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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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Creative Assembly

Address

Unit 10, Castle Mills, Aynam Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7DE

Telephone
+447873231615

info@outsideofordinary.co.uk

Aynam Road, Kendal

Creative Assembly is dedicated to creativity, outdoor culture and the future.
The brainchild of Outside of Ordinary, a specialist creative agency committed to building authentic active and outdoor brands that connect better to people and planet,…

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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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178 reviews
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Brewery Tours at Bowness Bay Brewing

Address

Bowness Bay Brewing Ltd, Unit 10, Castle Mills, Aynam Rd, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7DE

Telephone
07796089829

marketing@bownessbaybrewing.co.uk

Aynam Rd, Kendal

Join Bowness Bay Brewing in Kendal for a brewery adventure! Immerse yourself in the magic of crafting exceptional craft beer and taste some of our delicious brews. Book now!

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Imaginary Friends + Q&A

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Starts 8pm | Tickets £15 | Theatre
Welcome to the warped mirror world of Imaginary Friends, award-winning writer-performer Daniel Bye's first solo show for seven years.
After a personal tragedy, a floundering TV comic starts listening to the wrong…

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Quaker Tapestry Museum

Address

Quaker Tapestry Museum, Friends Meeting House, Stramongate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4BH

Telephone
01539 722975

info@quaker-tapestry.co.uk

Stramongate, Kendal

A masterpiece of storytelling; 350 years of social history and a celebration of life, revolutions and remarkable people....made by 4,000 people. Facilities: Gift Shop, Cafe, Audio guides, Films, Interactive Displays, Children's Activities.

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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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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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Discover a lost rainforest...in Cumbria! with Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Address

Staveley Woodlands, Staveley, Cumbria

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.

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McGoldrick, McCusker & Doyle

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Doors 7.30pm | Tickets £23 | Theatre
Folk music's legendary triumvirate of musical magpies Mike McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle are on tour again, bringing you their own blend of top-class folk songs, tunes and charming bonhomie.
All…

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Cara Dillon: Coming Home

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Doors 7.30pm | Tickets £28.50 | Theatre
Following the official release of the album and the publication of her book of the same name in March 2024, Cara brings her acclaimed "Coming Home" show to life once again.
The Autumn of 2023 and Spring of…

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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…

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Mischief And Mystery In Moomin Valley

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Presented by Get Lost and Found | Starts 11am & 2pm | Tickets £14.50, Under 16s £10, Family of 4 £40 | Theatre | Age Guidance 3+yrs
Mischief And Mystery In Moominvalley – Discover the world of the Moomins where anything is possible. Be sure to pack…

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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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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. The shop sells local products, home accessories, gifts, toys and plants.

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The Quaker Tapestry Christmas Craft Fair

Address

Quaker Tapestry Museum, Friends Meeting House, Stramongate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4BH

Telephone
01539722975

nancy@quaker-tapestry.co.uk

Stramongate, Kendal

Find the perfect Christmas gift and support over 20 independent artists and crafts people. Entry is free

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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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Carus Green Golf Club & Driving Range

Address

Burneside Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6EB

Telephone
01539 721097

info@carusgreen.co.uk

Kendal

Carus Green Golf Club is based on the edge of the English Lake District and has become popular due to it’s PGA Golf Course and other fantastic features.

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Charmaine Watkiss In Conservation

Address

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

Telephone
01539 637940

info@abbothall.org.uk

Kirkland, Kendal

Join Isabel Seligman from the British Museum for a fascinating talk with artist Charmaine Watkiss, exploring ancestry, botany and cosmology through art.
About Charmaine:
Charmaine Watkiss is an artist living and working in London. Her notable…

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Guidebooks from Cicerone Guides

Address

Cicerone Press, Juniper House, Murley Moss Business Village, Oxenholme Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7RL

Telephone
01539 562069

louise@cicerone.co.uk

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.

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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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