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No one blends the old and new as well as Kendal with its ancient buildings in which to buy exquisite handmade chocolates, or wander down on of the famous yards of Kendal. . There’s also a rapidly expanding, contemporary food scene here, with quirky bistros and cool cocktail bars offering charcuterie boards or a tasty craft gin.
Try one of the many cosy coffee shops – there’s one of the oldest coffee roasting and blending shops in the country here. Go shopping in one of the artisan bakeries, the farmers market or one of the nearby farm shops.
There are also superb delicatessens’ and a wealth of informal and friendly international restaurants to try, not to mention creative vegetarian food to tuck into, whilst overlooking the beautiful riverside. Or how about dining in an old brewery, complete with Vats bar and a Grain store restaurant? There are wonderful eclectic menus to choose from – and you also get to watch a show or gig before or after your meal. There are many gorgeous restaurants here, all in a relaxed setting offering the best seasonal and local ingredients. If fine dining is your thing, there’s a Two AA Rosette restaurant for a unique dining experience.
Some of the most exciting hand-brewed beers around, both in Kendal and the surrounding area, are to be tried here. From pubs set on a village green, to traditional pubs with a contemporary style, you’ll find the food is always wholesome and homecooked, try the salt marsh lamb with some locally grown veg, it’s delicious. Before you leave Kendal though, a slab of Kendal Mintcake packed in your suitcase is a must!
In the traditional Lakeland village of nearby Staveley, you’ll find the Mill Yard, which houses everything from a micro-brewery and a cookery school- to an artisan bakery and a family-friendly, riverside café, selling delicious snacks and homecooked lunches. Set within the heart of the village, you will find a traditional pub with roaring fires, offering a high-standard of food with a warm welcome. There’s also a riverside beer garden, to enjoy a pint on a warm summer day. You can’t leave Staveley without a visit to the nearby village of Ings, to sample a super friendly, little pub, with a vibrant atmosphere. The beer is brewed on site and the food is excellent.
Lyth Valley has to offer the best selection of high-quality pubs within a relatively small area. From the villages of Brigsteer, Crosthwaite and Underbarrow to Bowland Bridge and Winster, you will find delightful pubs all set either in the valley itself, or perched high above the valley, offering the most spectacular views. Lyth is a beautiful and peaceful walking area, set away from the crowds, so what better way to finish your hike, than finishing up in one of these gorgeous county pubs.
Kendal’s origins date back to the 8th century, when the monastic settlement of Kirkland was established near a crossing point over the River Kent. William II, the third son of William the Conqueror, created the Barony of Kendal toward the end of the 11th century to secure his northern territories: the first castle, a wooden motte and bailey, was erected at Castle Howe but later replaced by stone-built Kendal Castle on the opposite side of the river.
This 13th-century castle was built to impress: six towers connected by a curtain wall atop a glacial hill and protected by a dry moat – it was clear the Normans meant business. In the late 14th century the Barony of Kendal and the castle passed into the hands of the Parr family, whose most famous member, Catherine, married Henry VIII in 1543 and managed to avoid the fate of several of her predecessors, outliving him by one year. By this stage, however, the family had abandoned the castle for more comfortable lodgings in Kendal proper and the castle fell into the disrepair you see today.
Medieval Kendal was built around a high street lined on both sides by alleyways known as burgage plots. Over time these plots became industrial ‘yards,’ full of workshops for weaving, dyeing, shearing, dry-salting and tanning. Kendal soon became a major centre for the wool trade, which explains its Latin motto – Pannus mihi panis – or ‘wool is my bread,’ and the tenter hooks on the Kendal coat-of-arms.
Many different woollen cloths were made in Kendal but the most famous is ‘Kendal Green', a hardwearing cloth said to have been worn by the Kendal Bowmen who fought at the battles of Crecy in 1346 and Poitiers in 1356. Shakespeare refers to ‘Kendal green' in Henry IV (Part I), so it was already well-known by 1597. The green colour was achieved by first steeping the cloth in a yellow dye from dyer’s greenweed (Genista tinctoria) and overdyeing it in blue from woad (Isatis tinctoria) or indigo. Kendal Green was later exported to America where it was worn by slaves working in the plantations. In return, Kendal would receive sugar and tobacco – raw materials that gave rise to the mint cake and snuff-making trade in town.
Kendal was linked to the canal network in 1819, which did wonders for trade and brought renewed prosperity to the town. This all ended with the arrival of the railroad in 1846 and both trade and the canal went into gradual decline: commercial traffic ceased in 1947 and the canal closed to all navigation in 1955.
For more information about Kendal, take a look at the Visit Kendal website.
Staveley - The bustling village of Staveley nestles at the foot of the secluded Kentmere Valley. Its history shaped by two rivers: the fast-flowing river Kent and the smaller river Gowan. An area of rolling countryside interspersed with valleys, woods, hedges and drystone walls.
Lyth Valley - This hidden corner of Cumbria is famed for its damsons. In early spring, frothy clouds of white blossom greet the onlooker at every turn - a snowy spectacle marked by Damson Day in mid-April. This hugely popular event brings together local producers, growers and various craftspeople in celebration of the humble damson.
Sizergh - Sizergh Castle contains some of the finest Elizabethan carved overmantels in the country, 14thC solar tower with original fireplaces, floors and windows. The 15thC great hall and other later additions contain English and French furniture, silver, china and Jacobite relics.
Oxenholme - This railway station is the gateway to the South Lakes. Kendal Town is only a short 10 minute walk from the station, whilst Trans-Penine trains also run services to Burneside, Staveley and Windermere. Placed on the West coast mainline, the station is serviced well from Glasgow and London.
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Fun facts and tantaliaing trivia about Kendal. Click for more details
Kendal - Gateway to The Lakes
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Stramongate, Kendal
On this one-day course, students will learn the basic skills of stained glass – choosing from a tutor template or creating their own simple design. The panel can be all glass, or incorporate a mirror if desired.
Kentmere
Long House Studios is a small, friendly, independent art school offering intensive and immersive Art Courses for adults and young people. Courses run for 3-5 days in the beautiful Kentmere valley.
Windermere
The Wild Boar is one of the Lake District’s finest and oldest Windermere hotels. You’ll be welcomed with friendly faces, traditional wood beams, individually styled rooms and a warming open fire.
Kendal
For both professionals wanting to add to their stock library or a beginner with a love of the countryside.
Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer of the Year, author and photographer of Forty Farms will guide you on this special tour. Providing…
Sedgwick, Kendal
Family attraction, maze, soft play, go karts, animals, pets, events, parties and refreshments.
Kendal
The sport of rock climbing was essentially born here, and the Lake District has a rich heritage of climbing throughout the fells.
We have developed a range of venues that make it easier to access rock climbing for people with additional needs.
We offer a range of private group experiences near Kendal, including ghyll scrambling, canyoning, canoeing and kayaking, rock climbing and more. We also provide outdoor team building experiences, so get in touch today to start building your unique…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsKendal
Wrap up warm and join our expert Ranger Rob for a chance to spot a hawfinch at first light. Hawfinches spend most of their time in the tops of trees and tend to disappear from May onwards, so don't miss your chance to catch a glimpse of one in…
Staveley
Short length - Easy (16km)/Road and Cycle Path.
Nr Ambelside
On the Brathay river behind Skelwith Bridge Hotel. 16ft drop
Kendal
The Wheatsheaf is a delightful village Inn, recently refubished, tucked away in picturesque Brigsteer. We offer a friendly welcome, fabulous food & great local ales.
Kendal
Theresa Taylor is an artist based in Lancaster, at the edge of the Bowland Fells.
She works out of her studio and is a member of Artlab Contemporary Print Studios, University of Central Lancashire, where she completed her MA in 2015. Theresa is…
Endmoor, Gatebeck, Kendal
Become a lodge or caravan owner at the spectacular owners-only Gatebeck Holiday Park. Relaxed, tranquil and open all year round, holiday home ownership at Gatebeck means you’ll have a peaceful retreat to visit whenever you want.
Kendal
Can you discover eight of the birds that call Sizergh home? Take part in the Spring Bird Challenge this April. This self-led family trail will take you out along the Holeslack accessible route, and you'll collect clues along the way before crowning…
Borrowdale Valley
Also know as Fairy Glen. Nr Stonethwaite. Collection of quite large pools and small falls, some wooded areas alongside the river.
Kendal
Feisty, independent, opinionated and honest are the best way to sum us up. For over thirty years, our overriding quest has been to source, import and sell the most characterful and interesting wines at every price point.
Borrowdale
Long cascade over slabs, easily seen from the road. Park along the road near Seathwaite Farm. Steep but good path, small amount of scrambling required. About 0.5 mile walk in.
Kendal
Enjoy an unforgettable experience with our gentle-natured, inquisitive alpacas, we offer various types of alpaca experiences for people of all ages and abilities.
Lyth Valley
Let us take you on one of our favourite walks, an off-the-beaten-track route far from the crowds that flock to the Lake District National Park.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
54 reviewsKendal
BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners, Irish/Manx/Scottish quintet Ímar are amongst Glasgow's hottest folk property.
With a wide-reaching fanbase throughout the UK, Europe, USA and Canada, the quintet have fast become one of the trad scene's most talked…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL