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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 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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The Northern Soultrain

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
Now in their sixteenth year as the UK's leading Northern Soul band, THE NORTHERN SOULTRAIN return to Kendal with their big soul shakedown party – the hottest soul night around…. and this…

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Fisher Place Gill

Address

Thirlmere, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TN

website@cumbriatourism.org

Keswick

Thunderous cascades on the Western flanks of the Dodds, near St John's in the Vale and Thirlmere.

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Hayseed Dixie

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Doors 8pm | Tickets £21 | Malt Room Standing

Hayseed Dixie began in the Summer of 2000, when Barley Scotch (aka John Wheeler) stumbled across a wrecked car on an isolated mountain road in the hills of Deer Lick Holler, East Tennessee. While going…

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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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Glenfiddich Whisky Tasting Course

Address

Wild Boar Estate | Bar, Restaurant & Hotel, Crook Rd, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3NF

Telephone
015394 45225

group.marketing@englishlakes.co.uk

Windermere

Glenfiddich Whisky Tasting Dinner
Explore the world's most awarded single malt Scotch whisky range on Thursday 21st November 2024 at our Glenfiddich Whisky Tasting Dinner with Alex Walker, Glenfiddich's National Brand Ambassador.
Details at a…

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Will Barnes Quartet

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Doors 7:30pm | Theatre | £17
Join the Will Barnes Quartet for the second leg of their 'Source of the Severn' tour this Autumn and Winter, presenting songs from their acclaimed album, which is an exploration of the rugged landscape of Mid Wales and…

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Gilbert Spencer

Address

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

Telephone
01539 637940

info@lakelandarts.org.uk

Kendal

Uncovering the story of a British artist and his influence on 20th century art during the inter-war period. For the first time in over 50 years, a selection of Gilbert Spencer’s major paintings will be exhibited alongside examples of preparatory…

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Detective Dog

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Starts 2pm & 4pm | Tickets £14.50, U16's £11, Family x4 £40 | Theatre | Age Guidance 3-7 years
Tiny & Tall Productions, formerly Tessa Bide Productions, brings you Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie's well-loved story, The Detective Dog on stage for…

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Hell Gill force

Address

Great langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JY

website@cumbriatourism.org

Ambleside

Great Langdale waterfall, high up on mountainside, on Whorneyside Fell.

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Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

122A Highgate, Kendal

Doors 8pm | Tickets £26 | Age Guidance 14+ | Malt Room Standing
There are few songwriters to ever surpass the gifts he's brought, either on his own, with The Pale Fountains, Shack or The Strands, but Michael Head and his Red Elastic Band start to…

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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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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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Sizergh Caravan and Camping

Address

Sizergh, KENDAL, Cumbria, LA8 8DZ

Telephone
07436232574

info@sizerghfarm.co.uk

KENDAL

Sizergh Caravan and Camping, is a small family run site ,based on an organic dairy farm with an award winning farm shop and cafe.We are with in easy reach of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.
Pitch up,relax and enjoy our…

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Penningtons Tea & Coffee Ltd

Address

Unit 12 Kendal Business Park, Appleby Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6EW

Telephone
015398 28090

sales@penningtonscoffee.co.uk

Kendal

Penningtons are an award-winning Local family owned and run company based in the market town of Kendal. At our roastery, we hand roast specially selected speciality coffees from around the world to craft the finest coffees and teas.

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Johannes Pretorius

Address

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

Telephone
01539 637940

marketing@lakelandarts.org.uk

Kirkland, Kendal

Discover the innovative methods farmers are using to rewild Britain's landscape in a captivating photography exhibition by photographer Johannes Pretorius.
Learn about Kendal-based regenerative farmers and step into the world of Strickley, a…

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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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Kendal Whisky Festival

Address

The New Union, 159 Stricklandgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4RF

kendalwhiskyfestival@gmail.com

Kendal

With around 40 exhibitors, showcasing over 200 whiskies from around the globe, bookable Masterclasses showcasing the latest releases and an on venue whisky shop allowing you to purchase your favourite drams of the festival.

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Justin Moorhouse: The Greatest Performance Of My Life

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Starts 8pm | Tickets £17 | Conc. £7 | Age Guidance 14+ | Theatre
A poignant exploration of comedy intertwined with the essence of life's ups and downs.
Justin's unparalleled ability to blend side-splitting humour with touching insights offers a…

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Quad Biking & Off Road @ The Outdoor Adventure Company

Address

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

Telephone
01539722147

info@holmescales.com

Nr Kendal

Quad Biking 16yrs+ and 4x4 off Road driving. Available as one hour sessions or with full and part day packages

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