Newby Bridge

(See also Fell Foot Park and Garden)

Once a part of Lancashire, Newby Bridge takes its name from the five arched stone bridge built in 1651 to replace a wooden one that crossed the River Leven. There was once a turnpike road to Kendal that went through this now small village.

The Newby Bridge Hotel is a former mansion house, built in 1793 by James Machel, a member of a long-standing prominent family. William Wordsworth considered the family to be friends and corresponded with them. The letters are on display at the hotel and include a poem by Wordsworth, To Lizzie, one of the Machel children.

Tourist trains, hauled by steam locomotives, run from Haverthwaite through Newby Bridge to Lakeside. Originally built in 1869 as a branch line of the Furness Railway, the train connects with Lake Windermere's steamers. It's a favourite 3½ mile ride for train enthusiasts.

Newby Bridge is a convenient base to explore the Furness peninsula and southern Lakeland areas.

Location Map of Newby Bridge
On the A590/592, 8 miles south of the town of Windermere.

Photos courtesy of Graeme Dougal

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