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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.
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.
Is known for its high-energy giving qualities and is much in demand by outdoor explorers. The ‘cake' is essentially made of sugar, with peppermint flavouring and other ‘secret' ingredients. Kendal Mint Cake was taken to the Antarctic by Sir Ernest Shackleton on his expedition of 1914 and to the summit of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953.
One of the oldest museums in the UK with fascinating displays on the natural history, geology and archaeology of the Kendal area. Follow a nature trail through wildlife dioramas of the Lake District, marvel at the huge range of minerals that can be found in the Lake District and northern England, and discover what life was like in medieval Kendal Castle.
Built around 1200, the castle was a home and administrative centre for the barons of Kendal. The Parr family held the barony in the mid-15th century but after 1483 it slowly fell into ruins. Today, only parts of the castle wall and a tower survive above ground, with two vaulted cellars under the Hall Block. An interactive display on the castle and its occupants can be seen at Kendal Museum.
Well-known English portrait painter of the 18th century, who was born at Dalton-in-Furness but served his apprenticeship in Kendal. He lived at what is now called Romney House on Milnthorpe Road before moving to London in 1762. Romney’s great skill was in his ability to ‘capture a likeness’ – a much sought-after quality by the merchant classes of the time. One of his favourite models was Emma Hart – later Nelson’s mistress, Lady Hamilton.
The Postman Pat series of children’s books were created by John Cunliffe who lived in Kendal. Postman Pat’s adventures were based in nearby Kentmere and Longsleddale with the post office modelled on the one at Greenside in Kendal. A plaque on the side of the building that was once this sub-post office and you can also see a model of Postman Pat standing outside, next to the postbox!
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 - Gateway to The Lakes
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Nr Kendal
Quad Biking 16yrs+ and 4x4 off Road driving. Available as one hour sessions or with full and part day packages
Nr Kendal
Wind you way between rocky knolls and small woods though the Lyth valley, famous for its damson orchards.
Borrowdale Valley
Also know as Fairy Glen. Nr Stonethwaite. Collection of quite large pools and small falls, some wooded areas alongside the river.
Nr Kendal
Come along and try your hand at our wintry Tree 'Top Trumps' Trail. This self-led family trail will take you out along the Holeslack accessible route, where you'll discover your top trump tree facts and meet some of our special Sizergh trees.
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…
Kendal
An opportunity to hear the extraordinarily talented young violinist Leora Cohen perform Sibelius' violin concerto. The Westmorland Orchestra will also be playing Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6, known as the "Pathetique." The composer called it his…
Stramongate, Kendal
In this hands-on workshop, you will practice the beautiful art of Japanese Paper cutting. 'Kirie' first appeared in Japan in the 7th Century as an import from the Chinese mainland and literally translates as "to cut picture". It is the art of making…
Kendal
Doors 7.30pm | Tickets £16 | Theatre
"A pearl in the jazz catch of the day ★★★★" (NRC, NL), the Sam Newbould Quintet is an award winning five piece international group emerging from the vibrant Amsterdam jazz scene. Described as "mindblowing,…
Keswick
Taylor Gill Force is situated at Stockley Bridge, Seathwaite, on the path between Seathwaite and Sty Head, at the head of the beautiful Borrowdale Valley.
Kendal
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a walk at Kendal Castle.
Nr Kendal
The Sheep Dog Trials run all day and also there are 3 hound trails (1pm, 2.15pm and 2.45pm), a dog show at 1pm open to all, trade and craft stands and refreshments.
If you need any further information please do not hesitate to ask.
Many…
Lyth Valley
Let us take you on one of our favourite walks, an off-the-beaten-track route far from the crowds that flock to the Lake District National Park.
Nr Kendal
Clay Shooting 12yrs+ and Air Rifle 8yrs+ couples or groups of 24 and 50 shots options and one hour Air rifle sessions. Book as single activities or Package deals of two of more activities available
Stramongate, Kendal
Embroidery doesn't just have to be on a fabric base – many other materials can be used instead, adding a new and exciting dimension to embroidered artwork. This creative and inspiring textile art workshop exploring hand embroidery on unusual and…
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…
Kendal
At Bowness Bay Brewing, we know what makes a good pint. Our customers rely on us to brew smooth and flavourful ales and lagers that make the perfect accompaniment to an evening with friends. Our brewery was founded in the heart of the Lake District…
Windermere
Food Smoking Course
Experience a unique food smoking course in the Lake District at Wild Boar Estate, where Great British Chef Daniel Winstanley will teach you how to smoke your own food in our purpose built smokehouse.
Take part in a whole day…
Nr Kendal
A craft demonstration by the Red Rose Woodturners. Visitors will have the chance to take home original, hand-crafted pieces.
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…
Aynam Rd, Kendal
Join us for an unforgettable weekend at our Annual Easter Beer Festival!
18th – 20th April
Experience the best of craft beer with 30+ guest kegs and casks spread across three vibrant bars. From bold, aromatic ales to crisp, refreshing ciders,…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL