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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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Coniston Adventure

Address

Mill Yard, Staveley, Cumbria, LA8 9LR

Telephone
+447761582675

info@guidedoutdooradventures.co.uk

Staveley

From the centre of Coniston we will ascend through the historic Coppermines Valley to Levers Water. A steep ascent then takes us to the top of Brim Fell followed by the summit of Coniston Old Man and a choice of descents back to Coniston and its…

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Crafty Fools: Adventures In Science

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Starts 2pm | Tickets £12.50 | Theatre | Age Guidance 6+
Join 'The Magical Mr West' on an incredible adventure into the world of science! Aided by his corvid companion Crowbert and a collection of curious contraptions, Mr West demonstrates the…

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Two Day Intro to Stained Glass

Address

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

Telephone
01539 722975

info@quaker-tapestry.co.uk

kendal

On this two-day course, you will learn the basic skills of stained glass – choosing from a template or creating your own suitable design. The panel will be made up of coloured glass, some painted and kiln-fired glass, and soldered lead. On the first…

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Birkrigg Common

Address

Birkrigg, Urswick, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0PG

website@cumbriatourism.org

Ulverston

Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows, Romano-British farmsteads.

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Hejira – Celebrating Joni Mitchell

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Doors 7.30pm | Tickets £23 | Theatre
'Hejira' is a 7-piece band set up to celebrate and honour the masterpiece works of Joni Mitchell, mostly from the late '70s. Having released the albums 'The Hissing of Summer Lawns', 'Hejira', 'Don Juan's…

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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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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.

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Easter egg hunt at Sizergh

Address

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

Telephone
01539560951

eleanore.taylor@nationaltrust.org.uk

Nr Kendal

This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Sizergh on an Easter trail. Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. The trail takes place between 18 - 21 April 2025, from 10am to 4pm, so…

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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.

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The Villa, Levens

Address

Brettargh Holt, Levens, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8EA

Telephone
01539 980980

Kendal

Located in the South Lakes, our hotel is furnished to 5-star standard with the Brettargh Suite for ceremonies and smaller functions, and a spectacular purpose-built marquee pavilion for all occasions.

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Kent Valley

Address

Kendal, Staveley

Telephone
01539 822222

website@cumbriatourism.org

Staveley

Short length - Easy (16km)/Road and Cycle Path.

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Espen Eriksen Trio with Andy Sheppard

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Doors 7.30pm | Tickets £28 | Theatre
The masters of melody from Norway join forces with a British jazz star.
Espen Eriksen Trio and Andy Sheppard first teamed up for two concerts in London in 2016. It was clear from the first note that this was a…

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Kendal Castle

Address

Kendal Castle, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7DJ

Telephone
01539 822222

info@cumbriatourism.org

Kendal

Kendal Castle is situated on a mound-like hill, known as a drumlin, to the east of the town of Kendal, Cumbria, in northern England.

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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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'Airy Angus Felt Creature Workshop

Address

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

Telephone
01539 722975

info@quaker-tapestry.co.uk

kendal

Come and enjoy and day of hand stitching using beautiful quality wool mix felt to create your own 'Airy Angus by Cherishedchums. Jo Swales is the designer and creator of the kit and will be on hand to guide you through the process of making the…

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Bar & Restaurant at Brewery Arts

Address

122a Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HE

Telephone
01539 725133

sales@breweryarts.co.uk

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.

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German Brick Stitch Workshop

Address

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

Telephone
01539 722975

info@quaker-tapestry.co.uk

kendal

German brick stitch is a counted work technique used for copes, cushions and purses. It can be combined with other medieval stitches or used on it's own to great effect. This class teaches how to stitch it without having to concentrate too much on…

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The Nashville Nights Tour

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

122A Highgate, Kendal

Doors 7.30pm | Tickets £26 | Malt Room Standing
Welcome to The Nashville Nights Tour, where the heart and soul of country music come alive on stage. Led by the genuine and critically acclaimed Nashville recording artists, Kaitlyn Baker and Joe…

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Bendrigg Trust

Address

Bendrigg Trust, Bendrigg Lodge, Old Hutton, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 0NR

Telephone
01539 723766

bookings@bendrigg.org.uk

Old 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…

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Abbot Hall

Address

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

Telephone
01539 637940

info@lakelandarts.org.uk

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…

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