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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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Kendal - Gateway to The Lakes
Number of results: 152
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Kendal
Cheers! The Cumbrian Gold celebrates the 50th anniversary of Cumbria Tourism, and is a delicious, sessionable beer.
Old Hutton, Kendal
A FULLY INCLUSIVE ACTIVITY 3 NIGHT WEEKEND FOR ADULTS from Friday 3rd - Monday 6th May.
Our Adult Activity Courses are perfect for adults with a physical disability who are looking to have a short break in accessible accommodation, make new…
Kendal
Develop your hand building techniques to create a range of pots that you will fire the following week in an outdoor kiln with fire and smoke. A dramatic process resulting in some exciting glaze effects. All levels welcome.
Kendal
Take a guided tour supported by British Sign Language interpretation. Join us as we take you through a brief history of the Strickland family, who have lived at Sizergh for nearly 800 years. Then take a wander through the gardens and learn how they…
Nr Kendal
Wind you way between rocky knolls and small woods though the Lyth valley, famous for its damson orchards.
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.
Nr Kendal
Full Day Adventure Days for Families and Groups. Two course home-cooked lunches available.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
66 reviewsKendal
This warm and friendly cottage for 2 has wonderful views over the Lyth Valley. An excellent place in which to chill out and relax.
Kendal
Cinema | (12A) | 109 minutes
Romantics, dreamers, and thinkers will be captivated by this story of transformation, hope, and love.
Based on the award-winning memoir, Surprised by Oxford is the incredible true story of Caro Drake, a young,…
Staveley
You might think rainforests only exist in far-flung locations, but we have them here in Cumbria, too. Join us at Staveley Woodlands to spot tell-tale signs that we're actually exploring a fragment of an ancient, lost world.
Stramongate, Kendal
In the morning, participants will create a beautiful piece of woven paper art using old magazines, maps, books, music paper and cardboard. Wool and threads will be available to enhance the work.
Kendal
Join us for a fun and relaxing day learning the art of mosaic. Create a colourful plaque, a trivet or your own mosaic tray. You will learn about different materials and how to use mosaic tools, with lots of tips on design and pattern.
As well as…
Cumbria
Limestone gorge falls. Park near village pond in Caldbeck. Walk down hill to farm with 'Howk' on barn end, follow the path for a further 0.5 mile.
Kendal
Join us on a traditional Lakeland farm to develop the basic drawing skills you need to draw animals confidently. There will be tips and techniques for using reference photographs to produce an animal portrait and advice given for observing and…
Staveley
Short length - Easy (16km)/Road and Cycle Path.
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.
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…
Keswick
Cascades totalling 246ft. From A591 up east side of Bassenthwaite Lake turn right to Orthwaite. Park near Peter House Farm and take road that becomes a track. About 5 mile easy round walk.
Sizergh, Kendal
An outdoor exhibition based on the award-winning book, Forty Farms by Lakeland Photographer of the Year, Amy Bateman. You'll discover 40 large format panels displayed along our family and accessible farm trail. Low Sizergh Barn is one of the farms…
Kendal
Cumbria Festival Chorus, conducted by Ian Jones, presents Rachmaninov's ethereal hymn of praise. With saxophone interludes by Lynne Williams.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL