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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.
For more information about Kendal, take a look at the Visit Kendal website.
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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Fun facts and tantaliaing trivia about Kendal. Click for more details
Kendal - Gateway to The Lakes
Number of results: 155
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Kendal
Wrap up warm and join our expert Ranger Rob for a chance to spot a hawfinch at first light. Hawfinches spend most of their time in the tops of trees and tend to disappear from May onwards, so don't miss your chance to catch a glimpse of one in…
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…
Cross Lane, Kendal
Cross Lane Projects is pleased to present a solo exhibition of new work by Lee Holden, winner of the Mark Tanner Sculpture Award 2022/23.
This exhibition was developed over the preceding year by Lee Holden (b.1972, Accrington, Lancashire, UK),…
Kendal
The sport of rock climbing was essentially born here, and the Lake District has a rich heritage of climbing throughout the fells.
We have developed a range of venues that make it easier to access rock climbing for people with additional needs.
Stramongate, Kendal
350 years of social history and Quaker stories are brought to life in more than 40 vibrant embroidered panels all housed within this architecturally stunning and original Georgian Meeting House. Our unique and fascinating museum takes you on a…
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191 reviewsNear.Kendal, Staveley
Focusing on the beautiful mosses and lichens, this workshop looks at ways to combine drawing and gouache painting and inktense to create marks, texture and colour in your landscape paintings.
Kendal
Enjoy an unforgettable experience with our gentle-natured, inquisitive alpacas, we offer various types of alpaca experiences for people of all ages and abilities.
Staveley
You might think rainforests only exist in far-flung locations, but we have them here in Cumbria, too. Join us at Staveley Woodlands to spot tell-tale signs that we're actually exploring a fragment of an ancient, lost world.
Kendal
With a voice that "could melt icebergs at 50 paces" (VOX), Briana Corrigan of The Beautiful South returned to the stage after a 10-year hiatus in Autumn 2023, with a handful of sold-out, intimate shows throughout the UK.
Kendal
Lakeland & District Cat Club Cat Show All breed with HP section under GCCF rules
15th June 2024 from 12:30pm to 4PM
Entry price Adults £4: OAP £2: Children £2 CASH ONLY.
Venue: Kendal Leisure Centre Burton Rd, Kendal LA9 7HX,…
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…
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178 reviewsWe offer a range of private group experiences near Kendal, including ghyll scrambling, canyoning, canoeing and kayaking, rock climbing and more. We also provide outdoor team building experiences, so get in touch today to start building your unique…
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46 reviewsOxenholme Road, Kendal
Walkers, cyclists, trekkers and mountaineers have trusted Cicerone for nearly fifty years to ensure they have a great time on the hill, trek, walk or ride.
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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1572 reviewsNear.Kendal, Staveley
Join us for a splash of colour in this exciting and playful process. No experience needed, just enjoy experimenting with felt pens, stamps, paint brushes, inks and dyes to transform aluminium.
Old Hutton, Kendal
Bendrigg's infamous 10k course is back with a modern twist! We are thrilled to announce the return of the 'Bendrigg Round', from 1st May to 31st July we are inviting people to come and do the 10k, 4k or both!
Kendal
For both professionals wanting to add to their stock library or a beginner with a love of the countryside.
Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer of the Year, author and photographer of Forty Farms will guide you on this special tour. Providing…
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.
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54 reviewsKendal
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 reviewsAynam Rd, Kendal
Prepare to be blown away by the award-winning Taylor Swift tribute act, widely recognised as the most prestigious and renowned tribute in the UK, and even worldwide. Meticulously created, produced, and delivered with utmost pride, professionalism,…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL