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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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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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Brewery Arts

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

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…

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Iona Lane

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 £15.50 | Malt Room Cabaret
Driven by awe and wonder of the natural world Iona Lane delivers poetic songs, with subtle musical touches and contemplative melodies that link unheard stories with the world we find ourselves in…

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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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194 reviews
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General Admission Lakeland Maze Farm

Address

Lakeland Maze Farm Park, Raines Hall, Sedgwick, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 0JH

Telephone
015395 61760

info@lakelandmaze.co.uk

Sedgwick, Kendal

We offer a variety of activities on site, all included under one entrance fee, we have a variety of farm animals, outdoor play area, and lots more fun for all the family. We have regular meet the animals activities and tractor rides through out the…

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Sizergh Castle - National Trust

Address

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

Telephone
015395 60951

sizergh@nationaltrust.org.uk

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…

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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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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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Clay Shooting and Air Rifle @ The Outdoor Adventure Company

Address

The Outdoor Adventure Company, Old Hutton, Nr Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 0NB

Telephone
01539722147

info@holmescales.com

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

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The Men They Couldn't Hang

Address

122A Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HE

Telephone
44 1539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Since their inception in 1984, The Men They Couldn't Hang have been a driving force in the folk-punk scene, captivating audiences with their electrifying performances and socially conscious songwriting. Emerging from the Shepherd's Bush squatting…

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The Longest Johns X El Pony Pisador: The Longest Pony

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 £23.50 | Extended Theatre
The coming together of British and Catalan folk music giants, The Longest Johns and El Pony Pisador. This project is born from the friendship and mutual admiration that exists between both bands…

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Taylor-Gill Force

Address

Borrowdale Valley, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XJ

website@cumbriatourism.org

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.

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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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Cumbrian Gold - A lager celebrating 50 years of Cumbria Tourism

Address

Back Lane, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9LR

Telephone
01539 822644

info@hawksheadbrewery.co.uk

Kendal

Cheers! The Cumbrian Gold celebrates the 50th anniversary of Cumbria Tourism, and is a delicious, sessionable beer.

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The Seals

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

122A Highgate, Kendal

Doors 8pm | Tickets £16 | Malt Room Standing
The Seals are an energetic 4-piece guitar band from Cumbria with over 20 years of experience playing live together. The band are talented, professional musicians with a super cool set list and a solid…

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Rinaldo's Specialty Coffee & Fine Teas

Address

Rinaldo's Speciality Coffee & Tea Ltd, Unit 12, Lakeland Food Park, Crook Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8QJ

Telephone
01539592587

hello@rinscoffee.com

Crook Road, Kendal

Coffee Roastery. Tea importer and retailer. Coffee Machine distributor. Wholesale coffee & teas. Subscriptions. Espresso Bar.

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Whitewater Dash, Dash Fells

Address

The Dash, Nr Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QX

website@cumbriatourism.org

Keswick

Cascades totalling 246ft. From A591 up east side of Bassenthwaite Lake turn right to Orthwaite. Park near Peter House Farm and take road that becomes a track. About 5 mile easy round walk.

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ABBA Reunion – Christmas Special

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

122A Highgate, Kendal

Doors 7.30pm | Price £25.50 | Malt Room Standing
The ABBA REUNION tribute Show is the creation of an Award Winning West End Director, Producer and Choreographer
Starring the original 'Frida' from the London West End cast!
ABBA REUNION gives Abba…

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Ecology Gallery

Address

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

Telephone
01539 637940

marketing@lakelandarts.org.uk

Kirkland, Kendal

Discover the Ecology Gallery, a space dedicated to exploring the stories of our local landscape, ecology, and the impact of human activity on the environment.
More than an exhibition, the Ecology Gallery is a dynamic space featuring…

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The Young Un's

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 £24.50 | Theatre
For almost 20 years the Young'uns have entertained audiences around the world. 3 time BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners, the much-loved trio from Stockton and Hartlepool have built a reputation for singing folk…

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