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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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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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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 Heaning Estate

Address

The Heaning Estate, Heaning Lane, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1JW

Telephone
07715177275

Lucia@heaningestate.com

Windermere

A luxury estate with seven self catering properties set in the picturesque Lake District.

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Westmorland Orchestra Christmas Concert

Address

Kendal Leisure Centre, Burton Rd, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7HX

Telephone
07763176089

hurley5@talktalk.net

Kendal

A fairy tale-themed concert that has something for everyone! Perfect for young and old alike.
Farrington's Scary Fairy Saves Christmas! is a piece for narrator and orchestra telling a story by Craig Charles. The orchestral score is in the musical…

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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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Winter at Sizergh

Address

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

Telephone
03442491895

NTEventQuery@capita.co.uk

Nr Kendal

Wander through a nature-themed lights trail around the Knoll, inspired by Sizergh's estate, and get closer to our winter wildlife. In the House, discover the intriguing story of the Strickland turkey, and enjoy historical Christmas decorations…

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The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin | 14, 21 & 22 Dec, Starts 1pm & 5pm, Tickets £14 | 23 & 24 Dec, Starts 11am & 3pm, Tickets £16 | Recommended Age 3+
The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin's main character is an enthusiastic, energetic and curious man…

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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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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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The Greenhouse Restaurant at Castle Green Hotel

Address

The Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, Castle Green Lane, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6RG

Telephone
01539 734000

reception@castlegreen.co.uk

Kendal

First and foremost our food is delicious. Castle Green Hotel is set in 14 acres of natural gardens and woodland yet is only 5 miles from M6 & 7 miles from Windermere and the Lake District.

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Zoe Lyons: Werewolf

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Starts 8pm | Tickets £18 | Theatre
If life is a journey, Zoe's has had more than its share of potholes and diversions: from diving with sharks, to sitting in a shed in Vietnam with a former health secretary (and discovering that MPs aren't the only…

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Food Smoking Course

Address

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

Telephone
015394 45225

group.marketing@englishlakes.co.uk

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…

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Gloria!

Address

Castle Street, Kendal, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7AS

Telephone
01539725955

kendalsouthchoir1@gmail.com

Kendal

Kendal South Choir, conducted by Geoffrey Field, present Vivaldi's Gloria, Rutter's Requiem and Pergolesi's Stabat Mater. Soloists are Ellie Blewitt (soprano) and Ellen Griffiths (mezzo-soprano), with Andy Plowman (organ). Tickets £15 from…

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Kendal Mint Cake - George Romney Ltd

Address

George Romney Ltd (Kendal Mint Cake), Mintsfeet Rd N, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6NA

Telephone
01539 720155

sales@kendal.mintcake.co.uk

Kendal

Romney's World Famous Kendal Mint Cake - powering adventures since 1918! The Original Energy Bar ⚡️ Summited Mount Everest in 1953 🏔 Award Winning 4th generation Family Business🏆

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The People's Gallery at Kendal Museum

Address

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

Telephone
01539 815597

Kendal

Regional artists know all too well how few spaces are available to show their work, so the recent opening of this large gallery space in Kendal is an exciting new addition to the Lakeland arts scene. With around a hundred square metres of space, the…

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146 reviews
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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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Bar & Restaurant at Brewery Arts

Address

122a Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HE

Telephone
01539 725133

sales@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Known nationally as a centre for world-class theatre, music, art and events, the Brewery has a 450 capacity music venue, three cinemas, two visual arts galleries, drama studio, darkroom facilities, meeting rooms, great restaurant/cafe/bar.

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472 reviews
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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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Hayden Thorpe & Propellor Ensemble Perform Ness

Address

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

Telephone
01539 725133

boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

Kendal

Doors: 7:30pm | Tickets: £21 | Theatre
Hayden Thorpe is best known as the former frontman and chief songwriter for the much-loved band Wild Beasts. He returns to the stage with his beautifully singular third album Ness, made in collaboration with…

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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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