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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 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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Spiers and Boden

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Doors 7.30pm | Tickets £23 | Malt Room Seated
Described by The Guardian as 'the finest instrumental duo on the traditional scene', Spiers & Boden first rocketed onto the music scene in 2001, quickly winning a clutch of BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and…

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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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Lakeland Maze Farm Park

Address

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

Telephone
015395 61760

info@lakelandmaze.co.uk

Sedgwick, Kendal

Family attraction, maze, soft play, go karts, animals, pets, events, parties and refreshments.

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Sketch and stroll: guided drawing tour

Address

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

Telephone
01539 637940

info@abbothall.org.uk

Kirkland, Kendal

Join us for an inspiring guided drawing tour where art comes to life through your sketches. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning, this creative experience is a fun way to connect with art.
No sketching experience is needed, so…

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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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178 reviews
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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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68 reviews
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The Hound of The Baskervilles

Address

Castle Street Community Centre, Community Centre, 3 Castle St, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7AD

Telephone
+447585131146

info@kendalcommunitytheatre.com

3 Castle St, Kendal

A performance of The Hound of the Baskervilles in Castle Street Community Centre, Kendal, encompassing mystery, comedy and melodrama. The production is suitable for all the family. Wednesday night is 'Pay what you can Afford'.

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Warriner's Wood

Address

Brigsteer Road, Kendal, Cumbria

website@cumbriatourism.org

Kendal

From the Brigsteer Road west of Kendal. Hire a bike or hike from Kendal - parking is limited.

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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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Fleetwood Bac

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

122A Highgate, Kendal

Tickets £23.50 | Doors 8pm | Malt Room Standing
FLEETWOOD BAC were the world's first and are regarded as the UK's most authentic Fleetwood Mac tribute show, raved about by Peter Green's biographer, and were the first Fleetwood Mac tribute band to…

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Talisk

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

122A Highgate, Kendal

Doors 8pm | Tickets £19 | Malt Room Standing
One of the most talked-about folk bands of the 21st century, Talisk have been tearing apart stereotypes and redefining the genre for almost a decade. With over 15 million streams, 10,000 albums sold…

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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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Kendal Museum

Address

Kendal Museum, Station Rd, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6BT

Telephone
01539 815597

info@kendal.ac.uk

Kendal

Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The Museum has a long history in Kendal Town and has occupied various sites but has been at its current location (previously a wool warehouse) since 1913.

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146 reviews
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Lyth Valley

Address

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

Telephone
01539 822222

Nr Kendal

Wind you way between rocky knolls and small woods though the Lyth valley, famous for its damson orchards.

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Eliza Carthy & The Restitution

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 £21 | Theatre
Describing herself simply as a "modern English musician", Eliza Carthy is one of the most recognisable faces of the English folk revival and one of the most impressive and engaging performers of her generation…

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Archery, Axe Throwing & Crossbow @ The Outdoor Adventure Company

Address

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

Telephone
01539722147

info@holmescales.com

Nr Kendal

Archery 8yrs+ Axe throwing 12yrs+ and Crossbow 12yrs+. Book as single activities or as part of our part day and full day packages. Couples and groups bookings available.

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68 reviews
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Tim O'Brien and Jan Fabricius with Seamie O'Dowd and Dermot Byrne

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Doors 7.30pm | Tickets £23 | Theatre
Old friends join forces to present an evening of acoustic roots music.
Multi Grammy winner Tim O'Brien has traveled the world for the past 50 years with his own mix of American folk, bluegrass, blues, and…

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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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Stick in the Wheel

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 £17 | Malt Room
Stick in the Wheel, the radical East London duo are known for their intense live shows exploring the raw holler of folk, synths, spoken word and intricate rustic dobro guitar.
Full-force reworkings of…

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