The Lune Valley was at one time a major route through to Scotland and the North East. It retained a strong coaching trade throughout the 18th century and the Castle Hotel was one of the principal stabling points. Across the road is the parish church of St Margaret, dating from medieval times, but much restored in the 19th century and with gargoyles prominent on the unusual octagonal tower.The main street is lined by Georgian dwellings; beside Lamb's garage is a fine Victorian drinking fountain where a crest depicts a cat with a rat in its mouth. This is said to refer to Mr Pudsey Dawson, the one time owner of Hornby Castle, bringing in a large number of cats to clear the castle of a plague of rats in the middle of the 19th century.From the bridge over the Wenning there's a fine view of Hornby Castle, an imposing crenellated dwelling dating mainly from the 19th century although the peel tower dates partly from the 13th and 16th centuries. It is not open to the public. North of the village, above Loyn Bridge, is the site of an earlier motte and bailey castle known as Castle Stede, of which substantial earthworks remain.