Don't Miss

Kendal Gateway to The Lakes
Kendal Gateway to The Lakes
Kendal Gateway to The Lakes

You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Kendal

Kendal

Bustling Kendal is a major gateway town to the Lake District, its nickname of ‘Auld Grey Town’ due to the distinctive limestone used in so many of its buildings. Grey may be the dominant colour here, but there’s nothing sombre about it – its excellent restaurants, busy shopping district and creative arts centre a guarantee of vibrant life. Historically, this was a major wool producing centre – the famous ‘Kendal Green’ one of several Kendal cottons produced in the workshops that once occupied its many yards. But for most visitors, Kendal is synonymous with its famous mint cake, a staple of many a mountaineer’s backpack and important sustenance for Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on their Everest ascent in 1953.

Food & Drink in Kendal

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.

Culture & Heritage

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.

Surrounding Areas

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.

Did you know?
Fun facts and tantaliaing trivia about Kendal. Click for more details

Kendal - Gateway to The Lakes

Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Towns & Villages

Things to Do

What's On

Food & Drink

Things to Do

What's On

Food & Drink

Towns & Villages

Number of results: 140

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Sort By A-Z Low to High A-Z High to Low

High to Low

Steeleye Span

Address

Brewery Arts, 122A Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HE

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Doors 7.30pm | Tickets £35 | Theatre
Together for fifty five years now, Steeleye Span changed the face of folk music forever by taking it into the world of gold discs and international tours. New album the Green Man Collection brings together…

More Details

More Details
Amy Bateman Photography Ltd

Address

Croft Foot Farm, Docker, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 0DF

Telephone
07813 699573

hello@amybatemanphotography.com

Kendal

Photography tours and workshops under the guidance of Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer of the Year and Forty Farms Creator. Enjoy photographing Lakeland Farm life and subjects ordinarily out of reach.

More Details

More Details
Spout Force

Address

Whinlatter Visitor Centre, Whinlatter, Braithwaite, Keswick, CA12 5TW

website@cumbriatourism.org

Braithwaite

Parking 2 miles from Whinlatter Visitor Centre on B5292, Whinlatter Pass road. 15 minutes walk to view fall or 2 mile round marked walk through Forestry Commission woodland.

More Details

More Details
Penningtons Tea & Coffee Ltd

Address

Unit 12 Kendal Business Park, Appleby Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6EW

Telephone
015398 28090

sales@penningtonscoffee.co.uk

Kendal

Penningtons are an award-winning Local family owned and run company based in the market town of Kendal. At our roastery, we hand roast specially selected speciality coffees from around the world to craft the finest coffees and teas.

More Details

More Details
Farm Photography Tour

Address

Croft Foot Farm, Docker, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 0DF

Telephone
07813699573

hello@amybatemanphotography.com

Kendal

Our farm photography tours will give you unique access to photography subjects normally out of reach.

Whether you are a professional wanting to add to your stock library, or a beginner with a love of the countryside, we will present a variety of…

More Details

More Details
Scale Force

Address

Buttermere, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9XA

website@cumbriatourism.org

Cockermouth

At 172 ft the highest fall in Lakeland. Hidden in tree-lined cleft. 2.5 miles from Buttermere car park - follow signs to fall. Care need in scrambling to foot of fall.

More Details

More Details
The Glen

Address

The Glen Guest House, B6254 Oxenholme, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7RF

Telephone
01539 739951

theglenkendal@gmail.com

Kendal

The Glen is situated in a quiet location in its own grounds under "The Helm" (local walk and view point of Lake District Moutains and Morecambe bay) but within a 100 metres of country pub & restaurant.

More Details

Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
272 reviews
More Details
Lakeland Artisan Ltd

Address

Lakeland Artisan Ltd Unit, 8-10 Kendal Fell Business Park, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5RR

Telephone
01539 822326

hello@lakelandartisan.co.uk

Kendal

Lakeland Artisan run by husband and wife team Geoff and Mary Monkman is an award-winning artisan food and drink company producing high-quality, hand-crafted products using the finest natural ingredients with no artificial flavours.

More Details

More Details
One Day Stained Glass Workshop

Address

Friends Meeting House, stramongate, kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4BH

Telephone
01539 722975

info@quaker-tapestry.co.uk

kendal

On this one-day course, you 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. Learn to choose and cut glass shapes, and…

More Details

More Details
Food Smoking Course

Address

Wild Boar Estate | Bar, Restaurant & Hotel, Crook Rd, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3NF

Telephone
015394 45225

group.marketing@englishlakes.co.uk

Windermere

Food Smoking Course
Experience a unique food smoking course in the Lake District at Wild Boar Estate, where Great British Chef Daniel Winstanley will teach you how to smoke your own food in our purpose built smokehouse.
Take part in a whole day…

More Details

More Details
The Lyth Valley

Address

Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Kendal

The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees clustered in small orchards close to white-washed farmhouses, broadleaved woodlands brimming with bluebells and peaceful green undulating pastures.

More Details

More Details
Sketch and stroll: guided drawing tour

Address

Abbot Hall, Kirkland, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5AL

Telephone
01539 637940

info@abbothall.org.uk

Kirkland, Kendal

Join us for an inspiring guided drawing tour where art comes to life through your sketches. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning, this creative experience is a fun way to connect with art.
No sketching experience is needed, so…

More Details

More Details
Hayden Thorpe & Propellor Ensemble Perform Ness

Address

Brewery Arts, 122A Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HE

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Doors: 7:30pm | Tickets: £21 | Theatre
Hayden Thorpe is best known as the former frontman and chief songwriter for the much-loved band Wild Beasts. He returns to the stage with his beautifully singular third album Ness, made in collaboration with…

More Details

More Details
Cafe at Sizergh Castle - National Trust

Address

Sizergh Castle - National Trust, Nr Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8AE

Telephone
015395 60951

sizergh@nationaltrust.org.uk

Nr Kendal

Contemporary licensed café serving a selection of hot and cold drinks, meals and snacks. Shop selling local products, home accessories, gifts, toys and plants.

More Details

More Details
Shaw End Mansion

Address

Shaw End Mansion, Haveriggs Farm, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9DU

Telephone
01539 824220

info@shawend.co.uk

Kendal

Situated on a 200-acre estate, in a beautiful location and surrounded by fields and woodland, Shaw End Mansions 4 stylish and spacious Georgian apartments with open fireplaces, provide an excellent holiday base.

More Details

Tourism For All

More Details
Catch Your Breath: The Secret Life Of A Sleepless Anaesthetist

Address

Brewery Arts, 122A Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HE

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Starts 8pm | Tickets £17 | Malt Room Seated | Age Guidance 16+
NHS anaesthetist, comedian and author (oooooh check him) Ed Patrick injects Brewery Arts with a gut-punch hilarious show about becoming a junior doctor, the NHS, the pitfalls of…

More Details

More Details
Spinner Rings Silver Jewellery workshop

Address

Browfoot Farm, Staveley, Nr Kendal, Cumbria, LA89JQ

Telephone
07495808727

info@cowshedcreative.co.uk

Nr Kendal

At Cowshed Creative in the Lake District, we run an extensive range of art and craft workshops in our beautifully converted art studio 6 miles from Windermere and Kendal.
On this course you will learn a range of jewellery techniques, working…

More Details

More Details
Booths Kendal

Address

11 Wainwrights Yard, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4DP

Telephone
01539 742370

kendal@booths.co.uk

Kendal

Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of quality food & drink retailing.
Kendal Store Café - Opening hours are Mon – Sat 8am – 5pm (last hot food order 3pm). Sunday 10am – 4pm (last hot food…

More Details

Tourism For All

More Details
Long House Studios

Address

2 Longhouses, Kentmere, Cumbria, LA8 9JJ

Telephone
07557508488

enquiries@longhousestudios.org

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.

More Details

Tourism For All

More Details
Lakeland Maze Farm Park

Address

Lakeland Maze Farm Park, Raines Hall, Sedgwick, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 0JH

Telephone
015395 61760

info@lakelandmaze.co.uk

Sedgwick, Kendal

Family attraction, maze, soft play, go karts, animals, pets, events, parties and refreshments.

More Details

More Details

Don't Miss

Winter in the Lake District, Cumbria

Subscribe to our Newsletter

My Planner

Kendal

Food & Drink in Kendal

Culture & Heritage

Surrounding Areas

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Telephone

You may also like

Bookable Experiences

Download Guide

Gift Vouchers

Itineraries

E-newsletter Sign Up

Blog