access to the secondary schools of Lancaster. You are again set within the catchment area for the Royal Lancaster Grammar. Good range of amenities including shops, pub and doctors.

Wray – This quirky village is full of unique and characterful homes of all stature, from the stone-built terraces to the historic detached barn conversions, there is certainly a home for everyone here, as long as it is character you are looking for. There is a great community spirit in Wray and as previously mentioned, the village come together to create the very popular annual Wray Scarecrow Festival. There are local amenities available in the village including a shop and a lovely primary school. For those of secondary age you are still in the catchment for the Royal Lancaster Grammar School and Queen Elizabeth School in Kirkby Lonsdale.

The Property Market

The property market in the Lune Valley varies from each of the unique villages. Each area has its own variants of premium properties and there are some fine examples of Georgian and Victorian gems to find. It is a popular search area for the working professionals looking for a peaceful countryside retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the City.