You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > 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.
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.
Did you know?
Fun facts and tantaliaing trivia about Kendal. Click for more details
Kendal - Gateway to The Lakes
Number of results: 152
, currently showing 101 to 120.
Kendal
Create three stacking bangles in sterling silver, brass and copper, set off with a charm. Learn to measure for a comfortable fit, use a jeweller's saw, create texture on your work, solder, file and finish. Perfect for beginners and more experienced…
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…
Stramongate, Kendal
Inspired By Nature: Mini Hangings with Hand Embroidery and Natural Objects. Do you have a collection of natural treasures that you'd like to use in your work but are not sure how? This workshop will explore ways of combining fabrics, found objects,…
Oxenholme Road, Kendal
Walkers, cyclists, trekkers and mountaineers have trusted Cicerone for nearly fifty years to ensure they have a great time on the hill, trek, walk or ride.
Nr Kendal
This imposing house stands proud at the gateway to the Lake District. Its rich and beautiful garden includes a pond, lake, a national collection of hardy ferns and a superb limestone rock garden. Sizergh Castle is a medieval house with Tudor…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1570 reviewsKendal
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…
Kendal
Known nationally as a centre for world-class theatre, music, art and events, the Brewery has a 450 capacity music venue, three cinemas, two visual arts galleries, drama studio, darkroom facilities, meeting rooms, great restaurant/cafe/bar.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
468 reviewsKendal
Brewery Arts is a thriving and dynamic arts organisation with over forty years' experience of delivering an exciting and inspirational programme, including cultural events, festivals and creative learning courses. Our venue is a beautiful, historic…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
468 reviewsOld Hutton, Kendal
We are an outdoor activity centre for the disabled and those with special needs, this includes Adults, Families, Schools and Groups. Everyone is welcome at Bendrigg. You will be celebrated not accommodated. Our vision is for an inclusive society…
Kendal
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…
Kendal
Introducing our special edition 20cl bottle of Damson Yan Gin, crafted in collaboration with Cumbria Tourism's 50th Anniversary Charitable Fund. This delightful gin offers a unique fusion of flavours, perfect for those looking to indulge in a truly…
Kendal
TV favourite Ed Byrne brings his Best Reviewed Show at the 2023 Edinburgh Festival, British Comedy Guide's No 1 Comedy show of 2023, and his most personal show to date to Kendal!
Nr Ambelside
On the Brathay river behind Skelwith Bridge Hotel. 16ft drop
Kendal
In the heart of the picturesque village of Brigsteer, The Wheatsheaf Inn offers superb food, great real ales and a fantastic range of wines. Jjust three miles from the medieval market town of Kendal, we are family, walker, cyclist and dog friendly.
Staveley
Short length - Easy (16km)/Road and Cycle Path.
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.
Kendal
Enjoy two Sirloin Steaks with Fat Chips, Grilled Beef Tomato, Portobella Mushrooms & Watercress. Plus a bottle of House Red or White or Rose Wine!
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.
Near.Kendal, Staveley
Join us for a splash of colour in this exciting and playful process. No experience needed, just enjoy experimenting with felt pens, stamps, paint brushes, inks and dyes to transform aluminium.
Kendal
Abbot Hall is one of Britain’s preeminent small art galleries, set in a Grade I listed Georgian building on the banks of the River Kent in Kendal. The gallery holds an outstanding collection of 18th-21st century art and hosts exhibitions. The…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
178 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL