Let the artwork at The Longlands Inn & Restaurant inspire your day out

Looking for some inspiration of where to visit or things to see in and around The Longlands? Then look no further than our very own walls!

When we renovated and completely redesigned our bar and restaurant areas in 2022, we worked with a range of talented local artists to source the perfect artwork for our fresh new walls. Each piece was selected with a nod to the local area and showcases the beauty and rich pickings of our location on the border of Lancashire and Cumbria and close to North Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Dales.

Here's what you can expect to find on our walls and where they can transport you to plus some top insider tips from our local Longlands team:

Kirkby Lonsdale’s iconic bridges

Two bridges span Kirkby Lonsdale’s River Lune in the historic market town, but it’s the medieval ‘Devil’s Bridge’ that most people come to see. Devil’s Bridge is a scheduled ancient monument that potentially dates back to the 13thcentury and legend has it that it was constructed by the Devil himself. There was an old woman who lived on the banks of the Lune whose cow strayed across the river and wouldn’t come back. The Devil appeared promising to build a bridge in exchange for the soul of the first to cross it. The next morning the old woman met him at the completed bridge where she took a bun from her bag and threw it across the bridge. Her small dog ran across the bridge to retrieve it and the Devil howled in anger at being tricked before vanishing. The bridge is a popular meeting place for motorcyclists from all over the country who enjoy rides out on the long, sweeping roads leading north into the Yorkshire Dales and south to the Forest of Bowland. On summer days, the area around the bridge is a hive of activity and fun with all ages splashing around in the river and enjoying picnics in the sun. You can follow the river path on an easy, picturesque walk from the centre of town to Devil’s Bridge.

*Our top tip:

Our sister inn, Plato’s, welcomes talented local musicians every Sunday evening from 4pm-6pm. Grab a seat, get tempted with a cocktail or two and maybe even make a night of it! We’ve got 8 beautiful rooms plus a 2-bed loft apartment to choose from.

Lancaster Castle

Home to hundreds of trials and executions dating back almost 1,000 years, Lancaster Castle is a rich cultural gem. Described by English Heritage as ‘not only the North-West’s most important historic and archaeological monument but also of international importance’, the impressive, imposing castle sits – like a King on a throne – overlooking the city. A Grade I Listed Building, Lancaster Castle was still operating as a Category C HM Prison until 2011 and tours of the castle include visits to its cells. Perhaps its most infamous trials were those of the Pendle Witches in 1612 who were found guilty of witchcraft and hanged at Gallows Hill, on the moors close to the city’s Williamson Park.

*Our top tip:

Keep an eye on the website for special events taking place at Lancaster Castle. As well as fun medieval activities for children during the school holidays, the Castle offers a stunning backdrop for open-air theatre and music performances including Last Night of the Proms.

Bring Me Sunshine

Whisper it, but Morecambe is quietly gearing up for a renaissance. The once thriving seaside town, which in its heyday attracted the likes of Coco Chanel, is on its way up again. The announcement of the planned Eden Project North going ahead with the Government pledging £50m worth of levelling-up money to Morecambe is a game changer for the town. In the words of Morecambe’s most famous son, “so much joy you can give to each brand new bright tomorrow.” Indeed.

Despite being too often overlooked in recent years in favour of the tourist spots of the Lake District, Morecambe has always had an air of almost sleepy grandeur. The piece de resistance is its 5-mile long stretch of seafront promenade home on any given day not only to a mix of dog walkers, joggers, and roller skaters, but the most impressive views and sensational sunsets.

Our top tip:

Don’t just get a photo with Eric Morecambe, make sure you give yourself time to wander around and have a giggle at the stone carvings in and around the statue’s garden area. ​​

Steam Train Carnforth

For a continuation of the bygone days, a visit to Carnforth station is a must. A working station, which connects to the West Coast mainline linking Londonwith the North West and Scotland, Carnforth station is just five minutes from The Longlands Inn & Restaurant. An award-winning heritage centre on platform one is home to a wealth of railway memorabilia and 1940s wartime Britain souvenirs. You can even settle down in a vintage mini cinema to watch the film that made the station famous – the 1945 classic, Brief Encounter. And don’t forget to grab a photograph underneath the famous platform clock!

Our top tip:

The Brief Encounter Refreshment Room Bistro & Bar has been restored to 1940s period glory where you can enjoy a cuppa inside the former station master’s office. You might even spot one of the steam locomotives that still regularly run through the station.

Lancaster Canal

The Longlands Inn & Restaurant’s canalside location gives easy access to the Lancaster Canal towpath, which runs the 57 miles between Kendal and Preston. The most northernly stretch (approx. 14.5 miles) between Kendal and Tewitfieldis where the waterway ends but you can still walk along the path. The 43-mile stretch from Tewitfield (where you’ll find The Longlands) is part of the longest run of lock-free boating in the country. A popular walking and cycling routewith the crème de la crème being the stunning 200-metre long Grade I Listed stone aqueduct perching 16 metres above the River Lune in Lancaster.

Our top tip:

Take a slight detour into Lancaster to visit the historic Atkinsons Coffee Roasters, which has been on the same spot for almost 200 years. Savour the aroma of freshly roasted coffee and take home some of the best single origin coffees and teas from around the world.

Food Allergies and Intolerances

All our food is prepared on site in our open plan kitchen. Whilst we can cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets, please be aware that some of our foods contain allergens. Please speak to a member of staff for more information or to discuss your personal dietary requirements.