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

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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.

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Kendal - Gateway to The Lakes

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One Day Intro to Stained Glass

Address

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

Telephone
01539 722975

nancy@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…

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Comedy Club: December

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Starts 8pm | Tickets £14.50 | Conc. £12.50 | Malt Room Cabaret Seated | Age Guidance 18+
Come and join us for a night of fantastic festive fun at our ever-popular comedy club this December!
Joining us for this night of mighty mirth-filled merriment…

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The Hound of The Baskervilles

Address

Castle Street Community Centre, Community Centre, 3 Castle St, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7AD

Telephone
+447585131146

info@kendalcommunitytheatre.com

3 Castle St, Kendal

A performance of The Hound of the Baskervilles in Castle Street Community Centre, Kendal, encompassing mystery, comedy and melodrama. The production is suitable for all the family. Wednesday night is 'Pay what you can Afford'.

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Croft Foot Glamping Pods

Address

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

hello@croftfootfarm.co.uk

Kendal

Croft Foot Glamping Pods are stylish and luxurious, they’re perfect for romantic escapes and family breaks. High quality, comfortable accommodation and providing everything you need for a stress-free holiday. Located in a stunning spot, Croft Foot…

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Drypoint Printmaking workshop

Address

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

Telephone
01539 722975

info@quaker-tapestry.co.uk

kendal

Drypoint is an intaglio printmaking technique, which involves manually scratching an image into a plate using a sharp pointed tool, creating its distinctive lines with a slightly raised velvety, known as the burr, which get inked and the plate can…

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Zoe Lyons: Werewolf

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Starts 8pm | Tickets £18 | Theatre
If life is a journey, Zoe's has had more than its share of potholes and diversions: from diving with sharks, to sitting in a shed in Vietnam with a former health secretary (and discovering that MPs aren't the only…

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The Castle Green Hotel in Kendal

Address

The Castle Green Hotel, Castle Green Lane, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6RG

Telephone
01539 734000

reception@castlegreen.co.uk

Kendal

Castle Green Hotel is set in 14 acres of natural gardens and woodland yet is only 6 miles from M6 & 10 miles from Windermere and the Lake District.

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Christmas at Levens Hall

Address

Levens Hall, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 0PD

Telephone
01539 560321

houseopening@levenshall.co.uk

Kendal

This year we will celebrating Christmas at Levens Hall by opening the House and part of the Topiary Garden during December in the lead up to Christmas.
The House will be beautifully decorated and fires will be lit. Choirs and musicians from the…

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Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen

Address

Levens Hall, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 0PD

Telephone
015395 60321

houseopening@levenshall.co.uk

Kendal

A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. Also home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, designed by Guillaume Beaumont, retain many original features. Cafe, Gift Shop and Plant Centre.

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Boogie Days Disco - Christmas edition

Address

Cumbria, Kendal, Aynam Rd, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7DE

Telephone
07796089829

marketing@bownessbaybrewing.co.uk

Aynam Rd, Kendal

Get ready to jump into the holiday spirit with the special Christmas edition of Boogie Days Disco! Dance the day away to an epic mix of 80s, 90s, and festive Christmas classics. Don your brightest, sparkliest disco attire for a chance to win a…

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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.

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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.

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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…

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The Frog and the Princess (and other stories)

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Starts 11.30am & 2pm | Tickets £13 | Theatre | Age Guidance 3-7 years
What if wishes were granted? What if magic was real? When a Storyteller appears everyone is enchanted… Beasts and breadcrumbs, wolves and witches, but all Froggy really wants is…

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Beans on Toast

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Doors 8pm | Tickets £20 | Malt Room Standing | Plus Support from William Crighton
Cult legend and all-round hero Beans on Toast takes to the road for The Wild Goose Chase!
Playing songs from his extensive back catalogue alongside some newfangled…

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Alexander's Pub at Castle Green Hotel

Address

The Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, Castle Green Lane, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6RG

Telephone
01539 734000

reception@castlegreen.co.uk

Kendal

Alexander’s Pub at Castle Green Hotel is a charming and inviting establishment nestled within the beautiful surroundings of Castle Green’s historic grounds. With its warm and cosy atmosphere, this pub exudes a sense of comfort and relaxation.

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Classics at Christmas: International star Peter Donohoe & Harriet Mackenzie

Address

Kendal Parish Church, Kirkland, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5AF

Telephone
07903230548

festival@musicjersey.com

Kendal

Enjoy an outstanding musical evening of classics at Christmas with international stars Peter Donohoe and Harriet Mackenzie.
Classics at Christmas includes a breathtaking programme of two of Brahms' romantic piano and violin masterpieces, John…

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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…

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The Howk

Address

Caldbeck, Cumbria, CA7 8EA

website@cumbriatourism.org

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.

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Inclusive Rock Climbing in the Lake District with Anyone Can

Address

Kendal, Cumbria

Telephone
01539 31 00 41

info@anyonecan.uk

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.

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