Historically in Westmorland it is about 4 miles (6.4 km) south west of Kirkby Stephen, and lies on the main A685 route from Brough to Tebay.

Nearby to the north is located the Smardale Gill Viaduct on the dismantled former South Durham & Lancashire Union Railway between Tebay and Kirkby Stephen East railway station.

To the south lies the Howgill Fells including Green Bell 1,985 feet (605 metres).

Newbiggin-on-Lune is in the parliamentary constituency of Westmorland and Lonsdale.

For purposes of local government, it is administered as part of the Westmorland and Furness unitary authority area.